History Channel launches in HD on Sky

The History Channel will begin broadcasting in HD tomorrow, with a separate schedule to the standard definition format.

High definition programmes will include the UK premieres of Engineering an Empire, Warrior Empire: The Mughals, and The Sahara, as well as HD versions of The Plague, The Crusades: Crescent & The Cross, and Beyond the Da Vinci Code.

Richard Melman, UK channel director, said: “We’re delighted and proud to launch The History Channel HD in the UK. The stunning quality of the pictures adds a new dimension to our programmes. The channel is entirely scheduled with programmes originated in high definition. From the grains of sand that make up the Sahara to the gold leaf of the ancient manuscripts. This is the future of History.”

The History Channel HD joins ten other high definition channels already available on Sky HD including two Sky Sports HD channels; two Sky Movies HD channels; two Sky Box Office HD Channels; Sky One HD; Artsworld HD; National Geographic HD; Discovery HD. Sky HD subscribers can also access non subscription BBC HD trial channel.

The History Channel in the US plans to launch an HD channel in 2007.

Brian Sullivan, Sky’s Director Customer Products and Services said, “The channel is set to offer some truly epic productions, and HD will enable viewers to get even more immersed in some of the most historically significant events of our time. The History Channel HD line up promises to transport you back in time and around the world in never seen before clarity.”

The HD channel will broadcast daily from 8am until 2am on Sky Guide channel number 545.