CNN has confirmed that it plans to launch a high definition channel this year.

"CNN has traditionally stood as a first mover in broadcast technology, not only with 24-hour news but with newsgathering from every part of the globe," said CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton. "CNN takes the news industry’s first giant step into high definition with CNN-HD."

CNN has already secured distribution for CNN-HD on digital satellite TV provider DirecTV. The channel is scheduled to launch in the Autumn.

"Given that CNN continues to attract a greater number of unique viewers than any other cable news network, it’s the optimal choice for the next high-definition offering from Turner Broadcasting," said Coleman Breland, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Turner Network Sales. "We’re pleased to offer this compelling network in high definition to our distribution partners and viewers."