Freeview HD sets a date: December 2
BBC posts
BBC Worldwide content coming to U.S. Xbox Live, Zune Marketplace
Update: It looks like the videos are already up with the BBC America branding, with Torchwood and Robin Hood both 720p HDTV ready.
BBC America HD launch July 20 brings plenty of science fiction starting with Torchwood & Dr. Who
BBC reveals stunning sample footage shot with TyphoonHD4 camera
The BBC has already proven itself to be quite the source for some impressive HD images, but the network's Natural History Unit looks to have really outdone themselves for their forthcoming South Pacific documentary, which makes use of a modified, $100,000 TyphoonHD4 camera. Of course, those exact modifications appear to be a closely-kept secret, but it has apparently been outfitted with a special underwater housing designed by German high-speed camera expert Rudi Diesel, and the camera itself is able to shoot in high definition at 20 times the speed of a normal HD camera, which results in some pretty amazing super slow motion footage. You can get a taste of that after the break but, trust us, you'll want to head up the read link below to really get a sense of what this thing is capable of.
[Via SlashGear]
[Via SlashGear]
iPlayer HD content on HDTVs through Virgin Media
BBC breaks down the new DRM rules for Blu-ray recorders
[Via Pocket-Lint]
iPlayer HD now available
Missed the Dr. Who holiday special? It, and other BBC programmes will be available as previously rumoured in high definition via BBC's iPlayer, now featuring new adaptive bitrate technology plus a new BBC iPlayer Desktop and a cross platform download manager for access under Windows, OS X and Linux. The only bad news? All that HD doesn't seem to extend to set-top boxes or the PS3 just yet, you'll have to try it out for yourself under boxee to find out if that works.iPlayer HD on the way
The BBC had big plans for its iPlayer immediately upon launch in 2007, and it may be ready for a resolution bump up to HD as soon as April. Director of BBC Vision Jana Bennett revealed that an HD edition is on the way during a panel discussion at the FT Digital Media and Broadcasting Conference. Of course, UK ISPs are apparently already unhappy with the squeeze iPlayer puts on their bandwidth, and HD will only make things worse. We don't know if a ZillionTV style deal is the answer, but here's hoping it gets by the bandwidth caps somehow.BBC won't air Formula 1 in HD this season
[Image courtesy of TheSun, via Digital Spy]
BT Vision's IPTV Project Canvas begins to solidify
We heard back in December that BT Vision was looking to link up with BBC and ITV in order to push out a revolutionary IPTV box, and unlike the ill-fated Project Kangaroo, this here initiative is starting to grow legs. Codenamed Project Canvas, the massive IPTV rollout would theoretically bring together major UK broadcasters in one location in order to provide on-demand content for free. BT Vision CEO Dan Marks is already calling this "one of the most important developments that [the UK] has seen in IPTV," and better still, he's locked onto a 2010 launch date. At first, the service will roll out in conjunction with BT Broadband, though Mr. Marks has assured the world that it will eventually be available to "any ISP that fulfills the technical criteria." There's still no definite word on how much high-def material is planned, but we certainly like the sound of all this, resolution be darned.BBC, ITV and BT look to collaborate on IPTV set-top-box
We've witnessed the union of both the BBC and ITV before on like-minded projects, but now it seems the duo has rounded up a third party for something a bit more ambitious. Reportedly, BBC, ITV and BT will be locking hands in order to develop a set-top-box that would "deliver IPTV over one's broadband connection to their TV set." Technologically, we're not talking about anything atypical here, but it would be something rather unique for the flagging European TV market. If approved by the BBC Trust, the box could theoretically bring all BBC iPlayer and ITV OD content to one's TV set, and hopefully, more high-def material. Obviously, the deal is just now beginning to form, so we wouldn't count on having anything substantial to swoon over in the short term.Four BBC channels launch in Sweden, including one in HD
As Auntie Beeb forges ahead in her quest to conquer global markets, we've now found that four new BBC networks will be made available in Sweden. Starting this week, Swedes will be able to tune into BBC Entertainment, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, as well as a HD channel, as the stations have been signed on to operators Canal Digital, Com Hem, Telia and Tele2. If you can only get one HD channel to start your month, a high-def BBC ain't a bad one to get.BBC HD queues up more high-def content for the holidays
'Tis the season for giving / sharing, so we're glad to see Auntie Beeb in the festive spirit. Reportedly, BBC HD will be bestowing upon its viewers a whole slew of high-def content for the holiday season, including Shrek The Halls, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and The Chronicles Of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. Onlookers will also be treated to the long-awaited three-part horror story There Was a Crooked House and The 39 Steps, not to mention a handful of other movies you've certainly been waiting eons to see on broadcast TV. Way to step up the game, BBC -- now, how's about everyone else take a note and follow suit?BBC boxes up "Earth Collection" in time for the holidays
If you're planning on buying into a new HD set and/or a Blu-ray player this holiday season, the BBC is packaging up a six-disc Blu-ray set that you'll want to check out. "The BBC Earth Collection" combines the "Planet Earth: The Complete Series" and "Earth: The Biography" like so much peanut butter and chocolate -- if you're getting a whole new TV and Blu-ray player setup, it's a great way to show off your new gear; if you're just getting a Blu-ray player for your current set, the visuals will make your TV feel new again. There's nothing new added to either title, but expect to see this box show up with an MSRP of $130. If it seems pricey, remember that new gear isn't any good without content!Freeview HD coming sooner than anticipated?
Freeview HD could be coming to London and other locales sooner than expected, thanks to the Beeb. It's trying to work out a deal with Ofcom to use alternate frequencies make sure OTA HD is available in all areas until analog TV shuts off for good. So, good news for the fam in Ulster, Tyne Tees, Anglia and more, potentially waiting until 2012 is not a favourable option.
