BBC One HD and HD FAQ

• What is HD?
• What is BBC HD?
• How do I find out more about BBC One HD?
• How does high definition TV work? What does it mean?
• What does upscaling mean?
• Will regional and national programmes be available through BBC One HD?
• What is the difference between the BBC One HD and BBC HD channel?
• Why/when would I find high definition programming valuable?
• What does the 'HD Ready' logo on a television mean?
• I have an 'HD Ready' television. Does that mean I'll automatically receive HD services when they start?
• Why can't I watch all my favourite BBC programmes in high definition?
• Will BBC HD broadcasting affect my viewing if I don't buy HD equipment and an HD service?
• Do HD programmes look better on an ordinary standard definition television?
• Is BBC HD a pay service?
• When will I be able to watch the BBC's high definition programmes on Freeview?
• On which channel number can I find BBC HD?
• What is surround sound and will it be available on BBC HD?
• Does BBC HD have interactive services?
• Does BBC HD have access services such as subtitles, audio description and signing?
• Does BBC HD broadcast in 1080i or 720p?
• Can I use an HD satellite box other than Sky's to receive BBC HD?
• Why can't I share Freeview HD programmes with my friends online?
• I have a Blu-ray recorder with Freeview. Why can I only make one copy of some BBC HD programmes?
• Why can't I get Freeview HD on Linux or Myth TV recorders?
• Is it possible to record Freeview HD programmes onto my PC?
• What is the BBC broadcasting in 3D?
• How can I get 3D at home?
• Does this mean that the BBC's HD channel will become a 3D channel?
• What else will we be broadcasting in 3D?
• How are we able to broadcast 3D? How does this work technically?
• Will it be available to catch up on iPlayer?
• How do I watch 3D TV?

What is HD?

HD (high definition) is the latest in a long line of major improvements in television technology, which has moved from black-and-white analogue to widescreen colour digital over the last 50 years. HD gives you exceptionally clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and up to five times more detail than standard definition.

What is BBC HD?

BBC HD is a free-to-air high definition channel available on satellite and cable. It features a wide range of programmes from across the other BBC channels. At the moment BBC HD broadcasts for nine hours a day between 4pm and 1am, with extended coverage for live events such as Wimbledon and Electric Proms.

How do I find out more about BBC One HD?

BBC One HD broadcasts the BBC One schedule although it does not include regional news bulletins or regional programmes. Find out more about regional programmes on BBC One HD. The majority of peak time programmes are shown in HD and almost every other programme is upscaled (see below to find out more about upscaling).

Visit the BBC One HD schedule to see what's on.

What does upscaling mean?

Upscaling means that the number of lines in the standard definition picture is effectively doubled - from 576 to 1080 - to fill the HD screen. However, as the original material is still standard definition, the quality of the picture will not be equivalent to HD. Where it is not possible to show a programme in HD, or upscaled standard definition, we will provide information for viewers to allow them to find the programme on the standard definition channel. We will not be broadcasting an alternative programme.

Will regional and national programmes be available through BBC One HD?

BBC One HD cannot at the moment offer different programmes for different parts of the UK. This means it cannot broadcast the daily news bulletins for individual parts of the UK, or the programmes made for viewers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which are shown during the evening in those nations.

HD programmes shown on BBC One Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will be available on BBC HD. And all programming for different parts of the UK continues to be available on BBC One in standard definition. Over time we hope to be able to deliver all the versions of BBC One that exist in standard definition in HD.

What is the difference between the BBC One HD and BBC HD channel?

BBC One HD will broadcast the BBC One schedule, and will show both true HD and upscaled programmes.

BBC HD will continue to broadcast only HD programmes, showcasing the best programmes from across all the BBC's channels such as Wimbledon, US Masters Golf, Top Gear, BBC Proms, Dragons' Den, Hairy Bikers, Seven Wonders of the Solar System, and Later... with Jools.

How does high definition TV work? What does it mean?

A high definition picture is clearer and sharper than current television because it contains more information in digital form. High definition TV has up to five times as many pixels in each picture as standard definition TV.

Why/when would I find high definition programming valuable?

High definition broadcasts offer a sharper, more detailed picture than standard definition broadcasts. The improvement over a standard definition picture is particularly noticeable on flat-panel displays (LCD and plasma).

What does the 'HD Ready' logo on a television mean?

Televisions can carry the 'HD Ready' logo when the display screen has enough pixels to be able to display a high definition picture properly. To qualify they must also be capable of displaying pictures with either 720 or 1080 horizontal lines. The logo also means they can be connected to an HD digital box through an HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cable. Visit HD Ready to view a database of 'HD Ready' televisions.

I have an 'HD Ready' television. Does that mean I will automatically receive HD services when they start?

No. 'HD Ready' just means that the screen has sufficient resolution to display high definition pictures. You will still need the right kind of receiver, which will be included in the digital box from your HD service provider, whether satellite or cable

Why can't I watch all my favourite BBC programmes in high definition?

Not every BBC programme is currently made in high definition, so they cannot be broadcast on BBC HD. The BBC is committed to high definition production and will gradually increase the number of programmes made in high definition.

Will BBC HD broadcasting affect my viewing if I don't buy HD equipment and an HD service?

Existing services will continue unchanged.

Do high definition programmes look better on an ordinary standard definition television?

Programmes made in HD, such as Antiques Roadshow or Nature's Great Events, can provide the best possible quality pictures on current equipment. Only a high definition television, high definition digital box and high definition broadcast used together provide high definition viewing.

Is BBC HD a pay service?

No, BBC programmes are funded by your licence fee. You do not have to pay extra to watch them in high definition, even if you are watching them on a subscription service. You will need a suitable digital box from your provider or retailer, and it is possible that some service providers will only offer this if you take a subscription service.

When will I be able to watch the BBC's high definition programmes on Freeview?

In April 2008 Ofcom announced plans to upgrade digital terrestrial television (Freeview) to allow for up to four new HD channels, including BBC HD. You can now watch BBC HD on Freeview in many areas across the UK. Please visit Freeview to find out if Freeview HD is available in your area. If you can receive Freeview HD and you already have an HD-ready TV, you will need a Freeview HD set-top box - these boxes are now available from electrical retailers. If you don't have an HD-ready TV, you can now get one with Freeview built in.

On which channel number can I find BBC HD?

BBC HD can be found on different channels depending on which service provider you use. Freesat: 109. Freeview: 54. Sky: 169. Virgin Media: 187.

BBC One HD can be found on these channels:
Freesat: 108. Freeview: 50. Sky: 143. Virgin Media: 108.

What is surround sound and will it be available on BBC HD?

Surround sound goes a step further than stereo to make a listener feel as if they are in the middle of the action by providing extra audio streams. Some BBC HD programmes, including The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and Robin Hood, are available in digital surround sound if you have the right equipment, i.e. a multichannel surround sound or home cinema system. In future, many more high definition programmes will be available in digital surround sound.

Does BBC HD have interactive services?

Not at the moment. In time it is our aspiration to provide equivalent interactivity to that on standard definition TV.

Does BBC HD have access services such as subtitles, audio description and signing?

There are subtitles on most high definition programmes, and we have tested audio describing on Hustle, Heroes and How We Built Britain.

The availability of access services varies between satellite and cable providers but it is hoped that, in time, all HD digital boxes will be able to decode the subtitle and audio description services broadcast by the BBC.

As with standard definition, we will build up access services over time.

Does BBC HD broadcast in 1080i or 720p?

The BBC HD channel currently transmits programmes using the 1080i standard. High definition is still a developing technology, however, and the two different standards were developed to overcome different technical problems encountered in making and transmitting HD programmes. The BBC HD channel's commitment to the highest possible quality means that as the technology develops we will choose the standard that delivers the best possible pictures. As all 'HD Ready' equipment can handle both standards, this choice will not require any changes in home equipment.

Can I use an HD digital satellite box other than one from Sky or Freesat to receive BBC HD?

We can make no guarantees that particular boxes will work with the BBC's transmissions.

Consumers need to ask their retailer or supplier whether receivers are compatible before they buy.

To be compatible with the BBC's HD stream, a digital box must comply with the following:

• It can be demonstrated to decode the BBC's MPEG-4 HD stream.
• It decodes both DVB-S and DVB-S2 transmissions.
• It can recognise both the current and future values of HD service type used in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Why can't I share Freeview HD programmes with my friends online?

The BBC only has limited distribution rights for many of the programmes we broadcast and we take measures to stop unauthorised sharing of programmes in order to protect the rights of programme contributors and other rights holders.

Freeview HD recorders include software that prevents copyrighted material from being shared illegally online . This is sometimes called digital rights management (DRM), copy protection or content management.

• You can read Ofcom's statement here.
• You'll find more information about Freeview HD content management here.

I have a Blu-ray recorder with Freeview. Why can I only make one copy of some BBC HD programmes?

The BBC only has limited distribution rights for many of the programmes we broadcast and we take measures to stop unauthorised duplication of programmes in order to protect the rights of programme contributors and other rights holders.

For certain programmes (such as films), viewers will only be able to make a single Blu-ray copy (or other removable copy) of a recording.

• You can read Ofcom's statement here.
• You'll find more information about Freeview HD content management here.

Why can't I get Freeview HD on Linux or Myth TV recorders?

The BBC only has limited distribution rights for many of the programmes we broadcast and we take measures to stop unauthorised sharing of programmes in order to protect the rights of programme contributors and other rights holders.

All Freeview HD recorders include software which prevents copying to the internet in order to stop copyrighted material from being shared illegally online. This is sometimes called digital rights management (DRM), copy protection or content management. Linux and Myth TV recorders are not required to include this software so if we supported these systems we couldn't honour our agreements with rights holders. We can't support any products which do not implement content management controls.

• You can read Ofcom's statement here.
• You'll find more information about Freeview HD content management here.

Is it possible to record Freeview HD programmes onto my PC?

Not yet, but this should be possible once receiver cards are available which are compatible with Freeview HD.

Microsoft's and Apple's recent operating systems include the content management controls which are required to record Freeview HD programmes without compromising our agreements with rights holders. Recent HD compatible computers would therefore record Freeview HD programmes if they have the appropriate software and hardware. Linux and Myth TV systems do not have to include such content management controls so we don't support these systems.

• You can read Ofcom's statement here.
• You'll find more information about Freeview HD content management here.

What is the BBC broadcasting in 3D?

The BBC is undertaking a small number of editorial experiments with editorial and technology partners to explore the potential of 3D. The BBC began by broadcasting the 2011 Wimbledon semi-finals and finals in 3D.

How can I get 3D at home?

Viewers will need a 3D-ready TV set, 3D glasses and a Freeview HD, Freesat HD, Virgin HD or Sky HD receiver. No special activation or additional subscription is required to watch the BBC's 3D content on any platform. If you can see BBC HD, have a 3DTV and 3D glasses you are good to go!

Some Freesat and Freeview integrated digital HDTVs (IDTV) already have a built-in 3D capability.

Does this mean that the BBC's HD channel will become a 3D channel?

No, there are currently no plans to launch a 3D Channel.

What else will we be broadcasting in 3D?

There are a small number of varied projects in development including the BBC One landmark series, Planet Dinosaur, which should be available next year in 3D. We will publish more details on 3D projects as and when we have news.

How are we able to broadcast 3D? How does this work technically?

To create a perception of 3D viewing each eye must receive an individual picture. The DVB standards, which are used for UK digital television, enable the two individual pictures to be carried in a normal HD picture. The trial will adopt the side-by-side "frame compatible" approach whereby the left and right images are squeezed into a normal high definition picture. The 3D TV stretches the two images to fill the screen giving the 3D picture. By the use of appropriate glasses, the correct picture is presented to the left and right eyes creating the illusion of 3D.

If you tune into BBC HD without a 3D TV you will see two pictures side by side on the screen.

Will it be available to catch up on iPlayer?

No. It is not currently possible to offer in 3D through iPlayer.

How do I watch 3D TV

There are three steps to 3D

Step 1 - You need a 3DTV and glasses

You can only watch in 3D if your television is 3D ready - if you are not sure, just look up your TV model on the internet.

There are two types of 3DTV - Active and Passive. You will find the information as to whether you have an active or passive 3d system in your user guide, or online - some manufacturers do both! If you have an Active 3DTV, the glasses need power and will synchronise to a small transmitter in the TV. Only glasses designed for your particular 3DTV will work though.

If you have a Passive 3DTV, your glasses are the same as those used in 3D cinemas. Passive 3D glasses will work with any Passive 3DTV.

Step 2 - You need to watch BBC HD

We are only broadcasting 3D programmes on the BBC HD channel. The HD Channel is available for Freeview on channel 54, Freesat on 109, Sky on 169, and Virgin on 187. Check the programme guide to see when the 3D programmes are on.

Most 3D programmes are simulcast with the 2D version. BBC One HD will show the 2D version and you will need to switch to BBC HD to see the 3D version.

If you see an image looking like the picture below on BBC HD, the programme is 3D.

This way of transmitting 3D programmes is called Side-by-Side 3D. It is how the programme will look on a 2D TV.

If you see a Side-by-Side picture and you have a 3DTV don't panic, there is one more step.

Step 3 - Switch to 3D mode

Press the "3D" button on your TV's remote control and from the options select Side-by-Side mode.

Some 3DTV remotes do not have dedicated 3D button. The 3D settings are usually accessed through the "Menu" or "Quick Menu" buttons on these TVs.

If all is working the Side-by-Side picture will be replaced by a full screen image that looks a bit "fuzzy".

Now put your glasses on and enjoy! If you have an Active 3DTV - remember to turn the glasses on.

For further information please visit the BBC HD website and BBC Internet Blog for more information about BBC 3D.