UPDATE. The BBC Trust has formally launched the Public Value Test on the BBC’s proposal for a high definition television channel. A four-week consultation period has now begun as part of a timetable that has been set out for the next six months.
The BBC’s proposal is for a high definition channel that would be available across satellite, cable, DTT, IPTV and broadband TV platforms. The channel would also be available as part of the BBC iPlayer including on demand content.
The Public Value Test includes the public value assessment by the Trust, a Market Impact Assessment by Ofcom and the final decision by the Trust.
Although the channel has been on-air for a year, and features many high profile programmes, the BBC has been low key in its promotion. Only the sports department, mindful of competition from Sky Sports, has promoted the availability of HD football and rugby.
It would be a shock akin to the abandonment of colour were the Trust to reject the BBC HD, however it could place conditions that the BBC Executive will be obliged to follow.
