Channel 4 HD launched today (December 10) on the Sky Digital platform. It is the first time one of the big five channels has launched a direct simulcast of an established channel. Unlike BBC HD, which officially went live a week ago, Channel 4 HD is available only with a Sky Viewing Card. This suggests the BBC-ITV venture Freesat may not be able to carry Channel 4 HD as part of its free-to-air package, though the organisation insists the two are still talking.
Featured HD programmes include the daily teen soap Hollyoaks and the US import Ugly Betty, though there is no on-screen indication to immediately suggest if a programme has been upconverted or originated in HD.
