After months of speculation the BBC has confirmed that it will commence trial broadcasts of high definition television in 2006. A limited technical trial will simulcast highlights of BBC One¿s peaktime schedule in the HD format over satellite from mid-2006. At the same time ITV has said that it is also looking to commence an HD service during 2006. Both of the legacy broadcasters are also hoping that Ofcom will allow them to use test capacity in the London region that would also allow digital terrestrial transmissions. Discussions are also taking place with the UK's cable operators. Such a move is not anticipated to have any impact on the existing Freeview channels. It is anticipated that the trials will last for about a year.

The BBC will later today confirm plans to start an HDTV service on satellite in mid-2006. BBC director of television Jana Bennett, who is participating at a Royal Television Society event, will say the BBC will 'simulcast' its primetime schedule on high-definition and has appointed a 'head of HDTV', Seetha Kumar, to supervise the transition. The signals will also be available for cable distribution, and the BBC is to test an HDTV service throughout the London area using digital terrestrial transmission.