BBC to launch free-to-air HD trial

The BBC is kicking off its 12-month trial of free-to-air HDTV distribution with the presentation later this month of “Planet Earth” and “Bleak House.” Additionally, BBC will air World Cup soccer action and the Wimbledon tennis championships in HD this summer.

The first free-to-air HD distribution will be to satellite television viewers. BBC began satellite transmission of HD programming May 11. “Planet Earth” and “Bleak House” are scheduled to air in HD May 27-29.

BBC high-definition programming has been available since March on cable.

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