Channel 5 HD coming to Freeview

Channel 5 HD will join Freeview in Spring 2012 if Ofcom gives it the thumbs-up – but it’s not going to Freesat. The lowbrow broadcaster has submitted an application for the fifth slot on the Freeview HD multiplex with highlights such as Neighbours, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Big Brother and Europe League Football.
The bid document mentions Sky and Virgin Media – where Channel 5 HD can already be found – but clearly omits Freesat on several occasions.

Channel 5’s technical plan promises to deliver 50 per cent of content in native HD at launch, rising to 82 per cent by 2012, with other programming upscaled.
It plans to launch in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, to take advantage of increased publicity for high definition TV, and potentially alongside the launch of BBC Two HD.
It’s intended to be a 24-hour channel, although Channel 5 discusses the potential for other broadcasters to use of the daytime and late night hours.