Channel 5 HD transmitting Freesat programme data

The free-to-air launch of Channel 5 HD appears to have moved a step closer, although no announcement has yet been made by Channel 5 or parent company Viacom.

Channel 5 obtained a licence for its HD channel on Freeview a while ago, now the station has begun transmitting Freesat programme data alongside its still encrypted satellite signal, providing further evidence of behind-the-scenes technical work taking place ahead of an official announcement and launch.

It is almost be six years since Channel 5 launched its high definition channel on Sky. Under previous ownership, the channel decided not to join Freeview HD twice, preferring to continue its carriage deal with Sky. The channel was part of Freesat from Sky before moving behind the paywall

In March of this year, Channel 5 HD changed satellite transponder to join the other Channel 5 channels on their own transponder, moving away from Sky capacity. Playout of the channel was also been transferred from Sky to Ericsson.