ITV HD gets Champions League Freesat test

ITV’s new high definition channel was viewable on Freesat receivers for the first time last night in a non-publicised test broadcast. Freesat HD viewers were able to watch the Champions League final in HD by entering an access code while watching ITV1.
When formally launched, ITV HD content will be accessible to Freesat viewers via “red button” interactive services from ITV1’s standard definition channel.

The stream was not available on a publicised interactive service last night, but the code triggered receivers to access it. Viewers reported good picture quality but some problems with sound during the match.
A test transmission feed for ITV HD has been viewable for about a week using some free-to-air satellite receiver equipment.
However, last night’s match, in which Chelsea were defeated by Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out, is thought to be ITV’s first broadcast of native HD content.