The BBC and HD

The BBC sees high definition television as the future for programme delivery.

We have been commissioning programmes for HD delivery since 2006, and showcase our HD content within the BBC HD channel and through the BBC iPlayer.

The steady growth in HD connectivity, and feedback from our existing audiences, means that we are now accelerating the speed at which we want to migrate all our commissioning to HD.

HD Production Guide

The HD Production Guide is intended for programme-makers and is designed to offer an overview of High Definition.

It delivers the information production staff require, in order to make decisions about the High Definition production path, and understand the consequences of each option.

You can find more information on producing HD in this High Definition Production Guide:

High Definiton Production Guide (PDF)

Approved HD Cameras & Settings

The following cameras are presently approved by the BBC. You can find more information about these cameras and others, along with pointers for camera set-up, in the downloadable user guides on the right hand side of this page.

• Panasonic HDX 900
• Panasonic 'Varicam' HDC27F & H
• Panasonic HPX 2100, 2700 & 3000
• Sony HDW 750
• Sony HDW 790
• Sony HDW F900R
• Arri D21
• Panavision Genesis
• Thompson Viper

* For use by Independent productions only:

• Red One
• Sony PDW 700

HD Post-Production & Delivery

Information on HD Post-production and delivery is available in the following guides:

Programme Delivery to BBC HD (PDF)

HD: Summary of Delivery Formats (PDF)

HD: Delivery for BBC Worldwide (PDF)

More information on other Delivery formats is available in the Summary of Delivery Formats here.

Top Tips and Camera Settings are available to download in PDF Format. File sizes are less than 50 Kb. PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free here.

Online modules

Online modules have been designed to illustrate key aspects of producing in HD:

5.1 Surround Sound

5.1 Surround Sound:

HD Production

HD Production:

This content is produced in Flash and opens in a new pop-up window. Users without Flash or with accessibility issues should contact Tim Wallbank for further information in an accessible format.

To get your own copy of the Macromedia Flash player, follow these step-by-step instructions to download the latest version.

Information supplied by BBC Training and Development.

Who's Who

Danielle Nagler
Ian Potts

Page last updated: 2 April 2009