BBC HD

BBC HD is a mainstream mixed genre channel which seeks to showcase the quality and range of programmes made for the BBC's other channels and delivered in HD. The channel broadcasts for around 9 hours daily, from 4pm to 1am, on all HD-enabled platforms (currently Sky, Virgin and Freesat, with Freeview from 2010).

We want to work to ensure that programmes which our audiences enjoy and value in standard definition are also available for them to watch in high-definition. This is a technology which audiences are going out and buying fast. They're confident that HD can add to the enjoyment they get from watching television, and we're excited about working with producers to explore what HD is capable of bringing to programmes.

Danielle Nagler, Head of BBC HD

BBC HD tries to provide programmes which can appeal to a broad audience, as well as appealing to some specific audiences at particular times of day - for example children in the late afternoon/ early evening, and younger audiences late night.

We commission HD content across all genres and sub-genres. We prioritise those programmes which we believe can benefit most from the additional intensity and detail that HD can bring, but we are also consistently looking to experiment with new formats and to extend the range of HD content available to audiences in the UK.

HD commissioning is led by the relevant genre team, working with the Head of BBC HD. You can find more information on the HD Commissioning team here.

Our Priorities

We work with all the BBC channel controllers and commissioners to ensure that HD commissioning is effectively aligned to other priorities.

Knowledge

Landmark programmes across the Knowledge areas including natural history have been commissioned in HD for some years. We are now rapidly extending the range of factual programmes commissioned in HD, and moving into daytime strands, features and documentaries.

• We are actively looking for lighter factual pieces, particularly those designed to run pre-watershed.
• We believe there are exciting creative possibilities around the use of HD cameras in observational documentaries.
• We are looking for BBC Three content suitable for broadcast late night.

Commissions to date have included Planet Earth, Tiger Spy in the Jungle, The Victorians, Flog it!, Later with Jools, Travels with Vasari, Maestro, Indian Food Made Easy

Current Affairs

Fast turnaround deliveries sometimes present more challenges for HD, but we are always interested in both series and single programmes.

Commissions to date have included Ten Days to War

Drama

HD delivery is standard and our starting point for all commissions. HD can bring many of the qualities of film to television drama, and drama programmes consistently show strong viewing across the channel.

Commissions to date have included Hustle, Silent Witness, Little Dorrit, No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Being Human, Doctors, Fear of Fanny

Comedy

We look for a diverse range of content, ranging from location-based comedy drama through to sketch shows. We do not generally commission comedy pilots in HD.

Commissions to date have included That Mitchell and Webb Look, Lead Balloon, Beautiful People

Entertainment

Saturday night entertainment shows are routinely commissioned in HD, and we are actively looking across other slots. Factual entertainment programmes are also a key development priority.

• We are looking to add some more topical shows to the HD mix.
• Migrating factual entertainment series is a key development priority.

Commissions to date have included Strictly Come Dancing, Live at the Apollo, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, I'll do Anything

Children's

Children's HD commissioning has accelerated rapidly over the last year. The majority of children's dramas are requested in HD, and we are also looking for deliveries across all children's sub-genres for both CBBC and CBeebies content.

• In particular, we are looking to ensure that Children's comedy, entertainment and factual programmes are represented in the HD mix

Commissions to date have included In the Night Garden, Dustbin Baby, Raven, MI High, Lazytown Extra

Sport

A significant proportion of the events to which the BBC holds the rights is broadcast in HD. We are looking to extend the range of sport covered, and to move other sports' programming over time.

Returning series

We are keen to ensure that a growing number of returning series across genres migrate to HD delivery. We are therefore interested in talking to producers who may not have considered HD delivery previously but are in discussions about successful programmes returning to the relevant BBC channel.

The BBC offers practical support to all production teams considering HD delivery, and we are able to advise on a wide range of creative, production and technology issues. There are also online modules which can provide you with some guidance on the HD Production page here:

The Tone of the Channel

BBC HD's identity has moved significantly over the last year. The channel seeks to be warm, vibrant and welcoming. It accommodates content from all BBC channels but as an overall proposition BBC HD is probably closest to BBC One.

Page last updated 2 April 2009