HD commissioning is led by the relevant genre team, working with the Head of BBC HD.

The Head of BBC HD sets the strategy and the short-term development priorities for HD delivery in each genre, working with the relevant commissioners and cross-referencing with channel strategies.

HD delivery should be discussed as part of the commissioning process, with any significant production challenges shared at this point. The Executive Producer, BBC HD is available to provide support in developing solutions and can be contacted directly or accessed through the commissioning team.

HD delivery will generally be confirmed as part of the editorial spec for a commission, and agreed by the Head of BBC HD and the genre team.

Ongoing support and advice can be sought from the Executive Producer, BBC HD through the production process. More information on HD Production can be found here.

HD commissions will need to conform to the BBC HD delivery requirements.

Key People

Danielle Nagler	Ian Potts

Frequently Asked Questions

At what point in discussions should I consider HD delivery?

It is really helpful to signal as early as possible whether you would like to deliver a potential commission in HD. The commissioning team will indicate to you if you are pitching for certain key slots or types of programmes that we will expect HD delivery.

What kinds of programmes will you not consider for HD delivery?

There are no programmes for which we would absolutely rule out HD delivery. But in some cases we will advise that we do not consider that HD delivery will necessarily enhance the programme significantly for audiences, and therefore a particular project is not a priority for us. Programmes shown on BBC HD need to contain at least 75% HD material.

What about archive content?

Depending on the balance of material within the programme, archive material may fall into the 25% non-HD content. There are also creative ways of addressing some archive material or the needs which might trigger its use which can allow for 75% HD material within a programme.

What about sound on HD programmes?

Some of our HD programmes do deliver with 5.1 surround sound. But we also take deliveries in stereo and we are working on wrap-around sound alternatives. Sound requirements will be confirmed for individual projects through the commissioning process.

What support is available?

The Executive Producer, BBC HD provides guidance on every aspect of the HD production process.

Does the BBC have an approved HD camera list?

• 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

Will it cost me more to deliver in HD?

Costs for HD are shifting all the time, and in some areas are falling rapidly as SD equipment becomes obsolete and facilities are upgraded.

Will I need to create an SD version as well?

Generally if the BBC requests HD delivery we will not require an SD version too. Detailed delivery requirements will be attached to the confirmation of any commission from the BBC. More information on HD Delivery formats is available in the Summary of Delivery Formats here.