With the channels launching HD programmes picking up speed, Channel Five is the latest to have received a license to transmit high definition TV programmes from 2010.

Top shows such as The Gadget Show, CSI and the UEFA Europa League can be enjoyed in glorious high defination once the digital switchover begins.

The plan is to initially broadcast both standard definition and high definition programmes at peak times with Five predicting to share its HD slot with another broadcaster during the daytime hours, there are also predicted to and supply other services such as video-on-demand (VOD) in HD overnight. There is also said to be plans for blockbuster movie premieres to be broadcasted in HD from late 2010.

Channel Five faced fierce competition from both Channel 4 and S4C for the Freeview HD slot, Ofcom said "Both bids were of high quality, but after careful consideration we decided that the application from Channel Five fulfilled the various criteria more fully than the application from C4 and S4C”.

If you haven’t yet got a LCD TV to enjoy the benefits of high definition viewing, Giant Buyer have a great selection available which can be viewed here.

Source: What HiFi