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The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD channel is now available via ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer, enabling users to stream HD programmes for seven days after first broadcast, or download and watch them within 30 days.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD – the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's free-to-air high definition channel, available on satellite and cable – features a wide range of programmes from across other ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TV channels.

With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD enhances the viewing experience, providing exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures.

Upcoming highlights on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD channel that can now be enjoyed in HD via ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer include the next three Doctor Who specials across 2009, the new series of Dragons' Den, children's show Kerwhizz, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's revival of classic sitcom The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin starring Martin Clunes and daytime drama Moving On, executive produced by Jimmy McGovern.

Alongside the introduction of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD programmes on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer, higher quality streams are also available from today within a new resizable media player.

Previously only available to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer Labs users, the media player allows users to select a new large playback window size. In the new large video window size, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer users can enjoy video streams which are nearly twice as good as the previous High Quality format, which now becomes the default setting for the smaller video playback window.

Additionally, new adaptive bitrate technology will automatically deliver the best possible viewing experience by detecting the amount of bandwidth available and switching streaming options accordingly.

Other features unveiled today include a new internet speed diagnostics page and the full release of the new ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer Desktop, the Adobe-AIR based cross-platform manager that allows Windows, Mac and Linux users to download ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ programmes, including those in HD.

Danielle Nagler, Head of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD, says: "It's great that we've been able to bring the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD channel to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer family.

"For some people this will be their first experience of high definition viewing, allowing them to see and hear programmes that they love from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in the very best quality possible.

"In the last month we've extended the channel hours to nine per day, refreshed the look, enhanced the range of programmes, and now our HD content will be available whenever and wherever audiences want it.

"We're seeing huge demand for HD content and I'm confident that this will help ensure it is as accessible as possible."

Anthony Rose, Controller, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ FM&T Vision & Online Media Group, says: "Introducing ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD and other higher quality streams enables users to enjoy ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ programmes in HD without a set-top box, and also marks a significant milestone in boosting video quality over ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer.

"Alongside this, the new adaptive bitrate technology and speed diagnostics page help optimise the viewing experience, while the resizable window gives users flexibility to switch between different quality streams, hopefully leading to a more satisfying experience overall."

NC/MB1