Hit shows such as EastEnders, The Apprentice and The One Show are to be broadcast in high definition by the end of the year as the whole of BBC One goes HD. The channel will be simulcast in HD from the autumn on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media. It will be in addition to the existing BBC HD channel which will go from nine to 12 hours a day and continue to showcase all HD programming from the corporation. The BBC aims to deliver all its programmes in HD eventually. Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said: "We recognise that audiences have already been enjoying many of their favourite programmes in HD, and I'm delighted that we can now broaden their choice." Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD, said: "HD is the future of television. People who have HD have clearly told us that they want more of their licence fee-funded content in HD. "Audiences have already been enjoying many BBC One programmes in HD on our existing HD channel and the arrival of BBC One simulcast in HD will make it easier for them to find the programmes they love in high definition." BBC One controller Jay Hunt said: "BBC One HD will bring families together for shared viewing of their favourite programmes from EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing to The One Show, in incredible and vivid detail." The launch of BBC One HD and the extension of hours for the HD channel were given the go-ahead by the BBC Trust. The announcement comes as major ITV shows such as Britain's Got Talent and Coronation Street prepare to go HD next week.
