Really massive news today in the world of television with Network Ten announcing plans for their HD digital channel to launch in December this year.

Some of the highlights include:

• 50 hours per week of programming viewers won’t see on the main TEN channel.
• 11 hours of time-shifted programming per week, including TEN’s 5pm News.
• Natural extensions of TEN’s big-event franchises, such as The Biggest Loser, Australian Idol, Big Brother and So You Think You Can Dance.
• Themed nights such as “Sci-Fi Saturday”.
• Showcasing the wonderful HD content from National Geographic (high-end documentaries).
• Bringing the cinema into the lounge room; movies have never looked better at home Underscoring its premium status, on any digital-capable device TEN’s HD service is located at channel number 1 (from 1 October) and 12. TEN’s SD service is at 10 and the network’s video program guide at 11.

This is very excellent news. Lots more television for free.. in high definition. Now all I need is a high-def television (apparently Harvey Norman has 4 years interest free!).

Hot on the heels of Ten’s release, Channel 7 have announced that they will be launching their own HD channel later in the year.

Earlier this year, the Government loosened their digital restrictions and now allow networks to broadcast a separate HD channel on top of their regular digital. In 2009, networks may also broadcast another standard definition channel.

More choice. Choice!

Thanks to MediaSpy and enews.