Freeview to launch HD services by June 2010

Freeview, the UK’s DTT service, has brought forward the rollout date for high-definition TV to ensure it is available in time for the football World Cup next June.

According to a Daily Telegraph report, Ilse Howling, the managing director of Freeview, said she hoped 40% of UK homes would have access to Freeview HD in time for the World Cup, which will take place in South Africa. She also revealed that plans to roll out the BBC’s catch-up service iPlayer on Freeview are ahead of schedule, with iPlayer-enabled Freeview set-top boxes expected to be made available later this year.