Undoubtedly HDTV (High Definition TV) is set to be one of the fastest growing technologies of the year. Sales of HD Ready TVs are looking extremely healthy and interest in the technology is sure to grow, with broadcasters announcing plans for HD services this year. The BBC has confirmed it is launching a trial in mid-2006 which will, according to Jackie Burdon, the BBC's publicity manager for High Definition broadcasting, include HD coverage of the Football World Cup. "We are very much hoping to make the World Cup part of our trial via satellite and cable," she confirms. Meanwhile Telewest and Sky are both gearing up for their own HDTV launches this Spring Telewest has already launched HD movies for subscribers with its TV/Drive PVR (Personal Video Recorder) and Sky has announced its HDTV lineup which will probably go live in April/May "We're still developing the full launch for Sky HD, but independent retailers are an integral part of our marketing plans," says a Sky spokesman. More than 100 independents are already taking pre-registrations for the service and Sky will be at the Smart Home show at the NEC to support the registration activities of Sevenoaks Sound and Vision and at the Bristol Sound and Vision Show to support Audio T and Audio Excellence.
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