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It’s been reported to us (thanks Michael) that DVB subtitles are now being transmitted on BBC HD. Up until now there were no subtitles at all available on BBC HD on a Freesat box and only teletext ones on the SD channels that provided the service. Now these SD channels also have a choice of DVB subtitles or teletext subtitles (via 888).

This was was a major complaint of the service on Freesat so will no doubt please many requiring use of subtitles.

This year will see the UK’s first ever HD Christmas from Freesat with a feast of high-definition programme highlights. A whole range of Christmas films, comedies, dramas and family entertainment will be brought to life with vivid HD picture and sound.

BBC HD (channel 108)

BBC HD will be showcasing a huge range of family films over the Christmas period, meaning viewers won’t have to rely on the family Blu-ray player for a dose of HD entertainment. Films include:

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Brothers Grimm
The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit
Starter For Ten
Toy Story 2
Wallace and Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death

The BBC HD Channel will keep the nation laughing with the return of some comedy favorites, including the welcome return of all-new The Royle Family and Gavin and Stacey, all in HD;

After You’ve Gone Christmas Special
Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special
Lead Balloon
The Royle Family Christmas Special

Other festive HD highlights from the BBC will include the Shrek The Halls Christmas Special from everyone’s favourite green film star, the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing, and Michael Palin returning to bring the world to our screens in 80 Days Revisited. In addition Casanova, Doctor Who Prom, Lark Rise to Candleford, The 39 Steps and The Queen’s speech will all be available in HD on BBC HD Channel over Christmas.

ITV HD (via the red button on channel 103)

ITV HD will be showing a veritable feast of Christmas movies and entertainment, as well as top-drawer sport over the Christmas period and the finale of all-singing, all-dancing drama Britannia High.

Movie lovers will get to experience a range of blockbuster films in full HD, including;

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
True Lies
Ali G
Bird on a Wire
Meaning of Life

The drama won’t be limited to blockbuster films though, with ITV HD showing UEFA Champions League matches in HD, making every blade of grass, bead of sweat and even the odd tear, even more life like.

Now is a great time to own Freesat, so if you haven’t already taken the plunge, there’s still time before the big day!

BBC have confirmed their intention to reduce the use of their DOG (digital on-screen graphic) on the BBC HD channel.

In an announcement today, Danielle Nagler, Head of HDTV at BBC Vision, said:

From this weekend, assuming no technical glitches in the areas responsible for implementing this, the BBC HD DOG will be removed from all films shown on the channel and the majority of the drama content. For other programming, we are turning down the DOG to the lowest level that we can while allowing it to remain visible.

In doing this, I’m aiming to make sure that at least some of the programming which really showcases HD quality and experience is DOG-free.

The BBC Internet Blog, where this news was published, often receive emails and messages from viewers requesting the reduction in logo opacity, as well as removing completely. A poll was also created on this very site, with 81% of you in favor of removing the DOG.

Good news all round and well done to the BBC for listening.

For anyone interested in the latest developments of the BBC HD channel, this blog by Danielle Nagler, Head of HDTV at BBC Vision is well worth a read.

BBC Internet Blog

Whilst the viewing figures might not reach that of King Kong the other day, it’s worth noting that Saturday 13th September sees the pinnacle of the UK’s classical music season, Last Night of the Proms, on BBC HD.

The finale of the Proms season, which has played host to some of the finest classical talents from around the world, is to be broadcast in high-definition, showing every mini-Union Jack flag and violin stroke in picture quality five times that of standard definition television.

BBC HD’s broadcasting of the Proms also means that music lovers will be able to listen to some of the performances in Dolby 5.1 sound, transforming living rooms up and down the country into symphony halls.

Commenting on the Proms being broadcast in HD, Emma Scott, Managing Director of Freesat said;

The annual Proms season is a British, and BBC institution. Free high-definition coverage of these events via Freesat means that music lovers can immerse themselves in the amazing experience that high definition and digital audio gives you.

Not to be missed! Britain From Above, a new documentary hosted by Andrew Marr which begins Sunday 10th August at 9pm on BBC HD and BBC One.

An epic journey revealing the secrets, patterns and hidden rhythms of our lives from a striking new perspective.

Join host Andrew Marr as he discovers how each and every one of us is interconnecting making Britain what it is today.

Britain looks very different from the skies. From a bird’s eye view of the nation, its workings, cities, landscapes and peoples are revealed and re-discovered in new and extraordinary ways.

Cutting edge technology allows you to see through cloud cover, navigate the landscape and witness familiar sights as never seen before.

We have been lucky enough to see a preview of this in high-definition and it was nothing short of stunning, the best we’ve seen from BBC’s high-definition service so far. Do not miss it.

Visit BBC’s Britain From Above website for more information.

Short notice but don’t forget that the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics is on BBC One and BBC HD at 12.45pm today, in just 10 minutes time.

It’s expected to be spectacular and should look absolutely amazing in high-definition so don’t miss it.