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ITV will launch high definition versions of its digital channels as a subscription service on the Sky platform.
ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD will launch as part of Sky+HD's subscription package of channels in autumn, with ITV2 HD set to grace TV screens in October, just in time for the start of The Xtra Factor. The other channels will follow suit.
The new HD channels will showcase an ‘increasing range of HD programming,' according to ITV. ITV2 shows available in high definition will include: Britain's Got More Talent, The Xtra Factor, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now! plus dramas such as: Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries and Secret Diary of A Call Girl.
Meanwhile, ITV 3 HD will offer recent dramas and factual programmes with an increasing amount of ‘classic drama' being re-mastered for HD. ITV4 HD will broadcast films plus sport such as Tour de France and UEFA Europa league football.
ITV said its digital channels are the most successful in the UK with ITV 2 and ITV3 the UK's favourite digital channels, while it has increased its total share of digital viewing over the first half of this year by around 12 percent.
With the roll out of its digital propositions to Sky+HD customers, ITV's digital channels will be available to almost 3m people.
"Building new revenue streams by exploiting our content across multiple platforms is a key part of the ITV Transformation Plan announced today. Pay television has seen continual growth over the last decade and this deal is a great example of how a new, subscription-based launch, can complement ITV's existing free-to-air channels," said Adam Crozier, chief executive of ITV.
