Eurosport has announced that it will introduce high-definition versions of its two UK-based channels.
The pan-European broadcaster will launch a HD simulcast of British Eurosport on both Sky and Virgin Media platforms from July 25, in time for the start of its coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
This will be followed five weeks later by the launch of British Eurosport 2 HD on Sky, meaning both channels will be fully HD on the Sky platform by September 3.
Eurosport HD, its current high definition service which simulcasts Eurosport International’s output, will now cease broadcasting in UK and be replaced by full HD versions of British Eurosport and British Eurosport 2, allowing more UK focused programming to be transmitted in HD.
The international HD feed has been available in the UK and Ireland on Sky and Virgin Media platforms since 2008, and has enabled sports fans to follow high profile events like the Tour de France and the French Open from Roland Garros in HD.
The new British Eurosport HD service will be in operation for UK viewers during this summer’s Olympic Games in London, transmitting up to 200 hours of live coverage.
In addition, Eurosport will broadcast up to 100 hours of Olympics coverage in 3D via Sky’s dedicated 3D channel.
Then from September, Eurosport viewers will be able to enjoy coverage of popular events like British and World Superbikes, MotoGP, Davis Cup and US Open tennis and the Champions League Twenty20 all in native high-definition via British Eurosport HD and British Eurosport HD 2.
British Eurosport’s Managing Director David Kerr said, “We are very pleased to be making British rights available in HD for our viewers on the Sky and Virgin Media platforms.
“Our passionate and knowledgeable viewers will be able to enjoy more of their favourite sports on British Eurosport in stunning HD than ever before.
“There are some fantastic events coming up and covering them in HD will add more quality to the depth and specialist knowledge provided by our expert team of Eurosport analysts.”
British Eurosport launched in 1999 on the Sky Digital platform, replacing the Eurosport International service.
Both British Eurosport channels will continue to operate in standard-definition on Sky and Virgin Media, offering coverage of various sporting events, including the forthcoming Olympics.
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