Singapore – Terrestrial broadcaster MediaCorp plans to launch HDTV commercial channel HD5 in Q4 2007 – with all its channels to be high definition by 2012. HD5 is a simulcast of English-language Channel 5 with programmes enhanced for display on HD-Ready TV sets. June 2006 saw the commencement of MediaCorp’s 1000-strong HDTV trial whereby households, community clubs and retail outlets got to experience HD programmes such as CSI, Smallville, locally-produced productions and co-productions with China. Trials showed about 50% of homes are able to receive the HD signal. MediaCorp Deputy CEO (Television) Chang Long Jong says the decision to launch an HD channel this year is based on the favourable feedback received from trial users.