Singapore– Terrestrial broadcaster MediaCorp will launch HDTV commercial channel HD5 in Q4 2007 and plans to offer all its channels in HD 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 start of MediaCorp’s 1000-strong HDTV trial, enabling households, community clubs and retail outlets to experience HD programmes such as CSI, Smallville, local productions and co-productions with China. Trials showed about 50% of homes are able to receive the HD signal. Those able to receive the channel and have the required HD TV sets can continue to tune in to the channel till the official launch, with the date to be announced. MediaCorp Deputy CEO (Television), Chang Long Jong, says the decision to launch an HD channel this year is based on favourable feedback from trial users.