Sydney- Australian viewers will get their first HD channels in December when the Ten and Seven networks launch dedicated HD services. These will be the first new commercial free-to-air channels launched in the major mainland metro markets in more than 40 years. Ten said TEN-HD would provide at least 50 hours per week of programming that won’t be seen on its main channel, including extensions of franchises including The Biggest Loser, Australian Idol, Big Brother and So You Think You Can Dance; themed nights such as “Sci-Fi Saturday”; and high-end National Geographic documentaries. The new channel will also air 11 hours of time-shifted programming per week, including Ten’s 5pm News, live sport and movies. “We are no longer bound by a single linear channel, and TEN-HD is a natural next step in our goal to make our content as widely available as possible to consumers,” said Chief Executive Officer Grant Blackley. The broadcaster has begun recruiting 20 additional staff needed to support TEN-HD, including positions in programming, operations and sales. It’s allocating $A10 million ($US8.6 million) in capital expenditure and $12.9 million in content management.