IT was at last year’s Asia TV Forum that the announcement was made of MediaCorp’s intention to commercially launch a free-to-air HDTV channel before the end of 2007. This followed an extensive HDTV trial, initiated from June 2006 which saw 1000 households, community clubs and retail outlets experience HD programmes – including popular imported fare such as CSI and Smallville; MediaCorp’s locallyproduced productions; as well as co-productions with China.“Since we commenced our HDTV trials last year we have received many queries from the public about the official launch of HDTV on MediaCorp’s channels,” said Chang Long Jong, MediaCorp Deputy CEO (Television). “With HD5, Singapore viewers will experience better picture and sound quality while enjoying a greater choice of HD content on another (free-to-air) platform.”MediaCorp’s general entertainment Hi-Definitionchannel HD5 is a simulcast of Channel 5, MediaCorp TV’s English channel, and is already available on SingTel’s mioTV service. While much of the programming will be upconverted to HD format, about 30% of HD5’s content during primetime will be in native HD format.Acquired shows include Heroes, CSI Miami, Supernatural and Smallville. Local English-language productions include Lifestory 2, Makansutra and Lifeline 2. Movies include Fantastic Four, X2: X-Men United and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.