Channel Five looks set to go HD next year, with Ofcom announcing plans to bolster Freeview’s hi-def offering with a fifth channel. Ofcom has begun a bidding process, with final applications due by 17 October.

Five would be the obvious choice, with the BBC’s two HD channels and ITV and Channel 4 taking up the four current slots. However, because of Five’s minimal amount of original programming, Welsh channel S4C is expected to mount a strong challenge.

Word is that whoever gets the new channel will be able to launch it on 1 April 2012. That’s just over 15 years since Five was first aired.

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Via Telegraph