BBC One HD will start broadcasts across all HD platforms at 7pm on November 3.


BBC Vision director Jana Bennett said: “BBC One HD is the biggest sign yet that HD viewing is now part of the mainstream.”


The new high-definition channel kicks off with programmes made in true HD.


These are The One Show, Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention, Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers and Jimmy’s Food Factory. The Apprentice and Film 2010 will also be shown in HD that evening.


The BBC has also revealed that EastEnders will broadcast in HD for the first time on Christmas Day.


In general the new HD channel will simulcast the BBC One schedule with the majority of peaktime programmes in HD, including The Apprentice, Strictly Come Dancing, Children in Need, Antiques Roadshow, Countryfile, The Graham Norton Show and The Royal Variety Show. Those shows which are not made in HD will still be on BBC One HD but will be upscaled.


BBC head of HD and 3D Danielle Nagler said: “The arrival of the UK’s favourite channel in HD – as a seond HD channel from the BBC – will increase the range and choice of HD programming we can offer the ever-growing HD audience.


“The existing BBC HD channel has been hugely successful,” she said. “It will continue to show programmes from across all BBC channels, to allow all HD viewers to find programming they can enjoy.”


The BBC’s announcement pointed out: “the majority of programmes in the BBC One network evening schedule will be available in HD at launch and, by 2012, it is expected that the vast majority of all BBC One titles across all hours will be in HD.”


BBC One HD will be available from November 3 on Freesat channel 108, Freeview channel 50, Sky channel 143 and Virgin Media channel 108.


The BBC HD channel will be available from November 3 on Freesat channel 109, Freeview channel 54, Sky channel 169 and Virgin Media channel 187.