BBC HD downloads coming to iTunes Store

BBC Worldwide will soon be making high-definition versions of its shows available for download through the UK iTunes Store, Crave can reveal.

A spokesperson for Auntie's commercial arm confirmed that the Beeb "will at some point soon be releasing HD titles on iTunes in the UK", with more details due "in the coming weeks".

iTunes has only recently begun offering HD television downloads to PCs and Macs in the UK, including the new series of Lost. But many of the BBC's programmes regularly feature in iTunes' list of most popular TV downloads, including Top Gear and Gavin and Stacey, both of which are shot and broadcast in hi-def, but available on iTunes in standard definition only.

Although we can't confirm which shows will be available for download in HD, we deem it highly likely Top Gear will make a highly defined appearance. And hopefully, as with existing HD episodes of Lost, a standard-definition copy will also be downloaded for viewing on iPods and iPhones.

In related news, BBC HD content will be hitting the iPlayer this year as well, according to BBC's HD Web site.