BBC plans for a hi-def PVR-friendly channel on Freeview have been put on hold until 2008.

The BBC Trust has decided to investigate cutting-edge transmission and compression technology, and consider Ofcom's proposal to re-organise the Freeview multiplexes, before committing to a plan for hi-def on Freeview.

The BBC had submitted a plan to launch a four-hour overnight service from mid-2008, running from 2am to 6am, showing highlights of the next evening's hi-def schedule. Viewers with HD-capable Freeview PVRs would be expected to record this, and watch it the following day.

It would use capacity from BBC Four, BBC Parliament (usually off-air at this time) and BBC interactive services, broadcasting over DVB-T with MPEG-4 compression.

But both the BBC Trust's research unit and media regulator Ofcom recommended waiting for more information on DVB-T2, a successor to DVB-T which could be up to 30 per cent more efficient; but DVB-T2 receivers won't be available until late 2009.

Later this year, Ofcom is also due to release details of its proposal to re-organise the Freeview multiplexes, which it claims are being used inefficiently.

The BBC Trust's Chris Woolward said: "It is a consumer issue. The BBC could launch a four hour overnight service straight away and people will go out and buy an HD box. The danger is that following switchover the technology will become
redundant in a digital box depending on where when digital switchover happens where you live."

The Trust said it would re-consider the BBC's options for hi-def on Freeview in early 2008. BBC HD will continue to broadcast on Sky and Virgin, and will relaunch as part of Freesat next year.

The Trust's decision will be made official following a final 28-day consultation. Details of the decision and how to comment can be found at the BBC Trust website, and comments can be sent via email or by post to: HDTV Consultation, BBC Trust, 35 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4AA.