The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five have signed a non-binding memorandum saying they will deliver HD channels on Freeview by the completion of switchover in 2012.

The agreement could see BBC HD, ITV HD and Channel 4 HD available on Freeview by late 2009/10 with Five HD set to follow soon after as capacity becomes available. 

The agreement acknowledges that this would require a rearrangement of some of the channels on Freeview setting aside one of the BBC multiplexes for broadcast.

It requires approval by the BBC Trust who yesterday approved BBC HD for satellite and cable.