TNS selected by major broadcasters for ditigal High Definition TV trial

This is the first opportunity for viewers to access high definition TV through a standard aerial, and the research will be fundamental in determining how the technology will be used in the future. TNS will offer insight into the panellists' thoughts and opinions through the use of online questionnaires and an interactive forum. The latter will offer triallists the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feedback their opinions and experiences directly to the broadcasters.

High definition is a step change in television technology, which provides far clearer and more detailed pictures than normal standard definition TV. Each picture contains up to five times as much digital information as an ordinary TV picture.

Jennie Beck, Group Director, TNS Media, said: "The information TNS provides will be crucial in offering the broadcasters an insight as to how to get the best out of HDTV. We are very pleased to be working on this exciting new development, it further cements our position at the forefront of media research in the UK."

The audience panel was selected from online volunteers who registered on a website in April. All had existing HD Ready television sets and will be supplied with special DTT HD set top boxes. The trial is due to last six months.