The channel’s HD version had previously only been available to Sky and Virgin Media households under a long-term carriage agreement entered into by the broadcaster’s former owners.
Although current owners Viacom have invested heavily in new content, including US dramas Gotham and the X-Files revival, the lack of a universal HD version is widely thought to have harmed viewing figures in non-pay homes.
From today Channel 5 HD is available on EPG slot 105, previously home to BBC Three, with the standard definition version still available on channel number 5.
Paul Dunthorne, Chief Operating Officer for Channel 5 said: “Channel 5 is on an exciting journey as we evolve our content and broaden the appeal of our channel to audiences through increased investment in new genres of programming.
“We’re delighted that Freeview HD viewers will have the opportunity to enjoy the raft of quality programming in high definition.”
