A high-definition simulcast of ITV1 will be launched on Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media next month.

“The availability of high-definition content is something viewers have come to expect as standard,” said ITV director of television, channels and online Peter Fincham.

“As we approach the 2010 World Cup, I’m delighted that we are able to launch our new channel, ITV1 HD, on all major platforms.”

As the appeal of HD grows, satellite broadcaster Sky has also confirmed that it will launch an HD version of Sky Sports 4 (previously known as Sky Sports Xtra) on April 29 followed by an HD version of the Hallmark Channel on June 28.

Sky News HD is also on the cards in the coming months, the broadcaster said.

Entertainment website Digital Spy pointed out that the new additions, along with ITV1 HD, brings Sky close to the milestone of 40 HD channels. Sky now plans, it said, to grow its HD line-up to 50 by Christmas.

“It’s great news for customers that we are making our HD channel pack even better value with more high quality channels,” Sky director of product management Hilary Perchard was reported as saying.

“We’re seeing record demand for HD, both in terms of the number of customers signing up for Sky+HD and the amount of HD programmes they are watching.”