Andy Quested has just posted an interesting entry on the BBC Internet blog called “How to start an HD channel from scratch“:

I can only image the conversations John Zubrzycki (BBC Research) had with set top box manufactures in late December:

John:

“We are going to do a trial of HD on digital terrestrial and need to develop a set top box”

Manufacturer:

“Great, we can get our development team across it. What’s your timescale and how many units do you need?”

John:

“Well it would be good to have say 500 for a trial in June”

Manufacturer:

“June, that’s June 2008?”

John:

“No, this June – in time for the World Cup.”

That was probably followed by the sound of the phone going down!

Head over and read the full article if this kind of thing tickles your fancy…