Recently announced, the commercial free-to-air broadcasters will now be able to create new independent standard definition channels. This follows dropping regulations to allow commercial Free-to-air broadcasters will be able to multichannel, but in HD only.

But while he is enthusiastic, Ten’s CEO Grant Blackley has told SMH’s Business Day that don’t get your hopes up as it won’t start on day one.

"We’re capable of launching from January 1 (but) I don’t think any network has said they will physically launch on January 1," he told Jesse Hogan from SMH.

Ten has been more active in its high-definition channel, Ten HD, with a commitment to broadcast more than 50 hours of unique content, meaning different programming from the main channel. Though it would promise more extended or additional supplement programming for some of its reality properties like The Biggest Loser and Big Brother, it has failed to do that.

But really? Do we need a HD version of Big Brother.

Sport has dominated most of its schedule, with live NASCAR coverage and the Indian Premier League, along with the AFL and the previously announced 2010 Commonwealth Games.

A lack of ratings for HD services have made it difficult for the commercial broadcasters to sell advertising, but it is expected to change after OzTAM, who monitors the ratings, will report on HD and the new SD channels by the end of the year.