HD services from satellite or cable providers.
The BBC HD trial will run for about 12 months.
It will feature some of the BBC's most ambitious programmes, such as natural history series Planet Earth and Galapagos and drama documentary Hannibal, in HD quality.
BBC Director of Sport Roger Mosey said: "High definition works particularly well for sport.
"It gives fantastic picture quality, from the blades of grass that are being played on right to the back of the stands, and although only limited numbers of people will be able to see this trial we hope it will be a glimpse of the future."