THE BBC has unveiled its vision of a future dominated by digital technology with a multi million pound plan to broadcast digital television on terrestrial, cable and satellite networks with cinema style pictures and CD quality sound.

The BBC also said it would offer CD quality sound radio services and improved global access to BBC World Service radio, as well as a range of new pay television services offering specialist programmes drawn from BBC archives that will be available in Britain and other countries.

In Britain, from 1998, when digital technology is due to be launched, the BBC plans to broadcast free digital versions of BBC1 and BBC2 with high quality sound and pictures, and a 24 hour television news service.

A "companion" channel offering extra services with information and graphics and interactive learning programmes will also be broadcast in the future, while the pay television service will offer arts, drama, natural history, science and education programmes.

Digital signals make better use of the broadcasting spectrum than traditional analogue signals.