Sky switches on 3D TV channel in 2010
Goggles box
Sky is to launch the UK’s first 3D TV channel in 2010.
Click for an explanation of how Sky 3D works
The channel will offer a broad selection of 3D content, including movies, entertainment and sport.
All content will be captured using HD cameras and broadcast over the firm’s existing HD infrastructure, making use of existing Sky+ HD set-top boxes.
To see a 3D image, you must have a 3D-ready TV and wear polarising glasses. This is easier said than done: right now, there are no 3D TVs for sale in the UK. But sets from several manufacturer should be available by launch.
Sky is not saying precisely what the channel’s 3D resolution will be when it reaches your living room. However, the broadcaster hinted to Register Hardware that it will sit somewhere between SD and 1080p.
The resolution depends on Sky’s use of current HD infrastructure, which provides a broadcast rate for content of up to 18Mb/s. But because a 3D image requires two images – one for your left-hand eye and another for your right-hand eye – Sky must broadcast both images simultaneously.
As a result, the resolution at which, say, a football game is captured in 3D must be downgraded for it to be successfully broadcast.
Sky’s announcement is not wholly unexpected, as the company has trialled 3D TV broadcasts internally for several months. In February, it filmed popular beat combo Keane performing a gig in London’s Abbey Road studios in 3D. Sky also recorded the ballet Swan Lake in 3D. ®
COMMENTS
I don't think I fully get it
So the signal comes into your house from which it gets into your sofa and your wife projects it onto the screen. I'm single, can I still get it?
Does anyone else remember the 3D porn scene in Jonathon Creek?
I've not bothered going for HD as I've yet to see the advantage. And being a non couch potato (only interested in sport when playing, not watching) there is limited HD content for me.
I've seen it in action
I work for Sky and have seen a 3D showreel. The concert and sports footage in particular was most impressive, the image actually appears to go into the screen rather than coming out of it. I've also heard that it should be compatible with other types of screens, not just the ones that require polarizing glasses, although that was what was being demonstrated when I saw it. Based on that alone I can see it taking off.
Jimmy Floyd @ 08:30 GMT has nailed this one.
Yeah, Coraline in 3D at the Cinema was vaguely impressive. But I can't help thinking 3DTV is a niche novelty rather than a new must-have format. Much like HD.
>"In order to see a 3D image, Sky stressed that you will have to fork out for a 3D-ready TV and wear polarising glasses."
-In order to sell 3D TV, I stress that Sky will have to come up with a more compelling proposition.
Plus, an awkward situation still remains for the significant proportion of the population that are glasses wearers. None of the obvious solutions (contacts / prescription 3D glasses / clip on 3D lenses) come close to being a compelling solution.
@studley
This isn't the same as the old red and blue lens glasses. They use a clear polarising lens which is why you need a 3D capable telly.
