| By: Kevin Hilton, European Correspondent | Published: July 30, 2009 |
Sky will launch the UK’s first 3D television channel next year. No date has been set for the start of the service nor have any details of programming been announced but Sky wants the channel to be on air by the end of 2010, with sport, entertainment and movies forming the basis of the first offering.
There has been speculation in the UK TV industry as to when Sky would introduce a full-time stereoscopic service, after it demonstrated 3D recordings of live sporting events in December, 2008. A further breakthrough was made in April this year when Sky broadcast a performance by rock band Keane live in 3D.
By announcing its 3D service now Sky feels it is making a commitment to the technology. Subscribers receive the new service using existing Sky+ HD receivers, with signals carried over the broadcaster’s established HD transmission infrastructure. Viewers will have to buy a new “3D-ready” TV set, although there is also no firm date set for when the major manufacturers will be introducing their offerings in the UK.
Brian Sullivan, managing director of Sky’s customer group, commented, “3D is a genuinely ‘seeing is believing’ experience, making TV come to life as never before. Just like the launch of digital, Sky+ and HD, this is the latest step in our commitment to innovating for customers.”
Sky is further expanding its services over the next year with the start of ESPN’s new SD and HD channels, which will carry live English and Scottish Premier League football (August 2009), the HD version of Sky’s News channel (Spring 2010) and a “pull” video-on-demand service. The new VoD capability will use the broadband connection on Sky+ boxes and give HD customers additional features to those already offered by the Sky Anytime ‘push’ service.
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