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The 3D future of television
Mark Prigg, Technology Correspondent18.12.08
MILLIONS of homes could soon get access to 3D television, the Evening Standard has learned.
Sky today unveiled the world's first home TV service shot in three dimensions, and said it could be available next year.
The technology means images appear to leap out of the screen and into the room.
Sky product development director Gerry Sullivan said: "Lots of people have seen a 3D film - we want to bring that experience into the living room. Everyone who has seen the 3D service has been blown away by it."
Broadcasts contain two separate images, one for the left eye and one for the right eye. Viewers wear special polarising glasses which fool the brain into thinking the picture is in three dimensions.
Sky has already secretly filmed several major sporting events - including football, rugby and boxing matches - in 3D, and has produced a 3D version of Gladiators. The shows have been broadcast from its London headquarters on a test channel.
The Sky+ HD set-top box is compatible with the system, but it requires a 3D television. Bosses are currently using ones from Japan, which cost about £2,500, but major manufacturers are planning to announce lower-cost models early next year. Several are also developing screens which do not require glasses to be worn, although these are at an early stage.
The new technology follows the success of high-definition, which now accounts for the majority of new TV sales. Mr Sullivan said: "We are ready to go. It is now a question of whether consumers actually want this service. But we are confident that there will be a lot of interest, and that a 3D service could be launched relatively quickly."
Programmes are shot using a two-camera system, which records high-definition footage for each eye. Static and hand-held cameras allowing pitchside shots of football matches, for example, are also already in use.
Chris Johns, Sky's chief engineer, said programme makers were already excited about the possibilities. Hollywood studios have plans to shoot 3D films, and rock band U2 last year filmed their first 3D concert, shown at the Cannes film festival.
The BBC has tested 3D cameras and filmed several programmes. Earlier this year it broadcast a 3D version of Scotland's defeat of England in the Six Nations rugby championship to a cinema audience in London.
"We are still learning, but so far the response of everyone who has seen this has been amazing," said Mr Johns.
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Reader views (6)
As luck would happen I witnessed a 3d flat screen in ops last night- the most unbelievable thing I have seen! To watch a football being kicked out of the screen is amazing and all with no 3d glasses. So yes, no glassses and watching 3d in the living room. Many of the large tech companies have tried to create the " pop" but have failed, yet these guys have done it and are ready to launch.
- Charlie, London
It's content not presentation that needs attention.
Why not spend the money on something other than brain-numbing celebrity programming Sky?
It's no wonder the average Brit is so thick.
- Will, London, UK
All very well, but how much will it cost and will the viewing glasses be sufficiently robust for regular use?
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK
"As Sam Goldwyn said-"Wide screen doesn't make a bad movie any better."
Yes Jon; what Goldwyn actually meant was, if a film is rubbish, it's rubbish no matter how you present it on the screen. He wasn't refering to, or dismissing widescreen as a viewing format in particular.
It's still a valid point...widescreen, HDTV, 3D, 3D-HDTV, doesn't matter, if it's dross being dished up, it'll still be dross however you view it, but hey, it's another "must have" gadget for the drooling masses to get ever further into debt for.
A no-score-bore must be SO much better wearing polarizing glasses.
- Md, London, UK
Bring it on! Although it's taken decades to come about, whereas they had 3D in the cinema fifty years ago, 3D television will be a welcome revolution, and much more exciting than over-hyped widescreen and High Defintion. As Sam Goldwyn said-"Wide screen doesn't make a bad movie any better."
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
Try opening the front door and taking a walk, or going to live theatre or live sport. Who needs reality TV when yu have it all on your doorstep.
- Dhanraj, Basildon Essex
