Virgin Media has successfully carried out trials on its existing cable infrastructure to carry a 3D TV signal on a closed VoD network.
Not only were 3D signals broadcast on Virgin's current broadcast platform but they were transmitted through the company's existing V+ set-top box.
Although Virgin's 3D technology is not at the advanced stage of its rival Sky (who are planning to launch a 3D TV channel next year) the trials are an indication that the satellite broadcaster may not have its all its own way.
Virgin Media are currently demonstrating their 3D technology at a new store on Oxford Street. A Virgin Media spokesperson commented: "Virgin Media is always looking at new technology to see if it is something we would like to offer as a service to our customers".
Unfortunately, Virgin's 3D system would require a costly 3D capable TV and still requires the use of special 3D glasses (although not the rudimentary red/cyan 'Anaglyph' specs of old).
Virgin and Sky both use a 'Polarising' technique to deliver 3D TV. Two cameras record slightly different images which are both shown on the screen. By wearing polarising glasses a different image is filtered into each eye, tricking the brain into thinking its seeing something that's three dimensional.
There is no news as yet on how far Virgin are planning to take their 3D technology, the cable provider probably adopting a wait and see attitude after Sky's 3D channel goes live in 2010.
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