The satellite broadcaster Sky has confirmed that they will be launching their dedicated 3D TV channel on October 1st this year.
Sky began trialing their 3D TV service in selected pubs around the UK with the premiership football match between Arsenal and Manchester United in 3D of January this year.
The initial response to wide angle stadium shots and even 3D on screen graphics was general amazement. As the players emerged from the tunnel they seemed to walk straight onto the pub floor, bringing gasps of delighted surprise from pub goers.
Sky have been filming a number of sporting events with their specially designed 3D cameras, with the 3D TV channel launch timed to coincide with the Ryder Cup golf championship.
The broadcaster has promised a wide range of material, including films, sport, documentaries, entertainment and arts programmes. Hit movies such as Monsters vs Aliens, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be screened.
The great thing for existing Sky HD subscribers is that the technology works with an unmodified Sky HD box. Those with Sky's top subscription package and the Sky HD pack will have access initially at no extra cost. Of course, there will still be the requirement for a 3D enabled TV. Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic have already introduced 3D TV's this year compatible with the service (see our Top Ten 3D TVs).
Sky's 3D system works on the same principle as IMAX 3D technology. Polarising glasses filter one of two slightly different images (one for each eye), fooling the brain into thinking it is viewing an image in three dimensions.
Early indications are that Sky's 3D technology works well but needs refinement. Concentrated on screen action such as a boxing match gives a genuine 3D effect which is somewhat lost when the viewer needs to appreciate the whole screen when viewing a football or rugby match for example.
Plenty of time for Sky to iron out any problems with the service and we believe that 3D TV in the home is good enough to establish itself as more than just a passing fad. It may be of little interest to those who are not prepared to invest in expensive 3D kit, but as people swap aging equipment for 3D enabled TVs and Blu-ray players we believe that interest will steadily grow.
If you would like to find out more about the technology you might like to read our 3D TV, Cinema & Gaming Guide.
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