LONDON: BSkyB now plans to launch its 3D channel next year according to British sources. The satellite TV provider successfully delivered 3D content over its hi-def infrastructure earlier this year. The popularity of hi-def in the United Kingdom compelled BSkyB’s fiscal forth-quarter profits more than tenfold. The company added 291,000 subscribers in fiscal 4Q, bringing the total to 1.3 million--all of whom will have access to the new 3D channel. Across the United Kingdom, around 9 million households have HDTVs or those considered “HD-ready,” Broadband TV News said.
While existing Sky+HD set-top boxes will decode the channel, it will require a TV set capable of displaying 3D images, plus the requisite glasses. The Guardian said Sky demoed the channel on a 3D-enabled Hyundai set priced at $4,100, a sum hoped to be reduced by the deployment of a 3D channel. Sky will also launch video-on-demand through its HD set-tops.
More from TVB on BSkyB’s 3DTV development:
July 22, 2009: “Industry Forging Ahead with 3D Amid Questions”
“Some members fear de facto, non-open standards, for first-generation broadcast 3DTV will result from the technology decisions made by first providers. These are likely to be pay-TV operators, keen to differentiate their platform and consumer proposition. Technology decisions made by these players may not suit the current or future needs of free-to-air broadcasters.”
April 6, 2009: “Live 3DTV Debuts in United Kingdom”
BSkyB successfully transmitted live 3DTV across it’s systems in the United Kingdom. The satellite TV provider telecast a live transmission of a performance by the band Keane from London’s Abbey Road studios Thursday, April 2.
March 9, 2009: “More 3DTV Developments”
BSkyB continues plowing toward 3DTV, with a goal to offer it by the end of the year. Digital Spyreports that the chief Sky engineer said recently the plan was still on track to transmit 3D video content via the system’s existing HD infrastructure and set-top boxes.
(Image by Vladimir Jovanovic)
