The 3D future of television

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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