Audio 7 - Sky 3D TV

Rumours are abound that Sky is set to launch a 3D TV service in time for Christmas ’09.

Sky is known to have successfully tested 3DHD broadcasts already at their Head Quarters in London and their chief engineer Chris Johns let slip that that Sky subscribers could be in for a 3DHD treat before 2010 and that throughout 2009 they will be building a library of content. Although it’s general knowledge that Sky’s tests had been successful, it was not known how far developed the technology was. This “announcement” has taken many by surprise who had not predicted 3D broadcasting until well into 2010.

As Sky dropped the price of a Sky HD box there will be many subscribers who will be please and perhaps surprised that they don’t have to replace their newly purchase HD box for a new 3DHD box, the current HD boxes are “3D Ready” although Sky are sure to be charging a premium for the subscription package.

Meanwhile the 3D standard is still to be agreed with different manufacturers arguing their own case which could lead to compatibility issues. Some manufacturers offerings will involve some of those awful 3D specs you got handed when you went to see Jaws 3 in 3D while others are trying to develop specless technology. Unfortunately there is a very small “sweetspot” if glasses are not used so it seems glasses are the way forward. All manufacturers however agree that Bluray is what will drive demand with Disney, Warner and Fox expected to make 3D titles available by the end of 2009.

Sceptics are suggesting that 3D may be a dead end in terms of the “next big thing” asking who saw and enjoyed and now would like to own a Bluray disk of Jaws 3 in 3D and of those who would be happy to sit wearing the specs while they watched? It is perhaps a strong argument, but perhaps they are looking at this technology with blinkers on. Maybe, just maybe the real potential is in the gaming industry! The abundance of games consoles, often more than one per household provides massive potential for growth with titles such as Call of Duty and Need For Speed obvious franchises that could benefit from a 3D upgrade as well as sports sims (3D tennis on Nintendo’s Wii might be fun).

Then, just to throw a spanner in the works, there’s always holographic TV. It’s already being worked on and has been hinted at being available in our lifetime.