London Eyes 3-D TV

LONDON--Underscoring that interest in stereoscopic broadcasting is growing around the world, the R&D team at UK broadcaster Sky tested 3-D TV this week at its West London headquarters. The technology demonstration showed that encoded 3-D content could be sent out using Sky’s digital satellite broadcast infrastructure. The home setup included a Sky+HD set top box and Hyundai 3-D ready TV in a conference room at the broadcasters’ headquarters.

Execs emphasized that it put together the demonstration to show that the Sky would be able to accommodate any future demand for 3-D TV. They said their next step would include gauging potential consumer interest, such as through focus groups. 

Sky will also be closely watching 3-D-related technology launches at the upcoming CES.

This week’s test showed a series of elements created in 3D, including material from an England versus New Zealand Rugby Union test match, Liverpool FC versus Marseille Union of European Football Associations’ Championship League, Sky1’s “Gladiators” and a boxing match between Ricky Hatton and Juan Lazcano.

Some Sky content involved production collaboration with PLF/Pablo Post in London. PLF’s founder, 3-D veteran Phil Streather, used P&S Technik’s 3-D camera rig (which PLF offers at its UK base) on the soccer and on “Gladiators.” Burbank’s 3Ality Digital participated in the boxing shoot.