[Techeye.net, by Matthew Finnegan in London]

The BBC is playing it cautiously over the implementation of stereoscopic 3D technology according to a recent report.

The March version of the Beeb’s technology plan has shown that while trials are set to continue with the new format, it will not be investing in programme making for the time being.

“The BBC will be responsive to possible changes in the 3D Stereoscopic landscape and explore the opportunities it offers programmes and audiences,” the report stated.

While the organisation will continue to follow developments it appears that it will hold back, stating that it “will not be investing in S3D programme making but plans to investigate via limited trials and commercially available equipment”.

While there are a number of projects that the BBC has looked into with regards to 3D, such as talk of utilising the technology to some extent at the forthcoming London Olympics and a recent gig by The Charlatans displayed in live 3D, it has no solid plans to make further inroads into the much vaunted technology.

So it’ll be a while before Pat Butcher’s earrings swing into the face of the moneyed Eastenders watcher.

The organisation pointed towards the expense of programme making of the format as one of the reasons why it would not take up the technology on a large scale anytime soon.

“S3D is a consumer display manufacturer driven technology,” the report stated. “Much of the hype has come from the success of recent movie titles and the imminent Blu-ray releases.

“There is no standardisation of the technologies for acquisition, post-production, contribution or distribution of S3D.

“This approach is likely to suit a number of smaller but better funded players in the movie industry.

“Within the broader, less diverse and often less well funded television making community a lack of standardisation would be a significant issue, not for S3D as a format but also in financial terms for the producers and commissioning broadcasters.”

It seems that the Beeb is not willing to bank its cash on 3D, at least for the time being, particularly with the expected 10 percent cuts the service is being forced to make.

However the report does not rule out a more comprehensive strategy being put in place at some point next year, when it is said that “either a full BBC S3D programme strategy will be developed or the current S3D standards fail to deliver/take off.”

A recent survey showed that despite a supposed move towards 3D, many potential viewers of the Olympics are more concerned about watching in high definition rather having the illusion that javelins are careering towards them through the screen.

Indeed, despite all and sundry telling us that 3D is the future – whether or not it will live up to expectations is the source of debate.

See the original story here: http://www.techeye.net/hardware/bbc-takes-cautious-view-on-3d-tv