[by By Matt Warman, Consumer Technology Editor, telegraph.co.uk]

Electronics giant Samsung has launched a 3D TV service and is aiming to give owners of its 3D sets access to more footage than is currently available.

Andy Griffiths, the company’s UK Consumer Electronics Vice-President, said that Samsung was “clearly not a broadcaster”, but added that owners of 3D televisions were frustrated that a comparatively limited amount was available, especially if they did not pay TV subscriptions.

Limited numbers of trailers for 3D films will be made available via the web to owners of 2011 and compatible 2010 models from today, as will a small number of “lifestyle documentaries” such as those made by car manufacturers. Mr Griffiths said the initial offering would be expanded over the course of the year.

“The demand for 3D is growing rapidly, but only a handful of channels are providing content. Samsung has led the 3D LED TV market since it launched last year, and the roll-out of our 3D video-on-demand service demonstrates our commitment to accelerating its growth,” said Mr Griffiths.

Samsung has been seeking to push “TV Apps”, including LoveFilm and the BBC iPlayer, and has offered prizes to attract new developers. The introduction of 3D content, however, marks a new bid to persuade TV consumers that 3D and Smart TV technologies offer sufficient incentives to buy a new set, even if they already own a fairly new high-definition model.