Sport in 3D – Sky set to launch 3D TV channel

BSkyB have officially announced that it will launch the UK’s first 3D television channel next year.

The new channel will offer a broad selection of the best available 3D programming, which is expected to a selection of sporting events.

It will be broadcast across Sky’s existing HD service and be available via current Sky+HD set-top boxes. However, to watch in 3D, customers will also require a new ’3D Ready’ TV, which are expected to be on sale in the UK next year.

To view television in 3D, users will also be required to wear polarising 3D glasses similar to the type used in popular 3D cinemas.

“3D is a genuinely ‘seeing is believing’ experience, making TV come to life as never before,” says Brian Sullivan, Managing Director of Sky’s Customer Group.

“Just like the launch of digital, Sky+ and HD, this is latest step in our commitment to innovating for customers.”

3D explained

The human eye’s ability to see things with variable depth and wide perspective is based on how the brain processes two separate images, as received by each eye. When someone looks at something the brain is able to merge two separate images together to create a field of vision which is both three-dimensional and allows the viewer to focus on specific areas within any given scene.

3D TV is possible because of a series of major breakthroughs which means that domestic TVs are now capable of processing an image in a way that can deliver the depth information to the brain – much like the human eye – and hence add a further dimension to HD.

What sporting events have already been captured by Sky in 3D?

- Usain Bolt, sprinting 150 metres during the Bupa Great City Games
- England vs. New Zealand Rugby Union Test Match
- Liverpool FC vs Marseille UEFA Champions League
- Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano