Sky3D

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The world is going crazy over the three-dimensional viewing since the release of the blockbuster flick ‘Avatar’. Complementing this was the CES Show 2010 held in Las Vegas, which had numerous creations and announcements that would be promoting 3D viewing in general. Adding to this is the latest announcement by the Europe’s leading media and entertainment firm.

Sky has announced that it will launch Sky 3D, Europe’s first dedicated 3D TV channel, this April. Preparing for this grand launch, Sky would be previewing this new groundbreaking service with a world first this Sunday (31st January 2010), becoming the first TV company anywhere to broadcast a live 3D TV sports event to a public audience. This broadcast would be live telecast of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United which will be broadcast over the Sky platform to selected pubs around the UK and Ireland.

“As 3D TVs become more widely available, Sky will roll out its 3D channel to hundreds of pubs from April, allowing football fans across the country the opportunity to experience a live Premier League match in 3D each week,” says Sky in its press statement.

Further to its 3D launch, Sky will make the service available to all its consumers of Sky+HD service later this year after 3D TV sets start to roll out in the market. Sky will be giving millions of people the opportunity to watch a wide range of content in 3D, including movies, sport, documentaries, entertainment, and the arts. 

Sky 3D works with all existing Sky+HD boxes and will initially be introduced at no extra cost for customers who subscribe to Sky’s top TV package and the Sky HD pack.  Sky 3D will also be compatible with all 3D Ready TVs coming to the UK and Ireland this year, including all models from Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic.

The live coverage of the Sunday’s game will have two edit feeds; one in HD and the other in 3D. To capture this game efficiently, Sky Sports will be deploying eight specially engineered 3D camera rigs, sixteen of Sky’s high definition cameras, to provide comprehensive stereoscopic coverage from all angles. The 3D broadcast will be supported by Sky’s dedicated 3D production team and purpose built 3D outside broadcast truck, which will enable live mixing between camera positions, slow motion replays and the use of innovative 3D graphics. There will also be a dedicated commentary team to support the 3D edit.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, remarked in a prepared statement, “3D is without doubt one of the most talked-about developments in television for many years. Sky has always innovated to bring customers the best possible viewing experience, so we fully intend to take the lead in bringing the spectacle of 3D to the UK and Ireland.” 

Gerry O’Sullivan, Sky’s Director of Strategic Product Development, said: “2010 is the year for 3D TV. People have already embraced 3D cinema and because Sky’s 3D service uses the same kind of technology, we’re confident there will be demand for sport, movies, concerts and drama in 3D,” in the release.