Sky says 3D TV coming by "year-end"

Upping investment

10 March 2009 10:18 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

The last we heard from Sky about their 3D TV plans was that watching the 2012 Olympics in 3D was a likely option for UK viewers, but it seems the launch timescale has been speeded up.

Sky's chief engineer/broadcast strategy, Chris Johns, has revealed the company is planning to invest further in 3D production and could offer a 3D service in the next 12 months.

Johns told a Digital Television Group conference: "We have the luxury to be able to test and trial 3D", with "capability for homes to see 3D by year-end".

Sky is already filming in 3D in an aim to build its own archive of material with arts and sports as well as "general entertainment" due to get 3D investment.

Although Sky wants its 3D service to be a glasses-free one, Johns admits that its first-gen offering of 3D broadcasts will likely be with such necessary accessories.

"Sky is in a unique position", he said, "and we want to deliver the First Generation of 3D and I envision it will be glasses-based in some form, and to get the impetus going for that first generation and to be ready for other generations which will happen in 5, 6 or 7 years time".