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3D football coming soon: Liverpool in secret SKY trial

JamesTheYiddo

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2006
6,339
124
Millions of homes could soon get access to 3D television, according to Sky.

The satellite television company unveiled the world's first home TV service shot in three dimensions, and said it could be available next year.

The technology means images appear to leap out of the screen and into the room.

Sky product development director Gerry Sullivan said: 'Lots of people have seen a 3D film - we want to bring that experience into the living room. Everyone who has seen the 3D service has been blown away by it.'
Enlarge 3DTV

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Broadcasts contain two separate images, one for the left eye and one for the right eye. Viewers wear special polarising glasses which fool the brain into thinking the picture is in three dimensions.

Sky has already secretly filmed several major sporting events - including football, rugby and boxing matches - in 3D, and has produced a 3D version of Gladiators. The shows have been broadcast from its London headquarters on a test channel.

The Sky+ HD set-top box is compatible with the system, but it requires a 3D television. Bosses are currently using ones from Japan, which cost about £2,500, but major manufacturers are planning to announce lower-cost models early next year.

Several are also developing screens which do not require glasses to be worn, although these are at an early stage.

The new technology follows the success of high-definition, which now accounts for the majority of new TV sales. Mr Sullivan said: 'We are ready to go. It is now a question of whether consumers actually want this service. But we are confident that there will be a lot of interest, and that a 3D service could be launched relatively quickly.'

Programmes are shot using a two-camera system, which records high-definition footage for each eye. Static and hand-held cameras allowing pitchside shots of football matches, for example, are also already in use.

Chris Johns, Sky's chief engineer, said programme makers were already excited about the possibilities. Hollywood studios have plans to shoot 3D films, and rock band U2 last year filmed their first 3D concert, shown at the Cannes film festival.

The BBC has tested 3D cameras and filmed several programmes. Earlier this year it broadcast a 3D version of Scotland's defeat of England in the Six Nations rugby championship to a cinema audience in London.

'We are still learning, but so far the response of everyone who has seen this has been amazing,' said Mr Johns.
The 3D specs

The 3D specs

First Review: Daft specs, but they really work

Rating: 5 out of 5

There is a certain embarrassment factor in putting on Sky's 3D glasses for the first time, especially when you're not sure exactly what to expect.

But the quality and depth of the images on screen instantly makes you forget you are wearing them.

We were shown a selection of clips, including footage from England's recent loss to New Zealand at Twickenham and Ricky Hatton's latest fight.

Images really do appear to come out of the screen, and are incredibly sharp and bright.

Some of the most impressive footage was from the Liverpool vs Marseille UEFA Champions League match at Anfield earlier this year.

Crowd scenes were exceptionally vivid, with fans appearing to come out of the screen, while the high definition images meant even supporters near the back of the stadium were clearly visible.

Sky's Gladiators show was also excellent, giving viewers the impression they are in the studio. When contestants run at the screen it's hard to resist the urge to move away.

Overall, the 3D TV experience is, without doubt, the future of TV. The 3D effect wont work for every type of programme, and wearing the glasses does make you look a bit daft, but the feeling of being immersed in the action more than makes up for this.


Eek
 

PLTuck

Eternal Optimist
Aug 22, 2006
15,855
32,964
Not to mention having to buy a new £2500+ 3D HDTV. For many that have have bought into HDTV over the last couple of years, this kind of extra expense will have to wait a few years yet.
 

Caboose

Active Member
Oct 20, 2003
824
90
Why do you have to have a 3d tv? Just broadcast the 2 images and let the glasses do the work, no?
 

mil1lion

This is the place to be
May 7, 2004
42,344
77,596
It would be pretty cool if they can release the ones which dont require glasses. But this technology is a long long way from large production. I might buy one in several years when the prices are affordable. But for now, i'm still very happy with HD. I'd rather Sky focus more on the quality of their HD channels and add more channels and programmes in HD, before going into the 3D market. But the thought of Jessica Alba appearing in front of my very eyes does appeal to me :smile:
 

milkman

Banned
Oct 3, 2005
12,150
3
This would be awesome!

Although I would think that it has more than a year before it finally gets released, and at first it will cost a fortune..
 
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