Sky set to launch 3D TV in 2010

Sky announced today that it plans to offer 3D TV next year in the UK.

Sky's 3D channel will be the first in the UK when it launches next year. The channel will offer a selection of current 3D programming, which is expected to include movies, entertainment and sport. The service will be broadcast across Sky's existing HD infrastructure and be available via the current generation of Sky+HD set-top boxes.

The next step for consumers is to purchase a '3D Ready' TV. Sony, Samsung and Panasonic all announced their plans for a big push towards 3D TV at this years Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. No TVs are available in the UK yet but sets are expected to be on sale next year. In order to get the full 3D experience you will need to put on a pair of 3D glasses, maybe we'll see some "should've gone to specsavers" 3D glasses adverts in the not so near future?

Brian Sullivan, Managing Director of Sky's Customer Group claims "3D is a genuinely 'seeing is believing' experience, making TV come to life as never before. Just like the launch of digital, Sky+ and HD, this is latest step in our commitment to innovating for customers." Sky will also be expanding its HD channels soon with ESPN HD (August 2009) and Sky News HD (Spring 2010).

Sky has recorded the following events in 3D:

Usain Bolt, sprinting 150 metres down a specially designed track on Manchester's Deansgate during the Bupa Great City Games (17 May 2009)
Swan Lake, a special performance by English National Ballet to capture the UK's first ballet for 3D TV (9 April 2009)
England vs. New Zealand Rugby Union Test Match (29th November)
Sky1's Gladiators (December 2008)
Liverpool FC vs Marseille UEFA Champions League (26th November 2008)
Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano (12th March 2008)

Sky demonstrated 3D TV late last year and began investing in recording events. The equipment that Sky uses to record footage consists of two standard cameras so Sky doesn't expect it will incur huge costs to upgrade all the current HD equipment. Further details including pricing, packaging and entitlement, will be announced closer to launch.

This is potentially how cool (yea right) you'll look sitting in your living room with 3D glasses on: