3D TV - The Future of Sports Broadcasting?

[Micheal Jorden]

At the end of a year ago, BSkyB demoed what could well be a large part into the future of sports broadcasting: the transmission of sporting events in 3D.

The device, which is currently being developed, uses a typical Sky+ box to decode the 2 separate images required to create the three-dimensional effect. Users then simply view the screen through a couple of 3D glasses.

Sky has tested the technology at live sports events including Ricky Hatton's victory over Juan Lazcano and Liverpool's Champions League encounter with Marseille at Anfield in November of last year.

3D technology had been adopted in Hollywood, with a number of films being filmed and released in 3D. Many have predicted that 3D HD television is the following logical part of the evolution of broadcasting.

Despite to be able to use their current satellite receiver, users will be required to upgrade their television sets. However, manufacturers genuinely believe that new 3D TVs will definitely cost no greater than a standard HD-ready plasma set.

The 3D tv that BSkyB utilized in its demonstration at its headquarters in Osterley, London, currently retails at over £2,000, but experts have predicted that the price tag on the technology will drop significantly, especially when it proves popular.

The British broadcaster described 'Sky+ 3D' as "a vision of the future" as the company continues to produce the machine, which would involve Sky having to use adapt or upgrade their cameras for 3D at live events.

"From our standpoint this is just the following stage of our innovation plan following on from Sky+, from HD and now to 3D is just how we see things might go as time goes on," said BSkyB's Head of Product, Design and Innovation, Brian Lenz 해외스포츠중계.

"What we're taking a look at today is firstly that individuals can get it done, and we think we could get it done and at a good level which makes it interesting to start to look at whether there is a hunger for this from the consumer."

The implementation of 3D TV in viewers' homes is actually still a number of years away, however as Sky have demonstrated through the trials, watching your favourite team in three dimensions from the comfort of the sofa may well be a regular occurrence in the fairly near future.