Posts Tagged ‘Virgin Media’

According to research made by the CEA, a large proportion of consumers will be considering purchasing a 3D TV set in the near future. However the availability of 3D content seems to be still the major obstacle for adoption.

According to the CEA and Entertainment and Technology Center at the University of Southern California, 67%t of those planning to buy a 3D TV within the next three years said they will be more likely to buy if they can receive and watch 3D television programs through an antenna, cable, satellite or fibre-to-home. The majority stressed that the main reason for buying a 3D TV is to watch 3D movies.

Virgin Media, the cable television company, aims at offering 3D TV content to its subscribers. This will be enabled through an on demand service. The provider gave up its prior decision to launch an exclusive 3D TV channel. Customers will need special 3D glasses to view the 3D content.

Virgin Media plans to exhibit its 3D TV content, made up of films, TV and games, at the Ideal Home Show, at Earls Court in London.

One can buy glasses at different rates. There are both budget and hi-end versions of the glasses.

Virgin Media differentiates from its competitor BSkyB by offering on demand 3D pruducts.

SkyLife, a Korean satellite television company, plans to start 3D broadcasts of some live sports events in May 2010. SkyLife will ensure that its cameras, switchers and other production equipment are updated by then. From May, they will have some live sports coverage and then they will expand the time span of 3D content to seven hours a day.

3D content will be available in 2010 from ESPN, DirecTV, BSkyB, SkyLife and other broadcasters and providers. ESPN, for example, is expected to broadcast 85 games in 3D this year. Some market experts estimate 40-50 video game titles in 3D to be released in 2010. SkyLife plans to build content partnerships with major Hollywood companies including Disney and DreamWorks.

SkyLife also initiated discussions with Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Fuji Film for joint investment in increased 3D programming. The company CEO commented that it will offer 3D movies to subscribers based on video-on-demand (VOD) with content from upcoming partnerships.

SkyLife officials promise to provide 10 recent movies per week to set-top boxes. The service will be available in the second half of 2010. The multi-channel digital satellite broadcaster is developing new technology, enabling subscribers who have over 60Hz regular LCD or LED-backlit LCD TVs to watch 3D programs without buying 3D-only TV sets.

The provider is expected to charge more for 3D programs.