BSkyB (Sky) announced that it has confirmed its forthcoming Sky 3D TV service will be compatible with a wide range of 3D Ready TVs being launched in the UK and Ireland during 2010.
For more information visit: www.sky.com
Unedited press release follows:
BSkyB Confirms Compatibility with LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony ‘3D Ready’ TVs
Sky’s 3D TV service to work across the UK’s first range of 3D TVs
06 January 2010
BSkyB (Sky) today confirmed that its forthcoming Sky 3D TV service, which is to launch later this year, will be compatible with a wide range of 3D Ready TVs being launched in the UK and Ireland during 2010.
At this week’s CES, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony will all announce an intention to introduce ‘3D Ready’ TVs this year, and Sky’s 3D service will be compatible with all of their respective 3D TV products.
Sky’s existing Sky+HD boxes, which are in 1.6 million UK and Irish homes, are already equipped to receive 3D TV, so customers will only need to upgrade their TV set. The new 3D ready TVs will enable Sky+HD customers to watch both high definition (HD) and 3D services from the same TV set.
After becoming the first UK broadcaster to demonstrate 3D through a domestic TV in December 2008, Sky has since reached a number of further 3D ‘firsts’, such as broadcasting a Keane gig in 3D live over its satellite platform and offering the UK’s first ever live public demonstration of 3D – a performance of Swan Lake by English National Ballet – at the Hay Festival.
Sky has since announced its intention to launch the UK’s first 3D service in 2010. The service will offer a broad selection of the best available 3D programming, expected to include movies, arts, entertainment and sport. The service will be broadcast across Sky’s existing HD infrastructure.
Brian Lenz, Sky’s Director of Product Design & TV Product Development, comments: “Our HD customers already have a 3D capable set-top box, so if they are interested in experiencing TV in a third dimension, the good news is that they’ll have a range of 3D Ready TVs to choose from. This is a great example of Sky and TV manufacturers taking the initiative to ensure there is no confusion over formats. By working together with set manufacturers, we want to provide a hassle free way for consumers to enjoy 3D TV.”
Stephen Gater, Head of Marketing Home Entertainment, LG Electronics UK, adds: “No one can escape the buzz and excitement around 3D. We’re witnessing the start of dramatic change in how we view TV – the dawn of a new dimension. This year will see LG’s first 3D Ready TVs hit the market – and through Sky’s clear commitment to 3D broadcasting, 3D in the home is set to become a reality. Here at LG we’re really looking forward to being a key player in driving the evolution of this technology and giving families a more dramatic, immersive home entertainment experience.”
Andrew Denham, Marketing Director, Panasonic, adds: “Panasonic is delighted to support the introduction of Sky’s 3D TV service in 2010 with a range of compatible FULL HD 3D VIERA Plasma Televisions incorporating high precision active shutter glasses for an unparalleled viewing experience. Plasma technologies have excellent video response which delivers an immersive, movie-theatre-like experience where viewers can feel as if they were part of the action.’’
Rob Shaw, General Manager CTV & HP, adds: “3D TV is a key focus for Samsung and we are committed to the continued delivery of this technology to homes in the UK. Samsung launched its first 3D Plasma TV in 2008 and has continued to innovate and develop this cutting edge technology. In 2010 we will offer 3D ready capability in all our TV screen technologies, including LED, LCD & PDP. Our televisions offer incredible picture quality and choice, and coupled with the forthcoming Sky 3D TV service, Samsung customers can look forward to a truly immersive viewing experience.”
Yoshihisa (Bob) Ishida, President of Home Entertainment Business Group, SVP, Sony Corporation, adds: “We are excited to have Sky’s 3D TV service available for users of 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TVs in UK and in Ireland. To grow the 3D home entertainment market it’s imperative that the industry offers consumers as much attractive 3D content as possible.”
About Sky
Sky operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Over 9.5 million homes enjoy an unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels.
Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Arts continues to embrace new audiences as the UK’s only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; and Sky News remains a pioneer in multiplatform television news.
Almost 6 million Sky homes now enjoy the control and flexibility of Sky+ and 1.6 million homes have already joined Sky+HD, which provides access to 37 dedicated HD channels. Sky is also the UK’s fastest growing broadband and fixed-telephony provider.