3D TV for the home by 2010

Movies and TV programmes that break the bounds of the flat screen could be in homes as early as next year, according to Panasonic.

Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show, Panasonic's Yoshi Yamada said: " We don't think 3D TV is very faraway for home users. We have begun work to propose a new open standard for high definition 3D and we expect the first 3D products to appear in 2010."

He stressed that a fully open standard was vital, echoing an acceptance of standards that allowed consumers greater choice throughout CES.

Mr Yamada said Panasonic would open a manufacturing centre for Blu-ray discs that could store 3D films in February, noting that Blu-ray itself was vital to the success of 3D video.

James Cameron, director of the movie Titanic is already working on a movie called Avatar, which is being shot in 3D as well as normal high definition. "3D is not something you watch; it's a place you're taken to. I'm convinced that in future this is how people will watch TV and even use their computer," said Mr Cameron.