Sky announces launch date for 3D TV channel

Sky will launch its 3D channel for home viewers on Friday 1 October 2010.

The company has been broadcasting sports events in 3D since April in over 1,500 pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland.

But this autumn home viewers will be able to watch movies and live sport in 3D including the films Bolt and Monster vs Aliens, and three days of live coverage of the Ryder Cup.

An agreement with major US studios including Disney, Universal, Warner Bros and Paramount will allow Sky to expand the channel line-up in the run-up to Christmas.

Films expected to be shown in 3D include Alice in Wonderland, Ice Age – Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Coraline, Fly Me To The Moon, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, and My Bloody Valentine.

Sky will continue to broadcast a range of live sport, including Premier League football, from launch.

The service is available to all Sky customers who have Sky+HD and those paying for the broadcaster’s top channel and HD pack will not be charged extra; but they will of course need a 3D TV.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: “As with high definition, 3D is set to transform the way TV is enjoyed in homes nationwide.

"Following hot on the heels of the success of 3D cinema, Sky customers will now be the first anywhere in Europe to experience 3D TV from the comfort of their living rooms.

"They can look forward to a fantastic mix of live sport, blockbuster movies, innovative entertainment and arts shows.”

Michael Phillips, Digitalchoice's product director said Sky was well placed to take advantage of the interest in 3D TV, but warned the service would probably only appeal to early adopters of the technology.

"The costs of getting ‘3D TV ready’ are not inconsiderable and the choice of content is currently pretty limited.

"To that end, we expect it to be a hit with the technology-obsessed and early adopters for some time before it really takes off and we see mainstream programmes broadcast in 3D."