MUMBAI: Satellite broadcaster BSkyB will launch Europe‘s first 3D TV channel in the UK 1 October when it will offer movies, entertainment and sports programming in that format.

BSkyB, which has doubled the number of customers with Sky+ HD boxes in the last year to 1.31 million, said that it will launch a channel offering 3D movies, entertainment and sport.
 
The company that recently said that 3D TV could be a reality within several years, has stepped up its roll-out programme after a major boost in the numbers of subscribers to its Sky+ HD set-top boxes capable of broadcasting 3D services.

However, to watch 3D programming customers will also require a new "3D ready" TV set, which are expected to be on sale in the UK 1 October, and special glasses.

At a recent demonstration BSkyB used a Hyundai TV that costs ?2,500 though it hopes that ultimately 3D TV sets will not cost much more than a standard HD plasma TV.

BSkyB has made clear that its proposed 3D television service would be compatible with a range of ‘3D Ready’ televisions manufactured by LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. 
 
BSkyB has also confirmed that it will launch a ‘pull’ video-on-demand service using the broadband capability in Sky+ HD boxes. Until now Sky has only been able to offer ‘push’ Video on Demand services such as the Sky Anytime service and the Sky+ personal video recorder.
The new ‘pull’ service aims to broaden consumer choice by allowing programmes to be watched on-demand in the way other services such as on cable operator Virgin Media‘s TV plartform that offers extensive libraries of shows.

Said Sky‘s customer group managing director Brian Sullivan, "3D is a genuinely ‘seeing is believing‘ experience and 1 October we will make our HD boxes work even harder for customers by launching Europe‘s first 3D TV channel."