Digital TV News

Freesat homes could get free 3D TV

Friday 23 April, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Free-to-view satellite TV provider Freesat looks set to follow in Sky’s 3D television footsteps after the company’s managing director revealed Freesat HD set-top boxes have 3D capability.

Consumers with Freesat, the subscription-free digital TV service from the BBC and ITV, may soon be able to watch the likes of Avatar and Alice in Wonderland in 3D from the comfort of their living rooms, if they have a Freesat HD set-top box and a compatible TV.

Just like rival satellite TV provider Sky’s high-definition set-top boxes, Freesat HD ready equipment has the built-in ability to handle 3D broadcasts, confirmed the company’s managing director, Emma Scott.

In an interview with TV blog Join Freesat, Scott said that Freesat HD homes would be able to get 3D broadcasts when the time comes.

“We worked hard to make sure that the first generation of receivers were as future proofed as possible - so the great news is that all HD Freesat receivers would be 3D compatible,” said Scott.

The UK’s first 3D TV sets went on sale in John Lewis stores last week, and now many production companies are keen to get their 3D TV content into British homes.

Sky is currently the only UK digital TV provider to offer a dedicated 3D channel, showing 3D football in selected pubs across the country. A consumer version of the channel will be launched later this year.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Following the box office success of films like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland, more and more people keen to watch TV in 3D.

“It’s great news that Freesat’s HD set-top boxes have the capability to broadcast 3D content, and means customers will have more choice when it comes to choosing a 3D TV provider.”