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How do I get Sky 3D TV?

Our digital TV expert says...

Hello Laurence, thanks for your enquiry about 3D TV. Sky’s 3D TV channel will be available in homes around the UK from 1 October. If you’re a Sky World HD customer with a 3D ready TV, you’ll be able to experience a completely new way of viewing sports, films and TV entertainment in incredible 3D - without having to fork out for a trip to the cinema.

I’ve pulled together all the information you need to get your 3D TV system up and running, so you can watch the likes of Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3 all from the comfort of your living room. Read more below…

Video: Quick guide to 3D TV

Sky 3D TV

If you’re an existing Sky (www.sky.co.uk) subscriber, you’re already well on your way to getting 3D TV in your home.

You’ll need to make sure you have a Sky+HD set-top box - which are already 3D compatible. The standard Sky and the Sky+ boxes are not 3D ready, so if you have one of these, you’ll need to upgrade to Sky+HD.

To watch the 3D channel you’ll also need a 3D ready TV - there’s more information about those below.

If you’re a Sky World HD customer with a subscription to all the Sky viewing packs and the premium channels, and you have a 3D TV, then you’re all set to experience Sky 3D. The Sky 3D channel will be available to you at no extra cost, all you have to do is plug your 3D TV into your Sky+HD box and put on your 3D glasses.

If you haven’t got a subscription with Sky yet but want to get Sky 3D in your home, visit www.sky.co.uk to find out more and sign-up online. Sky World HD subscriptions start from £61 a month.

What can I watch in 3D?

When Sky 3D initially launches, you’ll be able to watch three days of live Ryder Cup coverage and two 3D films, Bolt and Monsters vs Aliens.

Other movies lined up to feature on the channel, as it expands its offering in the run-up to Christmas include:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
• Coraline
• Fly Me To The Moon
• My Bloody Valentine
• Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

The Premier League will also be shown from launch, along with other live sports, including darts and cricket.

And Sky Arts 3D is partnering with the English National Ballet to add some high culture to the line-up.

Whatever you choose to watch on Sky 3D, the pictures will be so realistic you’ll feel like you’re really there. Watching the ballet will feel as if you’re on stage, watching a match will be like you’re actually at the stadium, and watching a movie will make you feel part of the action.

Buying a 3D TV

You will need to buy a fully 3D capable TV to watch Sky’s new dedicated 3D channel. Sky says the channel will be compatible with all 3D ready TVs available in the UK and Ireland from major manufacturers such as LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. These range in price from about £1,000 to £6,000, and can now be purchased from retailers such as John Lewis, Argos and Currys.

3D ready TVs come in two different formats - active and passive. Sky says its 3D channel works with both formats. However, you’ll also need to wear 3D glasses with both types.

All the major TV manufacturers are launching both active and passive models so check them both out and choose the one that works best for you. Speak to a sales rep and ask about optimum viewing distances too - you don’t want to buy a TV which is either too big or too small for your front room.

Should I buy a 3D TV now?

Here’s the big question - is now really the time for buying a 3D TV? Because all the new 3D ready TVs on the market are also fully HD ready, you will still be able to watch all of the great high-definition (HD) content that’s available through Sky, on the same TV you watch to enjoy Sky 3D. So if you haven’t yet upgraded to HD, it may be worth buying a 3D TV instead.

That said, the 3D content available through Sky will be limited for a while - and no other suppliers have plans for a rival 3D channel yet. 3D TVs are also still quite expensive - through dropping in price. My advice would be to wait until the pre-Christmas or January sales, and see if you can pick up a 3D TV set for less. By which time, more content will be available on the Sky 3D channel.

I hope this helps you gain a better understanding of Sky’s 3D channel Laurence, and if you take the plunge and buy a 3D TV set, be sure to let us know your views.

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