Sky 3D to launch October 1

BSkyB has confirmed that Europe’s first 3D channel will make its consumer debut on Friday October 1. Transmitted in the side by side format, Sky 3D will offer viewers a line-up of sport, movies, entertainment and the arts.

Sky 3D is compatible with all of the 3D TVs being introduced by Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, and works with both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ 3D formats.

“As with HD, 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,” said Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch. “They can look forward to a fantastic mix of live sport, blockbuster movies, and innovative entertainment and arts shows.”

This year’s Ryder Cup from Celtic Manor will be carried in 3D across three days as Europe takes on the US in the most anticipated golfing event of the year.

Two of the biggest grossing 3D films to date, Bolt and Monster vs. Aliens, will make their 3D debut. A number of other movie titles will be shown in the run up to Christmas including 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. Agreement has been reached with major Hollywood studios Disney, Fox, Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount and DreamWorks to screen their 3D content.

Sky 3D will also continue to show live Premier League football, the mainstay of the 3D pubs channel that launched on Easter Saturday, with further announcements on entertainment and arts content due in the run up to the launch.

All Sky+ HD viewers with a 3DTV will be able to receive Sky 3D, as no set-top box upgrade is required. There is no additional fee to customers on the top tier already paying £51 (€61.2) per month for the satcaster’s Movies, Sports, Entertainment and HD Packs.