EBU: 3D TV won’t catch on
October 14, 2011
3D television will never catch on for regular TV programmes claims Ingrid Deltenre, Director General of the European Broadcasting Union.
Speaking to the Swiss press, Deltenre declared: “Members of the EBU, and programme producers are still in the phase of migration to high definition, they are not going to add 3D to their troubles.” She agreed that niche uses would characterise 3D TV, with video gaming, boxing, tennis or some studio-based shows in 3D. “When the enthusiasm of professionals was at its peak, a few months back, I was among the skeptics. In fact, I reserve my enthusiasm for ultra-high definition television”, she said.
Deltenre suggests that there is no need to accelerate experiments in 3D, despite upcoming transmission from the London Olympics; “on television, 3D will actually be reserved for special one-off events and broadcasts”.
She argued that 3D was currently “like a step backwards”, because viewers had to wear glasses and glasses-free sets had limited viewing angles.
While most 3D TVs are likely to be 3D ready next year, Deltenre said she believed TVs that can access the web and offer programming on demand will be more exciting for the public. “”Within months, interactive television has also supplanted 3D in people’s minds,” she said. “If the channel controllers are minimizing 3D and now prefer to talk about Smart TV, it is a sign.”