Advanced Television

Nationwide 3D TV trial in Singapore

April 16, 2010

From Colin Mann in Cannes

Singapore is set to be the first country in the world to have a nationwide 3D TV trial. To be carried out this year, it will involve the major broadcasters and telcos and be conducted across free-to-air television, cable, IPTV, and online.

The plans were revealed by Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) chief information officer Yeo Chun Cheng at MIPTV 2010. The MDA is considering several dates to launch the 3D trial, which could last anywhere from one to six months.

Yeo, who is also director of broadcast and music, explained that similar to the high definition (HD) TV trial carried out four years ago, where the MDA latched on to the Fifa World Cup, they will be looking to tie the 3D trial to a big event. But it would probably not be ready for the World Cup in June.

“The month of August might be an interesting date,” he suggested. “There is the National Day Parade and the F1 grand prix. We will settle the date when the broadcasters are ready.”

Yeo said the 3D TV trial might be bigger in scope than the HD trial, and might involve an online platform with the completion of the Next Generation National Broadband Network. This fibre connection will be rolled out fully in 2012. There might also be future plans for a mobile 3D trial, he added.

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