TV MANUFACTURERS BACK SKY'S 3D SERVICE

LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony have all revealed plans to support Sky's forthcoming 3D channel in the UK and Ireland with a range of new 3D-ready TV sets.

Last July, Sky pledged to launch the UK's first ever 3D channel at some point this year to carry specially-produced movies, along with arts, entertainment and sports content. As the service will run over Sky's existing HD infrastructure, around 1.6 million Sky+ HD customers in the UK and Ireland will be able to access it by upgrading to a 3D TV set.

"Our HD customers already have a 3D capable set top box, so if they are interested in experiencing TV in a third dimension, the good news is that they'll have a range of 3D-ready TVs to choose from," said Sky's director of product design & TV product development, Brian Lenz.

"This is a great example of Sky and TV manufacturers taking the initiative to ensure there is no confusion over formats. By working together with set manufacturers, we want to provide a hassle free way for consumers to enjoy 3D TV."

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony showcased new 3D-ready TV models to launch in the UK and Ireland this year. South Korean firm LG has even set the ambitious target of selling 400,000 3D TV sets around the world in 2010, rising to 3.4 million in 2011.

"No-one can escape the buzz and excitement around 3D. We're witnessing the start of dramatic change in how we view TV - the dawn of a new dimension," said LG head of marketing for home entertainment Stephen Gater.

"This year will see LG's first 3D-ready TVs hit the market - and through Sky's clear commitment to 3D broadcasting, 3D in the home is set to become a reality. Here at LG we're really looking forward to being a key player in driving the evolution of this technology and giving families a more dramatic, immersive home entertainment experience."

Samsung launched its first 3D plasma TV model in 2008 and has continued to develop consumer electronics products to capitalise on the emerging entertainment technology. Rob Shaw, the firm's general manager of CTV & HP, said that creating 3D TV sets for the UK and Ireland market remains a "key focus" for the company.

"In 2010 we will offer 3D-ready capability in all our TV screen technologies, including LED, LCD & PDP," he said.

"Our televisions offer incredible picture quality and choice, and coupled with the forthcoming Sky 3D TV service, Samsung customers can look forward to a truly immersive viewing experience."

Panasonic marketing director Andrew Denham also pledged to support Sky's 3D channel in 2010 with 3D-ready models from the firm's Viera plasma range. Denham explained that the sets will incorporate "high precision active shutter glasses for an unparalleled viewing experience".

He added: "Plasma technologies have excellent video response which delivers an immersive, movie-theatre-like experience where viewers can feel as if they were part of the action.''

Sony president of home entertainment business group, Yoshihisa Ishida, also confirmed plans to launch 3D compatible models from the company's Bravia LCD TV range.

"To grow the 3D home entertainment market it's imperative that the industry offers consumers as much attractive 3D content as possible," he said..

However, Sony Electronics chief marketing officer Mike Fasulo recently predicted that an "explosion" in demand for 3D home entertainment products would not happen until 2012, despite growing interest in the technology.

MGM HD CHANNEL LAUNCHES ON SKY

MGM Studios has launched a new high definition movies channel on Sky, which is the result of a joint venture agreement between the two firms.

Titled MGM HD, the new station will carry a 24/7 schedule of fully re-mastered movies from the studio's around 4,000-strong film archive. Available now at position 345 on the Sky EPG, the channel also marks MGM's first ever branded TV offering in the UK.

MGM HD, which is jointly owned by Sky and MGM, becomes the 37th HD channel available on the satellite platform and the 10th HD station in the Sky Movies section.

To access the channel, Sky subscribers will need to receive the Dual Movies and HD pack. However, it is also being offered on an a la carte basis at a monthly rate.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Sky on MGM's first branded channel to launch in the UK.. As it truly is the best way to experience feature films, MGM anticipated the popularity of high definition and has been committed to re-mastering many of the great MGM movies in HD for some time," said MGM Worldwide Networks president Bruce Tuchman.

"MGM has the world's largest modern film library, packed with great blockbuster titles and renowned classics alike. Now, thanks to Sky, we can deliver all of that quality entertainment content in HD."

Sky chief operating officer Mike Darcey added: "This new joint venture demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality HD content for our customers. Offering a range of classic MGM movies, some for the very first time, this new channel joins an already impressive HD movie offering on Sky. It also means that customers can enjoy more classic movies the way they deserved to be seen, in stunning HD."