3D TV channel coming to UK next year, 3D-ready set and glasses required
by Ross Miller 
posted Jul 30th 2009 at 11:01PM
BSkyB posts
Sky brings home live 3D broadcast over a standard satellite set-top box
by Richard Lawler posted Apr 3rd 2009 at 1:19PM
The UK set a few new high water marks for 3D as a part of its push to 2012 last night as Sky broadcast an Abbey Road concert by Keane in 3D live out over the Internet in anaglyph 3D, as well as a higher quality polarized version to a movie theater and a 46-inch 3D HDTV over a standard satellite box. Confirming earlier tests, it looks like the UK is ready to step up and join Japan in 3D broadcasting, the next question is when will the standards jostling result in any progress over here?Sky suggests UK homes could see 3D TV by the end of the year
by Donald Melanson posted Mar 9th 2009 at 5:12PM
Sky has already successfully tested its 3D broadcasting capabilities, and hinted that the 2012 London Olympics could be comin' at ya like never before, but it now looks like the broadcaster could be set to roll out the service even sooner than many expected. According to Sky's Chief Engineer Chris Johns, Sky now has the "capability for homes to see 3D by year-end," although he unsurprisingly didn't offer any firm timeline for an actual rollout, or even a confirmation of the exact type of 3D system that'd be used, saying simply that they're continuing to test different systems and that he envisions it to be "glasses-based in some form." He also added that Sky is focused on building a content library "over the coming year," so that would seem to suggest that an actual launch would come very near the end of the year, if not later.[Via Register Hardware, thanks SK]
Sky to launch seven new HD channels in the UK
by Darren Murph posted Aug 20th 2008 at 6:07PM
Simmer down, UKers -- it's not nearly as good as it sounds. Sure, seven HD channels is seven HD channels, but aside from Real Lives HD, you'll be getting six channels of (mostly) the same stuff. Reportedly, the half dozen other high-def additions will simply "bolster Sky Movies," offering viewers the ability to watch horror, sci-fi, action, family, comedy and other genres by simply flipping the station. We suppose it's a good sign to see Sky ramping up its Sky+ HD lineup, but can we get a little more variety the next time you folks get the itch to expand?[Thanks, Adam]
30% failure rate for BSkyB set-top HDTV boxes?
by Richard Lawler posted Jul 3rd 2006 at 12:09AM
We've got some experience with glitchy HDTV/DVR set top boxes, but it looks like things are even worse over on the other side of the pond. With almost all their HD customers only recently buying sets for the world cup, many are using the digital connections and experiencing a lot of problems like picture and sound dropouts. Specifically cited is the implementation of HDCP, as many have been able to get around the problems by switching to analog connectors.Of course this doesn't do much for customers expecting a sharper picture out of their digital hookup or maybe have spent a lot of money on a digital cable they can't use, but SkyHD and even some TV manufacturers may have to update their software for this to be fixed.Glitch ridden high-def rollouts are becoming all too common, particularly for the "lucky" few who were able to get their service installed prior to the World Cup, but this may explain why some service providers are so unwilling to even enable the HDMI or DVI outputs on their boxes. If it doesn't work, there is a resulting shifting of blame between the provider and TV manufacturer while the customer's problem continues. Same problem with rolling out CableCard, neither side wants to take responsibility for making it work if there's a problem.
SkyHD is (almost) open for business
by Richard Lawler posted Mar 24th 2006 at 3:47PM
For our UK readers, you can finally pre-order high definition service from Sky. A quick rundown:- Launch in May
- £299 to buy the box
- £10 per month subscription fee
