BSkyB has today announced that it will launch Europe's first 3D channel and a new video-on-demand service in 2010, both of which will be available to existing customers with Sky+HD set-top boxes.
The news follows record growth of Sky's HD service, with an average of 90 customers estimated to be signing up to Sky+HD each hour in 2009, resulting in a HD install base of 1.313 million users.
The next step in the Sky+HD journey, says Sky, is the launch of 3D programming that'll arrive on an exclusive 3D channel next year. Sky expects to broadcast movies, sport and general entertainment in 3D using its existing HD infrastructure. Although the channel will be available via current Sky+HD set-top boxers, viewers will require a 3D-ready TV - of which many are expected to hit retail in 2010.
Sky has recently demonstrated 3D broadcasts to members of the press, and both TV broadcasters and big-name movie studios appear to believe that 3D is the next logical evolution for digital video.
For viewers unconvinced by 3D technology, Sky has also announced that 2010 will also see the introduction of a new comprehensive video-on-demand (VOD) service. The service will make use of the broadband capability of existing Sky+HD boxes and is expected to compliment existing services such as Sky+ and Sky Anytime.
All sounds promising, but we're hoping 3D channels won't require an additional "3D Pack" charged at £10 per month.
