In anticipation of the launch of Sky 3D, scheduled for 1st October, Simplifydigital have published a complete complete guide to Sky 3D, including what you’ll need and how to get it in time for launch on October 1st.
Sky customers with a 3D-ready TV, Sky+HD and Sky World subscription have everything the need already to watch Sky 3D programmes at launch.
To help with some of the most common questions, we’ve pulled together a simple FAQ with the help of Sky 3D:
Will Sky+HD boxes be compatible with the new 3D ready TVs?
- LG, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung are all launching 3D TVs this year, and Sky 3D will be compatible with all of them. All 3D ready TVs will be HD ready too, so when you’re not watching 3D you can enjoy HD. LG is Sky’s first choice for 3D TVs.
How much does a 3D ready TV cost?
- Sky research shows that 3D TVs are currently available from £1,499 (not inc. cost of 3D glasses).
When does the Sky 3D channel launch?
- The full Sky 3D channel will launch on 1 October 2010.
What do I need to view Sky’s 3D channel?
- You will need a Sky+HD box, a Sky World subscription with the HD Pack, a 3D TV and glasses.
Will I have to pay more for the Sky 3D channel?
- Customers with a Sky World subscription, the HD Pack, a Sky+HD box and a 3D ready TV will be able to access the channel at no extra cost.
How are 3D images broadcast?
- Sky 3D is broadcast using a normal HD broadcast channel, over existing Sky infrastructure, which means you can enjoy Sky 3D using your Sky+HD box, provided you have a 3D ready TV and glasses.
How are 3D images viewed?
- There are 2 different 3D TV technologies coming to market now – Active and Passive.
- Passive uses polarized screens and projects both the left and right images on to the screen at the same time. Then a special filter on the glass polarizes the left and right images differently, and your 3D glasses use a different left and right lens to filter the correct image to each eye. Your brain does the rest.
- Active uses shutter glasses, alternately ‘blocking’ one eye and then the other in sync with the TV, which alternates left and right images on the screen at a very high rate (usually a minimum of 50 frames per eye per second). This is fast enough for the brain to see no gaps, and take the 2 different views from left and right eyes, merging them into an image with depth.
- The best way to choose the one that suits you is to go to your local retailer and take a look.
Read the full guide from Simplifydigital