Cable Firms Look to Deliver 3D TV to Homes

By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter

The technology world is betting that stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) television will be the next home entertainment blockbuster, and this has television broadcasters accelerating their moves to deliver 3D programs to viewers.

Leading the pack are cable television operators CJ HelloVision and HCN; both plan to start trial 3D broadcasts sometime during the latter half of the year, while offering a sneak preview of their preparations at the ``Digital Cable Show 2010'' trade fair in March.

The government-led 3D broadcasting initiative is managed by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), which will also push national television networks and satellite broadcasters to participate, with the earliest trial services expected in October.

Garnering most of the attention are the national networks, which are shouldering government hopes to make Korea the world's first country to enable terrestrial 3D televisions in full high-definition (HD) format.

Satellite broadcaster, Sky Life, was the first out of the gate in 3D broadcasting, having operated its 3D trial programs on its ``Sky 3D'' channel since Jan. 1.

Cable television networks, however, are convinced they can give the strongest impression to viewers by taking advantage of their current HD channels and wealth in content.

``Cable operators were the first to commit to 3D TV and the Digital Cable Show will be a critical event in marking how far we have come,'' said a representative from the Korean Cable Television Association (KCTA).

The trade event will open with a lavish 3D video presentation during the opening ceremonies, the KCTA said, and 3D programs will also be the central theme in the display booths.

CJ HelloVision has been providing 3D video-on-demand (VOD) services to 350 households in Seoul and Busan since October last year, which the company is using to test 3D broadcasting technologies and project market potential before it expands the service to its regular programming under the government-led trial program.

Competing cable operator HCN says it is also preparing to debut its 3D broadcasts under the government-led plan.

``We are expecting nothing less than full-HD 3D broadcasting. The technology is already there, although the content front needs to catch up,'' said an HCN spokesman.

With 3D television projected as the next big thing, consumer electronics makers and broadcasters around the world are competing to leap on the bandwagon.

Electronics giants Samsung, LG and Sony displayed their latest 3D compatible liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions at the recent International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Innovations are also expected on the broadcasting front. Sony plans to dispatch a slew of 3D cameras to the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches in South Africa with plans to produce up to 25 games in 3D.

Chip giant Intel is also collaborating with companies to test 3D formats during commercials for February's Super Bowl, the National Football League championship game, the biggest annual sporting event in the United States.

thkim@koreatimes.co.kr

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