Technology Leap

Coinciding with the MEDIENTAGE MÜNCHEN, the starting signal will be given for a genuine revolution in the TV viewing experience: among other TV stations, Sky Germany is going to present exclusive sporting events, films, documentations and concerts on an own 3D channel. However, the TV broadcaster domiciled in the Free State of Bavaria is not the only trendsetter for the third dimension, as Bavarian film producers like Constantin Medien or platforms like Astra also make a contribution to ensure that flat images are turning into a thing of the past: the future belongs to 3D TV.

Already on 14 March 2010, Munich-based pay TV provider Sky Germany televised a Bundesliga soccer match in 3D. What was presented on this day to 120 invited guests including legendary football player Franz Beckenbauer is going to be launched on a regular operations basis in October 2010. Since the launch of colour TV in the year 1967, television in Germany has not changed essentially in technological terms. Within a few years
though, a number of innovations are now making sure that the TV viewing perception changes entirely. A »long-awaited innovation« in this context was the development of HD, the work on which has already been underway for around 15 years.
By contrast, 3D TV has come virtually out of nothing. Brian Sullivan, the CEO of Sky Germany, emphasises the significance that this sudden technological leap forward into the third dimension will have: »Already now, Sky telecasts in real HD offer the best programme in a breathtaking image quality. With our new HD 3D offer, we now take another step forward: in combination with our many-sided selection of exclusive sport, documentation and film programmes, we will be presenting a unique TV experience for the growing number of households with a 3D-compatible TV set – and that is only the beginning!« From January 2011 onwards, for instance, it will be possible to watch the top match of every Bundesliga matchday on Sky 3D.

»I am sure that, with HD 3D, we are now witnessing the beginning of a new era in TV technology.«

Soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer

3D all over the place

Commercial broadcaster SAT.1 from Unterföhring is also testing 3D coverage of soccer matches: already in March 2010, a Champions League match was captured by 3D cameras in the stadium, the resulting images then being transmitted to a lounge in Munich‘s Allianz Arena. Sven Froberg, head of the broadcaster‘s sport section, is convinced of the possibilities provided by the 3D technology: »The future belongs to 3D – and we are in a position already today to implement this standard.« Since 1 March, Unterföhring-based digital broadcaster Anixe HD is likewise transmitting a number of programme blocks in 3D. In addition, it has filed an application with the state media authorities for the new broadcasting licence »Anixe 3D«.
At ProSiebenSat.1, the persons responsible are still a little bit more cautious: »We find the issue of 3D TV very exciting«, says media spokeswoman Petra Fink. »Having watched for instance a soccer match in 3D, you will certainly be fascinated. However, comprehensive additional investment into new production equipment is still required for this purpose.«
The new technology also provides extensive impetus to the device and equipment manufacturers: Nuremberg-based device manufacturer Grundig presented its 3D TV models of the Fine Arts series. »To render possible an incomparable home cinema experience, we will equip our premium series with the 3D technology«, declares Akin Garzanli, Director Product Management & Quality at Grundig. »It is now clearly recognisable that the 3D technology will continue asserting itself in the market. In the course of this development, there will also be ever more 3D content.« The 3D effect of these devices is generated via active shutter glasses that alternately cover the left and the right eye. In combination with the 200 Hz technology, a judder-free and sharp three-dimensional image emerges.
Loewe from the Upper Franconian town of Kronach also presented its first 3D products at the IFA 2010. 3D television sets with full HD LCD technology and 3D-compatible blu-ray players aim to render possible a three-dimensional home cinema experience. In addition, the company offers another innovation: with a hard disk recorder integrated into the television set, the user is able to record and play back 3D content. Moreover, Loewe is also working intensively on new, glassless technologies, the so-called »autostereoscopy« – and this not only for practical, but also for financial reasons. »Today, the costs of 3D TV are largely caused by the 3D glasses and only to a smaller extent by the display«, emphasises Loewe spokesman Roland Raithel.

3D Initiative

In the meantime, the infrastructure has already been established: satellite operator SES Astra, whose German branch establishment is domiciled in Unterföhring, announced a new initiative in September for the introduction of 3D TV in Europe. Within the framework of this initiative, the industry agrees on the technical minimum requirements for the introduction of 3D and for 3D broadcasting. Participants include the most important European public service and private broadcasters as well as representatives of the entertainment electronics manufacturing industry. »We are very satisfied with the results of our initiative, which is a real leap forward towards the introduction of 3D TV in Europe«, rejoices Ferdinand Kayser, president and CEO of SES ASTRA. »Close collaboration with our customers, the broadcasting services, as well as with the entertainment electronics industry provides evidence once again that we succeed in bringing together the crucial players and press ahead with innovations in the area of transmission technologies. 3D will continue pushing the market for entertainment electronics and make sure that television retains its position as the number one entertainment medium.« The satellite operator also demonstrates this fact through its 3D demo channel, launched in May 2010. »It is proof of the leading position, which SES Astra holds as the driving force of innovation in the field of transmission technology «, Mr Kayser points out.

Shutter technology:

Simultaneous display of polarised images:

3D without glasses: