3D TV launches in UK

Viewers can now watch programmes in 3D...

13:45 30 September 2010

This year's biggest technology craze is about to hit UK TV screens this weekend with the launch of Sky 3D.

Though beginning its life early on in the development of TV, 3D has progressed massively since John Logie Baird first demonstrated it in 1928. Now, after years of tests under many formats, the technology comes to our homes.

Those who already have a 3D TV and Sky+ HD or Sky World HD will be able to watch their favourite programmes, films and sports events whilst enjoying the phenomenon that has graced cinema screens over the past year.

Gone are the days of the green and red cellophane glasses and in their place are pairs of ultra modern passive or active glasses, dependant on your TV set.

The passive glasses are much like those you would find at the cinema now; sleek and easy to wear, they look like normal specs and can be worn in the sun.

The active glasses are a little more tech-savy; they are battery-powered and block each eye in rapid-fire to move with information shown on the screen. They stand as the source of the 3D output.

Sky had previously offered football fans the chance to watch their favourite sport in 3D in allocated pubs across the country. Fans would be given the glasses to wear as they sat and drank beer, whilst cheering on their team.

Now, the company is offering its subscribers the chance to watch everything in 3D. Over the weekend, viewers can watch the start of the Ryder Cup whilst also enjoying the delights of Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

Horror fans can also catch My Bloody Valentine, which came out at the cinemas earlier this year.