'No plans' for BBC 3D channel

On the day the Corporation will make its first 3D broadcasts with the Wimbledon finals, the BBC has confirmed it will conduct experiments with 3D but has no plans to launch a dedicated channel.
The BBC will conduct up to six experiments with 3D broadcasting each year, but has no plans for a dedicated 3D channel, the Corporation has said.

Speaking as the BBC prepares for its first live 3D broadcast with today’s Wimbledon final, Danielle Nagler said that “The technologies on which the BBC should focus are the technology that have greater relevance for viewers. If 3D becomes important to viewers, it’s something the BBC should do but if it’s a gimmick I’d question whether it’s the right thing for the BBC”.

Ms Nagler, the Corporation’s head of HD and 3D, said that science fiction and natural history could be ideal candidates for the new technology. But she added that 3D, which requires users to own a special TV set that currently costs significantly extra, was not yet in the mainstream. “We can lead the way in terms of making it accessible and others can decide if they want to follow,” she said.

John Lewis claimed a 38 per cent rise in 3DTV sales in the run-up to Wimbledon, but Ms Nagler said the latest figures suggested there were still fewer than 200,000 active viewers for the platform.

“HD is a technology which applies across television – it brings you more of the picture being filmed,” she said. “3D currently has more in common with CGI – it’s a very useful tool for people who are making programmes. In these times of austerity, I’d question whether putting money into 3D is an ideal use of licence fee-payers money.”Today’s Wimbledon broadcasts, via the BBC HD channel, are costing a negligible amount to the Corporation because of a partnership with Sony, she said.
The BBC will use the experiments to gauge viewer interest in 3D. “We should be very selective about what we try and either it should really add something or we should feel that it can really add to the audience enjoyment,” Ms Nagler said. “Personally I can’t see 3D becoming mainstream as a channel, it’s about appropriate content.”