Sky to expand 3D channel on October 1 (1 Viewer)

Sky has confirmed that its new 3D channel will become available to residential subscribers on October 1, after the service launched to pubs and clubs in April.

The Sky 3D channel will be offered at no extra charge to Sky's top-tier customers on the HD pack. It will work on all existing Sky+ HD set top boxes, but users will first have to buy a new 3D-ready TV set.

Sky 3D will be compatible with all 3D TVs produced by Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic as well as supporting both 'active' and 'passive' 3D technology formats.

On the launch weekend, Sky 3D will carry coverage of the Ryder Cup from Celtic Manor as the European team take on the US. The channel will also air 3D versions of animated films Bolt and Monster vs Aliens.

Sky has agreed deals with Disney, Fox, Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount and DreamWorks to showcase all of the studios' new 3D films.

In the run-up to Christmas, the Sky 3D channel will air a number of movies, including Alice In Wonderland, Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Coraline, Fly Me To The Moon, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince and My Bloody Valentine.

Sky 3D will also broadcast a range of live sport, including selected matches from the new Premier League football season. Entertainment and arts shows in 3D will be "announced closer to the service's launch".

"As with high definition, 3D is set to transform the way TV is enjoyed in homes nationwide," said Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch.

"Following hot on the heels of the success of 3D cinema, Sky customers will now be the first anywhere in Europe to experience 3D TV from the comfort of their living rooms.

"They can look forward to a fantastic mix of live sport, blockbuster movies, and innovative entertainment and arts shows."

Also today, Sky filmed a Bollywood dance routine at St. Pancras Station in 3D as part of a partnership between Sky Arts and the English National Ballet.

I tested one of the first 3DTV systems for a magazine I used to publish. When watching in 3D mode I had to sit about twice as close as usual to the TV screen and turn the contrast right up to compensate for the darkening effect of the glasses. Even with a genuine 3D picture source the effect was only really convincing about a third of the time. It wasn't possible to do things I would normally do in front of the TV such as drink coffee or eat sandwiches.

I strongly advise anyone thinking of buying a 3DTV to try it in their own home first for an extended period and not be fooled by a quick showroom demonstration into thinking it's going to look that way most of the time.