SES Astra, a subsidiary of SES , today announced a new initiative to support the introduction of 3D TV. The Group explained that under this initiative, the industry has reached a common understanding on the minimum technical specifications related to the introduction of television and broadcast 3D. This initiative is supported by SES Astra and the major European broadcasters including state television and private organizations and by industry representatives from consumer electronics.
Initially, broadcasts will be made via 3D satellite is formatted side-by-side horizontal (1080i) or top-bottom format (720p), making them compatible with existing high-definition digital receivers. The formats side-by-side and top-bottom are transmission formats for 3D broadcasting satellite where two images will be placed horizontally or vertically on the frame. The presence of two images for the right eye and left eye is needed to create a stereoscopic 3D experience for the viewer. Services will be signposted Free 3D through mechanisms defined in relation to the standard Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) updated, which will allow the automatic transfer of the screen 2D to 3D and 3D to 2D.
Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES Astra, said: “We are very pleased with the results of our initiative represents an important step forward in the introduction of 3D TV in Europe. Working closely with our customers and distributors the field of consumer electronics, we prove once again our ability to gather key industry stakeholders to promote innovation in the field of broadcast technology. In our capacity as the first European satellite operator, we proud to participate in this development, which will become the new market driver of consumer electronics and television will keep its leading position among the entertainment media.