Sky to offer 3DTV to pubs first

BSkyB will offer 3DTV to pubs before it is released to the domestic market next year.

Sky Business’s managing director Iain Holden told The Publican that 3D would go to pubs first, giving them a period of exclusivity ahead of other subscribers.

However, he said that given the experimental nature of the technology he was unable to give an exact launch date.

Although Sky HD boxes in pubs will not need to be upgraded to show 3DTV, it is likely that there will be an extra charge for the service, with new screens also needed to show it.

Sky is set to film selected sporting events are set to be filmed live in 3D next year specifically for pub screenings.

Sky said: “We are still working through our research and development activity and have much to learn about live production but should we be able to realise our ambition of broadcasting live sport in 3D, our initial service roll out will be to pubs and clubs.

“Our most loyal commercial customers will be able to offer this experience to their customers exclusively while we work on developing services for our residential customers which will launch at a later date.”