Sky has announced that it will be exploring the evolution of flight with a new 3D mini-series presented by David Attenborough.
‘Conquest of the Skies’ will be broadcast in three parts on Sky 3D and in 2D on Sky 1 HD this Christmas, utilising “ground-breaking 3D techniques and technology to tell the story of nature’s greatest aeronauts and the intricate engineering that has allowed them to conquer the skies.”
Through the use of new macro systems, super high-speed cameras and 3D octocopters, the series hopes to capture the story of animal flight in a way that has never been seen before.
“The story of evolutionary flight is one I’ve always wanted to tell in 3D,” said Attenborough. “It’s a wonderful subject and a very exciting project but technically it is a huge challenge, especially in 3D.”
However, following the withdrawal of 3D projects from major players in the industry last year, including the BBC and ESPN, a number of industry experts have argued that there are significant hurdles with 3D technology.
In a Newsline column, Research the Media’s Richard Marks said that there are difficulties with the public’s likely uptake of new tech and services – and determining what people will actually do as opposed to what they think they want.
“The biggest challenge isn’t whether 3DTV can regroup and come back with something better, but estimating public demand,” said Marks. “For that, research will need to be three dimensional and cut through what people say they want to what they will actually do.”
MediaTel columnist Raymond Snoddy expressed similar concerns, suggesting that 3DTV is on its last legs.
“It is difficult to be definitive about why 3D has not taken off in the way its promoters expected,” said Snoddy. “It’s probably a combination of small, rather human things.
“With movies, price could be a factor but it is also clear that many people do not like the visual experience and actively avoid it.
“With television, the glasses may not seem like a big deal but it’s probable that they are, however small the inconvenience may seem in rational terms.
“The fact that in most cases you have to sit in a particular spot to gain the maximum effect is also probably a factor.”
Since Sky ventured into the 3D market back in 2010, approximately 500,000 people have signed up for subscription packages that include its 3D offering, which Snoddy said must be “disappointing for a company that has been a successful innovator over many years.”
Sky 3D’s portfolio includes the Got To Dance Live Final, Kylie Minogue Live from the O2, Avatar and more than 150 live sports broadcasts.
