The BBC is remaining cautious about the introduction of 3D TV, with only very limited plans to produce any 3D content in the near future.
In the latest update to its technology strategy, the BBC says that much of the current hype around 3D has come from movies and Blu-ray rather than TV, reiterating that the corporation will not invest in 3D programming at the present time, though it will continue to investigate the technology through limited trials. This year’s Wimbledon tennis championships, for instance, will be filmed in 3D, though the process will be backed by Sony.
The report says: “There is no standardisation of the technologies for acquisition, post production, contribution or distribution of Stereoscopic 3D. This approach is likely to suit a smaller but better funded number of players in the movie industry. Within the broader, more diverse and often less well funded television making community a lack of standardisation would be a more significant issue; not just for S3D as a format but also in financial terms for the producers and commissioning broadcasters.”
The BBC says its current 3D strategy will likely last until mid-2012, by which time either a full 3D strategy will be in place, or current 3D standards will have failed to deliver.
BBC HD is however “business as usual” with the corporation’s exclusive support for full HD 1080p as well as surround sound continuing. The BBC plans to work with other UK broadcasters to produce common delivery standards for file-based HD programmes. Only those platforms capable of meeting a minimum standard will receive HD branding.