More Trials For 3D TV

With the current tranche of 3D television trials having ended, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is now considering applications for a further tranche of short-term free-to-air trials and more generally expects to release a paper in the next few months on the future of 3D trials.

With the current tranche of 3D television trials having ended, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is now considering applications for a further tranche of short-term free-to-air trials and more generally expects to release a paper in the next few months on the future of 3D trials.

The paper will address the likely demand for spectrum to further experiment with and test 3D technology. The paper will also address international developments in the standardisation of consumer equipment, as technical standards for 3D TV receivers have not yet been established.

In May, the Nine Network, SBS and WIN sought ACMA authorisation for temporary trials of 3D TV in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The ACMA authorised trials for only a limited, two-month period, from 19 May to 19 July. This allowed the authorisation of transmission in 3D of the State of Origin series and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

When announcing the licensing arrangements, the ACMA said that while it supported broadcasters developing new broadcasting technologies, the trials would be using unutilised digital television channels that were only available on a temporary basis. Broadcasters were required to provide the ACMA with reports on the outcomes of those trials and the ACMA will publish the reports soon.