Caution Urged Over 3D TV

  • 3D format may not be available in some areas
  • Retailers will have to be careful when marketing 3D TVs
  • Check if you have a signal first

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) today urged consumers to be cautious if considering buying a 3D television set to watch the ARL and NRL grand finals.

Both are concerned about marketing by some retailers that encourages consumers to buy a 3D television to watch the grand finals when some customers may be living in areas where the 3D format is unavailable. The AFL and NRL grand finals will only be broadcast in 3D in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth.

The ACCC is concerned that the retailers' marketing may be false or misleading and may breach the Trade Practices Act 1974 if the 3D broadcasts cannot be received in the customer's area.

"Before consumers buy a 3D television to watch the football grand finals, they should double-check with a special 3D TV viewer hotline set up by the trial broadcasters to ensure they are within the transmission area," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

"3D TV is an emerging technology with a range of issues under consideration, including policy and consumer protection issues, and the future of temporary trials," said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman. "Vacant spectrum being used for these trials is only available on a temporary basis and the technical standards for 3D TV are still evolving. The ACMA has released a discussion paper concerning 3D TV."

Most viewers in the six locations, with access to a 3D-ready digital television set, will be able to watch the live broadcast of the grand finals in 3D through digital channel 40. But not all residents in these areas are guaranteed an adequate signal. People who live outside of these cities will not be able to watch the games in 3D, even with a 3D ready television.