Is 3D The Next Big Thing?

With the recent wave of 3D offerings in cinemas, many are wondering – is 3D here to stay? This question, as well as other issues related to 3D content and technology, was discussed during a MIPTV conference “3D TV: 2010, the Breakthrough Year”.

Mr Yeo Chun Cheng, Director (Broadcast & Music), Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), was part of an international panel of media experts to give their views. Mr Yeo revealed that Singapore will soon conduct a major 3D trial involving key broadcasters, manufacturers and households.

During the session, other panelists gave an insight into what their respective companies were doing. Mr Gary Donnan, Senior Vice President, Research & Innovation, Technicolor, said that 3D would make a successful transition to television. Mr Brian Lenz, Director of Product Design and TV Product Development, BSkyB, UK revealed that Sky’s 3D TV Channel would launch a slate of 3D channels, including movies.

Turning to content, the panel wondered if certain content was more naturally suited to 3D. Some felt that natural history programmes made ideal candidates for 3D while others felt that artistic performances such as ballets were stunning in 3D.

MDA’s Mr Yeo noted that sports would be a key piece of any 3D content strategy, together with games and factual content.

In a separate conference “3D Production”, Mr Kenneth Tan, Director (Film, Animation & Publishing), MDA, spoke about Singapore’s venture into 3D and its push to become a state-of-the-art stereoscopic 3D hub.

This year, MDA and IE Singapore are leading the largest-ever contingent of 15 local media companies under the Singapore Pavilion. The delegation is showcasing Singapore content and promoting, for international sale and distribution, more than 224 hours of High Definition (HD) programming across animation, factual, lifestyle and drama genres.

One of the main attractions at the Singapore Pavilion is the glasses-free 3D demo, which uses content created by Singapore's Tiny Island Productions to display dazzling stereoscopic images.

The Singapore Pavilion is located at 05.20-07.19.

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