3D TV channels to pass 100 by 2014
16 Mar 11 -

There will be over 100 3D TV channels globally by 2014, according to a report by research group In-Stat.

According to In-Stat, further 3D channels will be launched in North America, Europe and Asia, while service providers that have launched 3D video-on-demand services are expected also to launch linear channels. Sports, movies, documentary and music channels are likely to be predominant initially. The largest number of channels is currently available in Europe, where pay TV providers have played a significant role in pushing the format.

"Pay TV providers around the globe who have HD systems in place have jumped on the 3D content being made available to them at a faster rate than many had expected," said Michelle Abraham, principal analyst. "Many took advantage of the World Cup 3D coverage to test transmission of 3D over their networks, and some of them have now launched transmission of regular 3D TV channels. The competitive nature of pay TV ensures that once one pay TV distributor in a country is offering 3D, the others need to be fast followers unless they want to lose their top-tier customers."