Arqiva planning 3D tests

The company behind digital TV in the UK, Arqiva, is currently working on a test that would make 3D television services available to the UK’s terrestrial broadcasters.

Initially the testing would take place using a closed user group, possibly in London, although Arqiva has yet to apply to the regulator Ofcom for a Test & Development licence to broadcast 3D trial signals.

The likely candidate for a terrestrial 3D channel will be the BBC as it has the capacity and the funding to pay for such a service, should it become viable in the future.

At the moment, only the satellite broadcaster BSkyB has a purpose built 3D channel available, but with the lack of content, the chance of consumers rushing out to buy 3D Ready TVs is limited.