Jupiter Bows Japan's First 3D TV Service

Japan's largest cabler Jupiter Telecommunications will launch 3D broadcasts in April, company sources have revealed. The move is a first for the Japanese broadcast biz. The 3D services will be on-demand, featuring pics, sports, music and other programming, both foreign and domestic. Various sources will supply the content, including pic distribs and specialized channels.

The Sky Perfectv communication satellite platform is also reportedly planning to start 3D services this summer. The moves to 3D by both Jupiter and Sky Perfectv, with their large subscriber bases and nationwide reach, are expected to spur sales of 3D sets. As of the end of December 2009, Jupiter had 3,274,800 subscribers for a 3.4% gain from the previous year. In addition to cable, it provides broadband and telephony services.

By Mark Schilling, Variety