Eutelsat eyes 3DTV for Germany

Satellite operator Eutelsat wants to use the 3D showcase channel it has been offering on Eurobird 9A (9° East) since March 2009 to support the commercial deployment of three-dimensional television in Germany according to executive Martina Rutenbeck.

The company says it will approach hardware manufacturers, retailers, network operators and TV broadcasters and provide them with the 3D signal for demonstration purposes and hardware tests.

“We want to use the know-how we have accumulated in the past years about 3D technologies to actively accompany the 3DTV introduction in the coming years and open up new business models and offerings within the 3D value chain for our partners and customers,” said Rutenbeck, managing director of Eutelsat visAvision, at cable, satellite and broadband trade fair ANGA Cable in Cologne.

Through Eutelsat’s German direct-to-cable platform KabelKiosk network operators will be given the possibility of distributing the 3D demo channel. Retailers can use the service to showcase 3D live to customers in their local shops while hardware manufacturers can carry out technical tests in collaboration with Eutelsat. TV broadcasters can use the channel to transmit selected 3D events.

The channel, which is available free-to-air on the frequency 11,747 GHz H (SR 27,500, FEC 3/4), offers 3D content of various genres such as sports, music, concerts and live events.

By Jörn Krieger, Rapid TV News