Orange 3D Available FTA on Hot Bird

Two 3D HD channels are currently broadcasting from the Hot Bird position at 13 degrees East, one of them transmitting free-to-air. Orange 3D TV has started broadcasting the Roland Garros tennis tournament in 3D and is available free-to-air within the Hot Bird footprint. Most modern satellite receivers will be able to process the signal, but for the complete 3D experience, a special 3D screen is necessary.

Alongside the Orange 3D signal, Eurosport 3D is also broadcasting on the same transponder with an encrypted signal. Eurosport 3D is also available on the Astra position at 19.2 degrees East and at the Eurobird position at 28.5 degrees East. The Eurosport feeds are destined for the showcases around Europe, which it has organised together with Panasonic. Retailers across the continent are showing the 3D pictures at specially selected places.

Both Eurosport 3D and Orange TV 3D are using the side-by-side version with a 1080i picture and 11 Mbps bit stream.

In a related development, private broadcaster TF1 said it will broadcast five World Cup football games in 3D including the opening game on June 11 th (South Africa – Mexico), the semi finals and the big final on July 11th. The broadcast will be made available to most platforms including fibre, satellite and IPTV.

By Robert Briel, Broadband TV News