BSkyB is a step closer to providing stereoscopic 3D services and programmes after successfully demonstrating that its Sky+ HD infrastructure is 3D-ready.

The satellite broadcaster showed recorded 3D clips from Sky 1's Glad-iators and several sporting events to journalists earlier this week.

The demonstration used current HD infrastructure with MPEG4 compression, satellite transmission and HD+ boxes. The clips were pre-recorded, transmitted to the boxes via satellite and then shown on a Hyundai 3D Ready TV with viewers wearing polarised glasses.

Sky is working closely with manufacturers and production companies to develop services and is involved with standards bodies such as SMPTE and EBU.

Gerry O'Sullivan, Sky's director of strategic product development, said: “We are keen to be at the forefront of 3D technology and anticipate demand across all content sectors just as we have seen with HD - for which we now have more than 30 channels.”

Despite successful technical demos, O'Sullivan would not be drawn on when the company will launch 3D services. “There is a lot of work to do,” he said. “We have to ensure there is consumer demand and engage the content makers, although Sky genre producers have shown huge interest.”

3D-capable TV sets are not yet available on the UK high street but O'Sullivan believes a number of manufacturers will launch consumer products after the Las Vegas CES show in January.

Sky has already captured content in 3D including coverage of the Ricky Hatton versus Juan Lazcano boxing match in May. It was shot using different rigs - a mirrored rig for close-ups and a “side by side” for longer shots - both using Sony HD cameras.

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