The DVB’s technical work on a first 3DTV standard for governing signals and captions is to be completed by November.

Described as a ‘level one’ standard, it is based around the use of an existing set-top box, will specify the delivery of left and right images and uses a spatial multiplex system to signal what each HDTV frame contains.

DVB-3DTV commercial module chairman David Wood told the IBC Daily: “We turned to a level one system where you must use an existing HD set-top box. Companies like Sky wanted to make use of their existing parks of set-top boxes. You keep your customers, but they have to buy a new display.”

A second level standard based around a full bandwidth system for both eyes that presumes a new STB and backward compatibility with 2D is also in the offing.

Topics