Third Magazine

UK’s Channel 4 goes 3D!

Posted on 12. Nov, 2009 by "Mitch" in Cable, Industry

Channel 4 in the UK will be using a ColorCode system for its new 3D-TV channel. That system “uses a blue-amber filter, and claims to be an improvement over older red/green anaglyphic lenses”. Rapid TV News has more information as well as information on the programming plans. Here is a bit more about what is required, without mention of TV refresh rates but an obvious preference for a digital TV.

The 3-D effect will work best when viewed in a dark room, so turn down the lights, put on your ColorCode 3-D glasses  - available from Sainsbury’s – sit back and enjoy the experience. It is also best not to sit too near your TV or too far to the side as this can distort the image that you see – so try and watch from a central position and be at least 1.5 metres away from the screen.

3-D works best on a digitally broadcast TV signal which means TV received by a digital set-top box like cable, Sky or Freeview. It does work on analogue but the 3-D effect won’t be as strong.

Your TV needs to be set to 16:9 format for the best effect. If you have a set-top box this also has to be set to 16:9 format to make sure you get as good a 3-D experience as possible.  The 3-D effect also works better when your TV is set to a neutral colour setting, usually called the “Neutral” or “Cinema” setting. You should be able to change all of these settings through the TV’s and the set-top box’s settings. It’s not difficult, and will really make the 3D experience much more enjoyable so give it a go!

If this all sounds a bit much, then just do two things.  Turn down your lights and make your TV 16:9.

The first time you try, it might take a while for your eyes to get used to it, so just be patient and give it a good 30-60 seconds to let your eyes become accustomed to the third dimension.

Tags: 3D TV, Channel 4