Sky captures Usain Bolt in 3D

Posted by David Walker on Tue 19 May 2009

Is the 3D TV launch still coming this Christmas?

Sky is continuing to test its 3D recording technology, giving it a thorough working out in Manchester with that man of speed, Usain Bolt.

The fastest man on earth was captured in 3D by Sky running down a specially-created 150 metre track using five 3D camera rigs, each holding two of Sky's HD cameras. One of those rigs was mounted on a rail cam which tracked Usain stride-for-stride for the whole run - the first time this has ever been done. Where can you see it? Well, as we've not yet got 3D TV in our homes, Sky is planning to show the footage (presumably with other things to extend the 15-second running time) at Odeon cinemas later this year.

Sky was obviously pleased with how it went. According to Brian Lenz, Sky’s Head of Product Design and Innovation: 'It’s great for Sky to be involved in capturing another compelling piece of content in 3D, to add to the catalogue of events we’ve recorded so far – from Ricky Hatton’s Manchester Homecoming fight last May to a live 3D broadcast of Keane last month, and even the UK’s first 3D ballet. As part of our on-going research and development work, we’re continuing to assess how 3D can work across a range of events and programming genres.'

Indeed, Sky has recorded a variety of footage already on 3D, including the Keane gig Mr Lenz mentioned, which was transmitted over the air to a Hyundai 3D-ready TV via its satellite network and an existing Sky+HD set-top box. It showed how 3D was possible with 'just' a TV upgrade, although we're not convinced many would be willing to upgrade just yet, especially in the current economic climate.

Yet rumours persist that 3D TV could be with us in time for Christmas. Back in March, Sky's chief engineer, Chris Johns, said: 'Our aim is to refine 3D techniques and TV production and build a content library over the coming year', which hinted that the service could just sneak in at the back end of 2009. We suspect 2010 is a more likely date for launch, giving manufacturers more time to get some 3D TVs in the shops, ideally at a price we can all afford.

Link: Sky