SBS to launch world’s first 3-D TV program series

With the rise of 3-D technology in the filming industry, SBS ― one of the nation’s leading television networks ― is scheduled to be the first terrestrial TV station in the world to broadcast regular weekly programs in 3-D, according to officials at the broadcasting station.

Starting Saturday, the network will be airing one of two programs each week ― the fourth season of “Knowledge Sharing Concert ― I Love People” and new program “The 3D” ― both of which are shot and made for 3-D screening.

The newly developed “The 3D” show will consist of a variety of different programs including popular dramas, special guest lectures by prominent local figures and even entertainment shows such as “Running Man” and “SBS Inkigayo.” The show will also feature specially filmed concert events with K-pop stars such as KARA and Girls’ Generation.

“We will air 3-D programs and commercials on a regular basis for the first time in the world as a terrestrial TV station based on our know-how in producing 3-D content,” said SBS officials. “TV viewers will be able to experience the vividness of the scenes hardly found in 2-D.”

Three-dimensional technology has been in development since the early 1800s, with the world’s first public 3-D movie “The Power of Loveaudience” being screened at the Astor Theater in New York City in 1922. Although the earliest capabilities of 3-D TV were demonstrated more than 80 years ago in 1928, the technology is still being development for modern users.

Although 3-D TVs have become one of the latest feats in television technology, 3-D television sets allow for only limited three-dimensional viewing capabilities as the shows being aired were originally filmed in 2-D. Therefore, SBS newest attempts regularly air programs made in 3-D may change the future of daily TV viewing.

However, unlike the movies where people strap on their 3-D glasses only for a short two hours to watch a particular flick, one of the biggest challenges of regular TV programming in 3-D is the requirement of having viewers having to wear the glasses in their homes seems to be a far more unappealing aspect.

The popular sports network ESPN, a U.S.-based global cable and satellite television channel, had been delving into the world of 3-D by hoping to offer its viewers channels where sports lovers could view games in three dimensions. However, the network has officially decided to discontinue its push for airing sporting events in 3-D by the end of this year, claiming that the complications outweigh the overall visual integrity of the games.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)