Sky+ 3D and VOD
OK so show of hands: how many of you have a 3D TV? None? Not really surprising - as far as I'm aware, there aren't many floating about in the wild. Mind you, why the hell would you buy one? Not only would the new technology be prohibitively expensive, but there isn't exactly 3D content floating about. OK, so there's none, but why should that stop you?!
Well, if you're in the UK, then you might be in luck come 2010. BSkyB have announced that Sky+ HD subscribers will be getting their very own 3D channel in the new year when, the company claims, 3D televisions will be on sale. That is, I suppose, provided that the UK actually manages to get it's hands on some before the launch which, given that a number of companies decided not to release their products here (I'm looking at you Microsoft and Amazon), is not a certainty. So it may not be long before we're all sat around in stupid glasses with migraines wondering how we ever coped without Brad and Angelina in our living rooms in glorious 3D.
Personally, I'm more excited by the new VOD service Sky appear to be touting. At the moment, Sky+ subscribers have the sky "Anytime" feature where programmes, selected by Sky, are downloaded to your box for you to view at your leisure. Personally I think it's utter shite as the programmes are ALWAYS from a sky-owned channel and often include movies and programming that requires a subscription (which I don't have). Besides, if I wanted to see the programmes on there, I'd have set my Sky+ to record them. It makes very little sense to me.
What makes far more sense is a "pull" VOD service which allows for a much greater catalogue of programming and, if Sky are smart, should include programmes available on the BBC iPlayer, ITV player, 4OD and Sky's online VOD service, Sky player.
I'm not exactly sure how they're going to manage this service though. At the moment, Sky+ HD boxes don't connect to Wi-Fi or even a hard-wired broadband connection (which is baffling). All interactive and update services are through a dial-up connection. Are Sky going to host all the content and allow pulling via satellite? Or will I be waiting a couple of hours for the next episode of Spooks to download?
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