3D TV trials get green light: ACMA

By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Trials for the emerging technology will continue until the end of the year on so far unassigned digital channels, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today announced.

“Recent 3D TV trials have helped pioneer a new form of broadcasting in Australia and internationally. Providing appropriate safeguards are in place to protect consumers’ interests, the ACMA will continue to facilitate industry’s deployment of 3D TV and other evolving technologies in the period to the end of 2011,” said ACMA chairman, Chris Chapman in statement.

“The ACMA also decided that any further trials must be of a short duration, and broadcasters will be required to give the ACMA undertakings on measures that will assist consumers to understand that trial broadcasts are temporary and will only be available in a limited number of locations.”

Currently the 3D TV trials are conducted using valuable UHF spectrum through unassigned channels, available during the switchover from analogue to digital television. ACMA said that towards the end of the year it will revisit this process as the vacant channels begin to close.

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