China launches first 3D television channel

Beijing: China has launched its first three-dimensional television (3D TV) channel on a trial basis coinciding with the New Year, a development considered significant in the booming nation's television industry.

The channel, China 3D TV Trial Channel, is jointly operated by state-run China Central Television (CCTV) and other five local TV stations in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Shenzhen.

People can watch 3D-effect programmes with 3D TV sets and wired high-definition digital TV set-top-boxes.

[caption id="attachment_170213" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Cast of 'Jackass 3D ' stand on stage wearing 3D glasses at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. Reuters"][/caption]

The channel broadcasts a total of 13.5 hours everyday from 10:30 to 24:00, with 4.5 hours of first broadcast and two rebroadcasts.

The channel will be formally launched during the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year starting 23 January.

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Programmes of performing arts, sports, cartoons and movies with 3D effects will be broadcast on the channel, CCTV said.

"The launch of the 3D trial channel is a significant step in the development of China's television," said Cai Fuchao, head of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Cai added that the 3D TV channel can create a demand worth hundreds of billions yuan, if part of China's 500 million TV sets are replaced by 3D ones.

Countries like Japan and South Korea have already launched similar services.

PTI