ITU to introduce life mimicking 3D system

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is set to stun Television viewers with high sophisticated broadcasting system with stereoscopic 3D, that mimics real life visual experience.

In a press statement by the Study Group 6 of Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) in a new report outlined a roadmap for future third dimension television (3D TV) implementation, which envisages that the systems will be so smart they could accurately mimic the way human eyes and brains perceive the visual world.

The new roadmap would see 3D TV technology rolled out in three successive generations, which is technically known as profiles.

The first generation — ‘plano-stereoscopic television’ — calls for two views to be delivered to viewers’ TV sets. Wearing special glasses similar to those used to watch 3D cinema, viewers will be able to see depth in the picture, although the view will remain the same when they move their heads in real life, and view changes when they move their heads.

The second generation will provide for multiple views, with head movement changing the view, for a viewing experience that more closely mimics real life.

The third generation will feature systems that record the amplitude, frequency, and phase of light waves, to reproduce almost completely human beings’ natural viewing environment. These kinds of highly advanced systems are technically some 15-20 years away.

Commenting, the Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau, Mr. Valery Timofeev said the new ITU report establishes a clear framework for the development of new types of systems that will totally change the way we experience broadcast and multimedia content.

“It maps out an exciting vision that won’t just change the look of entertainment, but open up a whole range of exciting new possibilities in sectors from education and healthcare to traffic management,” he said.

New 3D TV technologies being developed under the auspices of ITU will also have major implications for the film and television production sector, as content will need to be filmed using special new equipment in order for viewers to enjoy the full 3D experience.

Christoph Dosch, Chairman of ITU-R Study Group 6 said: “This is an important step forward on the road to globally-agreed ITU Recommendations on 3D TV. I’m optimistic that we’ll make further advances at our next meeting in April 2010.”


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