BBC suspends 3D programming indefinitely

Two years ago, the BBC started its trial of 3D television and as this comes to an end it has been decided it simply isn’t worth continuing with.

Head of 3D at the BBC, Kim Shillinglaw, has said that the technology has “not taken off’” and that people find it “quite hassly”. Over the Christmas period only 5% of households in the UK with 3D technology tuned in to see the Queen jump out of the set during her speech.

Back in October, Fergal Gara, VP of Sony Computer Entertainment UK, told Eurogamer that people aren’t interested in 3D technology: “Consumers decide how relevant [3D] is. It’s fair to say consumers have decided it’s not hugely important at this time… Whether you look at movies or games, wearing the glasses and consuming 3D in that way in the home isn’t hugely popular. That’s just a fact.”

So, have we seen the back of 3D for good? There certainly seems to be a slight slowing down in the number of 3D films being churned out, but 3D has been popping into the limelight since the 50s. Maybe this is just the latest wave in the ever-flowing 3D sea. We shall have to wait and see if the next generation of technology can really give consumers the 3D experience they are looking for.

Indra Wignall