SES Astra has announced the launch of Europe’s first 3D demonstration channel. 
Following initial testing, the channel will go live on 4th May 2010.  Astra’s 3D demo channel will be available free-to-air via the orbital position 23.5 degrees East, and will initially target retailers and equipment installers.   It will feature high quality 3D content including sports, music and entertainment.

Many broadcasters have already engaged with this new technology and either started first test transmissions or launched regular 3D broadcasting.  While British pay-TV operator BSkyB has been broadcasting football matches in 3D to pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland since early April, the French pay-TV operator Canal+ announced the launch of its first 3D channel in December 2010.  Satellite rival Eutelsat has also been involved in a number of tests since late 2009.

Transmission details for the new Astra 3D demo channel will be announced at a later date.

First reported by Broadband TV News