See note, right.   3D-TV has gained proponents in the media and consumer industries. Several standards bodies have established activities to define requirements and technical standards. Content providers and CE vendors consider 3D-TV as the next "big business" after HDTV. Some movies and key sport events such as the Wimbledon 2011 have been partially produced in (stereoscopic) 3D-TV.

Research projects

In addition, a number of EU research projects have been established. EBU Members and EBU TECHNICAL are involved in some of those, including MUSCADE and 3D-VIVANT. Even if the majority of Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) have no concrete 3D-TV plans, because of their major focus on the migration towards HDTV, the 3D trend is recognised by EBU Members as a longer term topic. It thus is important that future world-wide technological directions on 3D-TV are not chosen without taking into account the requirements of PSBs, concerning creation, production, distribution, presentation etc.

Objectives

1. Provide objective information on the different 3D-TV technologies (e.g. pro and cons of frame compatible  or service compatible formats).
 

2. Inform general managers about the anticipated 3D-TV developments over the next 2-4 years and the implications. The EBU Tech Report 10 was published in December 2010 for this intention.
 

3. Provide an overview of the world-wide standardisation activities and the areas where EBU Members' input is required.
 

4. Collect EBU Members' requirements; technical, psycho-visual, business related and ensure their adoption.

In August 2011 the EBU R 135 "3D Production & Exchange formats" were published as an interim recommendation for those broadcaster who are required to produce Stereo 3D now. A practical Production Guideline will follw.