DVB approves service-compatible 3D TV

Industry consortium the DVB has approved phase 2a of the DVB-3DTV specification, the so-called service compatible mode.

Phase 2a is designed to meet the needs of those who need to provide normal HDTV receivers with a 2D version of the 3D programme from the same broadcast channel, and at the same time improve the quality of the 3DTV images. This service compatible mode provides a 2D version plus an MPEG MVC top-up signal. Both 3D Blu-ray and Phase 2a use MVC, which will enable receivers to include both capabilities, the DVB said.

The specification will be submitted to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) for formal standardisation. An amended DVB-3DTV BlueBook is to be published to reflect the addition to the specification.

Phase 1 of the DVB-3DTV specification, the frame compatible mode, was published in 2011 and is now used by various operators, including the UK’s BSkyB. It allows for existing HD set-top boxes to deliver 3D content to 3DTVs.