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The BBC is taking a break from 3D, with the 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who” set to be the last three-dimensional event for the foreseeable future.
Speaking to British TV guide Radio Times, the boss of 3D at the BBC admitted that watching 3D at home is a bit troublesome.
“Watching 3D is quite a hassly experience in the home,” says Kim Shillinglaw. “You have got to find your glasses before switching on the TV. I think when people watch TV they concentrate in a different way. When people go to the cinema they go and are used to doing one thing — I think that’s one of the reasons that take up of 3D TV has been disappointing.”
The publicly funded U.K. broadcaster is showing this weekend’s Wimbledon tennis finals in 3D, and has two minor 3D projects in the works. But the 50th anniversary special episode of sci-fi show “Doctor Who,” to be broadcast and shown in cinemas on Nov. 23, will be the last 3D event for the next three years.
Although manufacturers have pushed 3D televisions hard, consumers haven’t take to the expensive hardware. “We will see what happens when the recession ends,” says Shillinglaw. “There may be more take up of sets but I think the BBC will be having a wait and see. It’s the right time for a good old pause.”
Although Shillinglaw cautions “I am not sure our job is to call the whole 3D race,” the news is another blow for the format, following the announced closure of ESPN’s 3D channel.
