BBC: 3D is a distraction from HD

With many technology and media firms doing all they can to crank up the 3D bandwagon ahead of the official UK release of the first 3D TV sets next month, broadcaster the BBC has labelled 3D as ‘a distraction’ that is potentially damaging to the still growing HD sector.

We are excited about the developments of 3D but we need to see what the long term benefits of 3D to broadcasters is before we commit,” the BBC’s head of 3D Danielle Nagler told attendees at a iPlayer event in London, as reported by TechRadar.

"We are not clear on what makes good 3D and are certainly not clear on what makes good 3D television. The trials we are doing are a bit like early colour – it looks interesting but there is a long way to go.

At the moment, 3D for us is a distraction from HD. There is still a lot of work to do in explaining HD to consumers and getting them to invest in it. The focus on 3D technology in that sense is not helpful.”

Nagler added that despite its cautious approach, the BBC does have a number of 3D projects underway. It is also pressing to get some sort of 3D element in its London 2012 Olympics coverage.