ITU unveils roadmap for advanced 3DTV

The ITU has released a new report outlining a roadmap for the future implementation of 3DTV that it says envisages systems that will accurately mimic real-life visual experience.

Study Group 6 of the ITUs Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) proposes three successive generations or profiles for the development of stereoscopic 3D. The first, dubbed Âplano-stereoscopic TVÂ, calls for two views to be delivered to TVs, with viewers wearing glasses akin to those used to watch 3D cinema. Viewers will be able to see depth in the picture, although the view will remain the same when they move their heads, unlike in real life.

The second generation (Âmultiview profileÂ), says the ITU, will provide for multiple views, meaning that head movement will change the view in a way that more closely mimics real life.

Finally, the third generation (Âobject wave profileÂ) will feature systems that record the amplitude, frequency, and phase of light waves, to reproduce almost completely human beingsÂ natural viewing environment, according to the ITU. The report envisages that these kinds of advanced systems are some 15-20 years away.

Study Group 6 chairman Christoph Dosch hailed the report as an important step along the road to globally agreed ITU recommendations on 3DTV, and said he was optimistic that further progress would be made at the next meeting in April.