Astra satellite to beam in free 3D TV content

SES Astra, the company that owns the Astra satellite used to beam Sky and Freesat to the UK, will next month begin transmitting free 3D content.

However, 3D TV buffs needn't get their hopes up too far. The channel, which begins broadcasting on 4 May, will initially be aimed at retailers and installers, and will feature "demo" material from the worlds of "sports, music and entertainment".

In short, it's content designed to help sell 3D to punters and to help installers test new installations.

SES Astra didn't say whether the material will be encrypted in such a way as to prevent consumers from taking a look at the content or, if that is the case, whether SES Astra might be made more readily available in due course.

Certainly, the use of the word 'initially' suggests that it will.

The new channel will be available from Astra's 23.5° East orbital position. ®