The Digital Television Group (DTG) it is to conduct a consultation into the technological feasibility and viability of 3D television.

The DTG membership, which includes 125 broadcasters, platform operators and manufacturers, will be asked for their views.

Director general Richard Lindsay-Davies said: "Some industry observers regard 3DTV as a natural, evolutionary next step for high-definition television (HDTV). However, numerous challenges exist across the value chain, from image acquisition, storage and post-production, to distribution, reception and display. These challenges need to be understood and overcome in order to make 3DTV a feasible and viable consumer proposition."

The DTG's 3DTV consultation will be conducted in conjunction with independent media consultant Lovelace Consulting.

The trade body has also has published the sixth edition of its ‘D-Book', the interoperability specification for DTT in the UK.

The latest edition incorporates the specification for the DVB-T2 services that will enable the launch of HD channels on Freeview.

Updated sections in D Book 6 include:

  • Video Audio Subtitles - H264 video-720p 1080i, surround audio using Dolby Digital Plus, subtitle positioning for multi-resolution video.

  • PSI SI - content management signalling to meet requirements of studios for HD content, network change notify to enable triggered retune, trailer selection.

  • RF Performance & RF Measurement - performance figures for DVB-T2, clarified methods for RF measurement.

  • MHEG - extensions for HD resolutions, support for JPEG images, network return channel that can enable broadband television streaming services (IPTV).

  • OAD Mechanism - OAD system reviewed in light of Engineering Channel consultation, includes pan European standard DVB SSU method.

  • AFD Guidelines - AFD signalling extended to cover HDMI flag, AFDs are codec and resolution agnostic.

  • Connectivity - new HDMI interoperability guidelines defined.

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