BBC tests 3D HDTV broadcast of Six Nations rugby

The BBC test-screened the RBS Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and England, in what is believed to be the first-ever live test screening of an international sports event in 3D HDTV via satellite.

The screening, at Riverside Studios in London, was enabled by a joint venture between BBC Sport and The3DFirm, a consortium comprising media communications firm Can Communicate, 3D specialist company Inition and hire and post production house Axis Films.

According to David Wooster of The3DFirm, 3D creates an experience which is almost as good as being at the actual event.

The technique, which is still under development, involves bouncing dual HD signals around and re-encoding them as a 3D experience.