BBC set to broadcast London 2012 Olympics in 3D - but not entirely
The BBC is to broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games in 3D, it has announced, alongside the men’s 100 metre finals.
The announcement was made in a blog by the BBC’s director of London 2012 Roger Mosley who revealed the digital ambitions of the corporation during its coverage of the London Olympics.
Mosley has previously stated that 3D should be utilised during the games, but that the whole of the Games would not be comprehensively broadcast in the format. Following market analysis and audience research, the 3D policy for London 2012 had been shaped, with a ‘polarised’ response.
He added that the BBC had never planned to develop a 3D channel for the Games, and that its approach to the technology had been “very much on the lines of an experiment around special events like Wimbledon and Strictly Come Dancing.”
Mosley also said that 3D had spread at a slower rate than expected in 2009.
“We've chosen these events partly because they mark the pinnacles of the Games but also to minimise the loss of HD that is a consequence of our 3D service,” he explained, adding that the 3D version of the broadcast would go out on the BBC HD Channel.
“I should note it's not yet clear how much of the ceremonies will be shot in 3D but otherwise opening and closing have the advantage that there's no competing sport, and therefore no loss of choice for HD viewers. But that wouldn't have been the case if we'd expanded our 3D coverage over the rest of the 17 days.”
Mosley concluded by saying that he looked forward to receiving feedback from the audience to find out whether the decision had gotten the correct balance.