Online streaming services to boost 3D offerings

TOKYO – Online TV streaming providers are ramping up their 3D offerings by partnering with content producers, and could boost the flagging 3D market, according to business daily, the Nikkei.

Actvila Corp is linking up with Japan’s leading satellite broadcaster, Sky Perfect JSAT Corp, which has the nation’s only dedicated 3D channel. Actvila will buy five to 10 programs a month from a Sky Perfect subsidiary to show on its AcTVila online portal, charging between 210 yen and 1,025 yen ($2.60 – $12.75) per view.

Another online streaming service, Video Market Corp, has hooked up with Universal Pictures to provide 3D content, including titles such as Despicable M,e for Android smartphones. Movies will initially only be accessible on Sharp handsets but that will be expanded to other smartphones in the near future.

The Nikkei reports that the “owners of 3-D TVs are dissatisfied with the dearth of selections”- and that business partnerships and multiple delivery systems could help bolster the market by helping producers recover the costs of creating 3D content.

In other 3D news, Sony is to show highlights of the soccer Women’s World Cup - currently taking place in Germany – in 3D at its flagship building in Ginza, central Tokyo, from July 4 to 17.

Highlights of 12 of the 36 matches from the tournament will be screened, along with a 3D documentary about the Japan women’s national team.