Sky Gets Stephen Fry To Explain 3D TV In Short Video Guide

In preparation for its 3D channel launch in a fortnight’s time, Sky has partnered with famous UK actor, author and comedian Stephen Fry to produce a short video guide on 3D TV technology in an effort to increase public awareness and acceptance towards this extra-dimensional viewing experience.

An actor, author, journalist and presenter of the UK comedy quiz show QI, Stephen Fry is also known for his enthusiasm for all things related to gadget and technology. Some of his more well-known technophilic achievements include launching his memoirs as an Apple app for iPhone/iPad, and gathering more than 1 million followers on social networking and microblogging site Twitter. Given Mr Fry’s reputation as a respected authority with both the knowledge and love for state-of-the-art technology, Sky probably couldn’t have found anyone better to connect with the public in explaining how 3D TV works and extolling its benefits.

Commenting on his participation in the short film produced in association with Sky, Mr Fry said that he is “delighted” to be given the opportunity to shed some light on the subject of 3D TV, which he went on to predict will be the next “exciting” revolution in the history of television. He also praised Sky for its provision of a 3D channel that offers TV programme makers a platform to experiment with 3D filming techniques and ultimately showcase their work.

Mr Fry also claimed that if the 3D TV was taken out of the equation, enjoying 3D content doesn’t take “a huge upgrade” since Sky subscribers won’t need anything other than a Sky+ HD box with the appropriate subscription package to start watching the Sky 3D channel. Of course, critics will be quick to point out that the cost of buying a new 3D TV is still quite high, especially when the prices for each extra pair of 3D glasses for friends and family are factored in.

Sprinkled with humourous attempts to engage with the viewers, the short video did a decent job of explaining the basics of 3D TV technology (including “Passive 3DTV” vs “Active 3DTV”), but towards the end tried to subtly imply that Sky was responsible for inventing 3D TVs, which is of course untrue.