The annual ‘TV programme fair’ and conference, MIPtv took place in Cannes in France in April 2012.  The attendees are programme ‘buyers’ on the look-out for future attractions for their TV stations, and programme producers who make them, and want to gauge trends and tendencies.  The EBU traditionally has a stand at MIPtv. 

Lorraine Wood (Eurovision London Limited) on the EBU stand at MIPtv

The hot subject at this years’ MIPtv was ‘3DTV’, and several days of the conference were dedicated to dissecting the 3DTV market, trying to identify what makes successful 3DTV programmes.  The EBU’s David Wood was invited to give a session keynote on what makes ‘successful’ 3DTV. 

The conference delegates left with mixed feelings about if, how, and when 3DTV will become a force to be reckoned with in television.  Everyone recognized that it will not replace normal television, but most believe it will have a share our viewing attention in the years to come.   

The most powerful message emerging from the 3Dtv session was the ‘power’ of 3DTV games.  Here the 3D makes a tremendous difference to the game playing enjoyment, and because the pictures are constructed artificially, they can be arranged to always have minimum eye discomfort.  The immersive effects are becoming quite remarkable.   It is certain that if there is a ‘driver’ for 3DTV, it will be demand from young people who are well used to 3D via round the clock game playing.