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Sky shows FIA 3D proof of concept

Sky Sports has filmed and transmitted live Formula 1 racing in 3D, but is emphasising that the pre-season test event in Catalunya over the weekend is a one-off and that there are no plans as yet for it to add 3D cameras into its regular broadcast of the sports race calendar.

Sky Sports has filmed and transmitted live Formula 1 racing in 3D, but is emphasising that the pre-season test event in Catalunya over the weekend is a one-off and that there are no plans as yet for it to add 3D cameras into its regular broadcast of the sports race calendar. Sky positioned eight 3ality rigs around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, including the opening straight and first corner, for four days of live to air action ending March 3 during the sport’s final test weekend. Coverage was augmented with 3D camcorders, but it was not allowed to position mini-cams, such as GoPro 3Ds, on the cars themselves. The event was aired simultaneously on Sky Sports F1 HD and Sky 3D. F1 organisers the FIA are notoriously resistant to introducing new broadcast production technology – it only went HD in 2011 – and Sky will be one of the only F1 rights holders currently with a 3D channel. Nonetheless, if anyone can persuade the FIA that there is value to be had in allowing its action to be screened in 3D, it’s Sky. The broadcaster already has a good relationship with the FIA, having won two Formula One Promotional Trophies, handed out by the FIA, for its debut season coverage in 2012. In a press release Sky F1’s commentator Martin Brundle hailed the event as “exactly the kind of innovation and access that Sky Sports F1 promised. 3D will show us the real challenges of the race track with added depth and perspective. It will be a new, immersive experience for viewers and I can’t wait to see what F1 action in 3D will reveal.” Adrian Pennington www.skysports.com/formula1