Ericsson To Power First 3D Channel in China

China Central Television (CCTV), the state television broadcaster, has selected an advanced compression solution from Ericsson to deliver premium content in 3D to its viewers across China for the first time, enabling them to experience sports and live events like never before. The first nationwide 3D TV channel for the People’s Republic of China could reach a potential audience of over 113 million homes.

“The Chinese TV market is the largest in the world, and the appetite among the public for more enhanced experiences continually drives us to innovate and meet consumer demand,” said Mr. Zhang Baoan, director of Broadcasting and Transmission Center, CCTV. “This year is a massive year for sport and the backing for Chinese competitors is always huge, so we are proud to be the first to enable viewers across China to watch events unfold in 3D, helping them feel closer than ever to the action.”

“We have worked with the Ericsson team for many years and are therefore aware of the strength of its solutions, however complex the situation, in providing exactly what is required to deliver the next generation of viewing experience to Chinese consumers,” he concludes.

Ericsson’s solution for 3D addresses challenges in both the contribution and distribution and direct-to-home delivery of 3D content. CCTV has deployed an Ericsson solution that includes the EN8190 MPEG-4 AVC HD encoder, Ericsson RX8200 receivers, the MX8400 multiplexer and nCompass Control by Ericsson for this pioneering broadcast.

“Having pioneered solutions for the HD market, we are now enabling next-generation 3D broadcasts of unmissable event television and premium content across the globe, and are delighted to extend our reach in the People’s Republic of China,” said Mats H. Olsson, president of Ericsson China & North East Asia. “As state broadcaster, it is essential for CCTV to meet the highest standards in terms of picture quality and system reliability, and we are pleased to extend the long-established relationship we have with CCTV in order to meet these needs for 3D.”