The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) has completed its review of trials of 3D TV undertaken in 2010 and says it will consider authorising further short duration trials, but will aim to ensure that consumers are not duped, as happened in the previous trials.

Any trials will take place in currently unassigned digital television channels, part of the so-called ‘digital dividend’ and this spectrum will be available only until a decision on the future of the digital dividend spectrum is taken, and implemented.

Later in 2011, the ACMA will review its approach to the use of temporary spectrum, as the requirements for the restacking of existing television channels become clearer and the opportunity to use these vacant channels begins to close.

“‘The ACMA has a unique opportunity to provide access to valuable UHF spectrum that will only be available for a short period of time during the switchover from analogue to digital television,’ said ACMA chairman, Chris Chapman.”

‘The ACMA also decided that any further trials must be of a short duration, and broadcasters will be required to give the ACMA undertakings on measures that will assist consumers to understand that trial broadcasts are temporary and will only be available in a limited number of locations, Chapman said.

In September last year the ACMA released a discussion paper, Temporary trials of 3D TV and other emerging technologies, which called for comment on a range of matters associated with trials of new technology, including spectrum allocation and consumer issues.

The ACMA has now added a new section on 3D TV to its web site. The new section identifies some of the problems with the earlier trials, which the ACMA will aim to avoid in any future trials.

It says: “There were reports of consumer concern about the limited geographical coverage for the trials compared to the major networks, and at the time of the second trials in September/October 2010 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission contacted retailers who had made misleading representations about the availability of test transmissions.

“The ACMA considers it important that when purchasing 3D TV receivers, consumers understand the reduced level of coverage typical of trial transmissions; the limited duration of the current trials; and the fact that as technical standards for consumer equipment have not yet settled, the current generation of 3D receivers might be not be compatible with future transmission methods.”

The ACMA’s webpage on 3D TV proceedings is here: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312131

See the original post here: http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/government-tech-policy/45268-acmas-3d-tv-conclusion-further-consideration