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3D video is a hallmark of futuristic technology for any film set in years to come - remember Jaws 19 3D in Back to the Future II? - but recent announcements by Sky, Channel 4 and TV makers mean that 3D TV in your living room could be a reality in a matter of months.

This week Channel 4 revealed they’re going to broadcast a week of 3D TV this autumn. The mini-season will include a magic show by Derren Brown, 3D movies, 3D footage of the Queen’s coronation shot back in 1953 and (because this is Channel 4 after all) a clip show of the “100 greatest 3D TV moments”. Sky recently announced their plans to broadcast a 3D channel next year, concentrating on live music coverage, films and sport. Sky has already recorded 3D footage of Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, sprinting 150m earlier this year.

In fact, Sky has already experimented with 3D broadcasting: in December last year it was the first UK TV company to broadcast in 3D to a home television, and this April it also acheived another first, broadcasting the first live event in 3D.  3D films are already available on Blu-Ray, coming with a handful of the familiar cardboard 3D glasses.

3D signal is all very well, but it would be absolutely no good to home viewers without the equipment to display it. Sky is at the forefront in the hardware arena too: Sky+ HD set-top boxes are already 3D ready.

3D-ready TVs have been a niche market in previous years - and a struggling one, as manufacturers have tried and (largely) failed to acheive the nirvana of 3D TV: a TV that displays 3D signal without needing viewers to wear those silly glasses. Channel 4’s one-off 3D series will require viewers to wear these glasses, which will be made available at Sainsburys stores across the country.

There have already been 3D TVs on the market: anyone who bought a Samsung plasma PS50A476 a couple of years ago already owns one. Philips mothballed its 3D TV division this year but Panasonic, LG, Sony and Samsung all had 3D TVs to show off at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (a big electronics industry event in Las Vegas). No word yet on exactly how soon these could be available in the UK, but Sky seems to be banking on there being enough viewers with 3D-ready TVs in 2010 to make its 3D broadcasts worthwhile.

Industry pundits have predicted 3D becoming widespread in home entertainment set-ups in as little as 3 years. 3D broadcast and technology is likely to be no more than a novelty for years to come, so don’t despair if you’ve just upgraded to an Full HD model.

If you can’t wait this long, you’re in luck. The next 12 months sees the release of the biggest crop of 3D films ever, pretty much one from every studio. Everything from a family-friendly 3D sequel to Ice Age, to the much-hyped sci-fi blockbuster Avatar will be popping out of IMAX screens across the country.

For those of a more Eeyore-ish disposition, T3 magazine is happy to remind us of past 3D blunders.

Images:
3D glasses: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominicspics/ / CC BY 2.0

We all love our pets so this week’s Green Piece is concentrating on green products for pets.

First up, the not so nice subject of bagging up your dog’s mess when you’re out walking. Not everyone’s favourite job but you might as well be helping the planet while you do it. These “Dump It Onya” bags are 100% biodegradable and come in a refillable bag made from strong parachute material. There’s even room to keep some dog treats. They’re £8.95 for 100 in the UK or $10.95 for 25 in the US.

We’re also full of cat love here at DWTB, so we’ve found some herbal cat litter that is not only good for your cats, but also for the environment. It’s made from whole kernel corn and claims to have “amazing odour control properties combined with outstanding clumpability” – well what more could you want?! 3kg for £9.99 here in the UK and a close equivalent at $14.99 for 7lbs in the US.

We had to add some toys to the list so we’ve found these great dog toys which are designed to be recyclable and to create virtually no waste during the manufacturing process. Hucks are non-toxic and extremely durable. They also come in lots of different colours, they’re recommended for aggressive chewers, pullers, and fetchers and they’re dishwasher safe. £7.99 over here and $8.50 in the US.

Eco-friendly pet products - check.