Beijing, Dec 29: To keep up with global technological trends, China is set to launch the country's first 3D television channel.
The first 3D television channel will begin a trial run from January 1 before its official launch during Spring Festival later next month, state media reported.
The channel will offer 3D programmes that will include animation, sports, documentaries, TV dramas, entertainment and live broadcasts of big events.
Ophthalmologists, however, warned that continuous viewing of 3-D could strain eyes as it required special glasses.
A 3D TV set is necessary to view the channel, and a survey provided by electronics retailer Suning shows that sales of 3D TVs were more than 35 per cent of colour TVs in November and the price has decreased 33 per cent on average since 2010.
Given the fact that there are 500 million TVs in China, launching 3D channels will expand domestic demand and contribute to boosting the real economy, China Daily reported.
All TV channels in China like the print media are owned and controlled by the government.
The initial plan is for 4.5-hour packages to be broadcast for free three times, officials of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said.
Six TV stations, China Central Television (CCTV), and those in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu province, Shenzhen and Tianjin, will make 3D programmes for the channel operated by CCTV.
"All stations are investing heavily to prepare 3D programmes now," Mei Jianping, vice-director of CCTV Project Management Department said.
More than 45 per cent of consumers have expressed interest in 3D programmes, and 35 per cent said they would buy a 3D TV set, according to a survey by China 3D Industry Academy in March in six cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
The survey also found that the biggest demand was for sports, culture, entertainment and technology programs.
Xu Qing, an eye doctor in Beijing, cautioned the new sets might easily cause eyestrain, especially for children, the Daily report added.
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