UAE goes 3D as new services launch

UAE goes 3D as new services launch

Both Etisalat and Du launch three dimensional TV services on the same day.

June 2, 2010 9:13 by Samuel Potter

Both telecoms operators in the UAE, Du and Etisalat, announced yesterday the launch of 3D TV services.

Etisalat said it will provide 3D TV to all its triple play eLife customers and E-Vision customers with no additional fees at this stage. Customers subscribed to these service packages can view TV in high-quality 3D on 3D enabled TV sets. In the first phase, Etisalat customers will be able to watch the Al Jazeera 3D channel that currently broadcasts sport activities from around the world and will also broadcast the much-awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile Du announced it was providing a 3D service to all its subscribers under the basic TV package. The special broadcasts are available on channel 699, and will cover several genres such as fashion, art, travel, sport and lifestyle, which will be available free of charge for a limited period to all du TV and du TV+ customers.

“3D TV is a promising new technology and today we are excited to be the first company in MENA to offer a glimpse into the future to our customers, entirely free of charge,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, Du. “This is also a clear demonstration of Du technology prowess to deliver the most cutting-edge services available in the market to households in the UAE. All Du TV decoders are already 3D and HD enabled. In order to enjoy the new 3D experience customers must have a 3D enabled television along with 3D active viewing glasses. We invite our customers to witness this evolution in broadcast technology right from the comfort of their living room.”

Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Etisalat commented, “The launch of HD technology was a milestone for Etisalat and was met with huge customer demand. Today, as we launch the 3D service, we herald a new era of home entertainment in the UAE. We realize that the 3D TV service is still in its nascent stage globally, however in line with Etisalat’s strategy to provide advanced technologies in the UAE, we are now launching this service and are excited to provide it to our customers without any additional costs.”