Sky has confirmed it will launch Sky 3D later this year. The channel will be Europe’s first 3D TV channel and will beam into thousands of homes across Ireland on 1 October this year.

Bertie Ahern enjoys 3D TV coverage in between the odd pint of Bass.

A press release from the company tells how 3D TV demonstrations will be available in 13 Sky shops across the country over the coming weeks (full list below). The channel is very excited about showing the overblown nonsense that is Ryder Cup in three dimensions, while 3D movies like ‘Bolt’ and ‘Monster vs. Aliens’ will also get their “international 3D TV debuts” on the channel as well.

“Sky’s ground-breaking service will launch with an exciting line-up of movies and live sport.  It will be available to any Sky+HD home that has invested in a 3D Ready TV,” reveals the company statement. Sky 3D will be compatible with all of the 3D TVs being introduced by Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, and works with both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ 3D formats.

Having watched sport in 3D earlier this year I have to say it’s a thoroughly uninspiring experience, though to be fair it was a nil-all game involving Blackburn so that might not have been the best place to start. Premier League 3D coverage does however make up an integral part of Sky 3D, with games being shown each week from the time the channel launches in just over two months time.

As for movies, well any big screen outings that were meant to be viewed in 3D will no doubt benefit from a dedicated 3D channel on the small screen. However, non 3D titles – which, let’s not forget, still make up 99.999% of movies out there – may not be overly wonderful experiences when shown on the new channel. Griping aside though, for those who have invested in 3D-ready TVs this is very welcome news.

All Sky+HD viewers with a 3D TV will be able to receive Sky 3D, as no set-top box upgrade is required, and there is apparently no extra charge either for customers who subscribe to Sky’s top channel and HD pack.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said:  “As with High Definition, 3D is set to transform the way TV is enjoyed in homes nationwide.   Following hot on the heels of the success of 3D cinema, Sky homes will now be the first anywhere in Europe to have the opportunity to experience 3DTV from the comfort of their living rooms.  Our customers can look forward to a fantastic mix of live sport, blockbuster movies, and innovative entertainment and arts shows.”

3D Sky Shops include:

1 – Stephens Green, Dublin

2 – Blanchardstown, Dublin

3 – Liffey Valley, Dublin

4 – Mahon Point, Cork

5 – Crescent, Limerick

6 – Scotch Hall, Drogheda

7 – Omni, Dublin

8 – The Square, Tallaght, Dublin

9 – Douglas Court, Cork

10 – Fairgreen, Carlow

11 – Merchants Quay, Cork

12 – Manor West, Kerry

13 – Wilton, Cork