3net outlines 4K plans

3D channel 3net will develop a library of content it can distribute in multiple formats including 4K 3D and HD 3D, but does not currently have plans to launch a dedicated 4K channel, according to CEO Tom Cosgrove.

Speaking to DTVE at IBC, Cosgrove said that the amount of content being shot in 4K is growing, even if the version that is finally distributed is not in 4K. Cosgrove said he expected “services to roll out by this time next year and TVs priced at under $2,000 [to be available]”. He said he expected 4K to ultimately achieve widespread take up by consumers, unlike 3D which has remained a minority taste. “3D was a choice – some people love and some do not love it. No-one is not going to love 4K,” he said.

Cosgrove said that 3net would look to develop HD 3D programmes as well as 4K content. He said 3net Studios had already produced 4K series Space: Unravelling the Universe and Flight and would seek to build a library fo content that could be distributed as HD 3D shows. However, he said there are no current plans to launch a dedicated 4K channel. “It’s a little too soon for a 4K channel,” he said. “We are looking into things, but one issue you will have is there are limits on rights. We are coming in with content where rights are available globally.”

Cosgrove said that “over time we will build up a healthy library in 4K” and that it is possible that the channel would “create a branded destination – whether linear or non-linear” for 4K in the future.