UK satellite broadcaster Sky announced it will launch Europe’s first 3D TV channel to millions of homes on 1 October. The launch weekend highlights will include this year's Ryder Cup, with three days of live coverage from Celtic Manor. It will also feature two of the biggest grossing 3D films to date - Bolt and Monster vs. Aliens.

The Sky 3D channel line-up will then continue to expand in the run-up to Christmas. Movies include Alice in Wonderland, Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Coraline, Fly Me To The Moon, Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince and My Bloody Valentine. Sky will also offer a range of live sport, including Premier League football.

All Sky+HD viewers with a 3D TV will be able to receive Sky 3D, as no set-top box upgrade is required. Over 2.5 million households currently have Sky+HD boxes, from a total of 9.8 million households.

The announcement coincides with the filming of a spectacular dance routine at St Pancras station. Bollywood dancers performed in front of 3D cameras as part of a new Sky Arts 3D production in partnership with English National Ballet.

The announcement builds on the launch of the world's first commercially available 3D channel in April 2010. Sky 3D is now available in more than 1,500 pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland. The company is purchasing 15,000 LG 3D televisions for the pubs to help promote use of the new service.

Story filed 30.07.10