NEW DELHI: Sky UK has decided to convert its 3D service into an on-demand service from 9 June and stop its dedicated 3D channel.

Viewers will now have to take 3D content to download movies and programming from Sky’s on-demand service. Sky’s new ‘on demand’ 3D service depends on Sky’s customers having a broadband connection. Sky UK is continuing to promote its 3D service on its web-site.

Closing the channel is expected to help create extra satellite bandwidth for Sky’s planned 4K service.

Sky brand director of TV Products Luke Bradley-Jones said, “From June, Sky 3D is going fully on demand. From the latest 3D movie premieres like Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men Days of Future Past and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, to the very best in natural history with documentaries like Natural History Museum Alive, it will all be ready and waiting for our customers to view whenever it suits them.”

Sky launched its dedicated 3D channel in 2010, along with Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia. Following the popularity of its football coverage on 3D in the 2014-15 season, Sky had in July last year changed its 3D broadcasting hours to an evening only service (7 pm-1 am) on Monday-Thursday and all-day on weekends.

It may be noted that American sports network ESPN ended its dedicated 3D channel in June 2013.