*Canal D 3D broadcast

Montreal: French-track arts and documentary channel Canal d has made Canadian tv history with the first 3D program broadcast. Three safari-themed programs are being broadcast over three consecutive Saturdays, beginning Oct. 30, with rebroadcasts on Sundays.

The broadcasts are based on proprietary German Telecast 3D technology and require viewers to purchase a $1.49 pair of glasses. A spokesperson for Canal d says viewers without the glasses will see the usual tv picture.

The glasses (300,000 pairs have been ordered) as well as the programs were purchased from Germany. The technology allows for the projection of films in relief on television without the usual distortion or double-imaging. The worldwide patent is held by Telcast International, GmbH.

*Rogers’ digital service exceeds expectations

Rogers Digital Choice tv service reports it has already reached its target 20,000 customers, with more than two months to spare.

Launched in June, Digital Choice’s objective was to reach 20,000 subscribers by year end, but due to strong consumer demand, Rogers believes it will have approximately twice as many subs as predicted by 2000. Digital Choice is available to 85% of Rogers’ customers in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and southwestern Ontario.