By Shervin Loh

THE future of entertainment content will be in the hands of viewers, but things are still a little blurry for 3-D.

The likes of StarHub and SingTel will capitalise on their expertise and make their TV content mobile.

Both started video-on-demand services this year, putting new programmes - from Supernatural to CSI - at the beck and call of viewers.

With the growing number of digital content and 3G phone users, SingTel will be adding more made-for-mobile content to expand its service,' says Low Ka Hoe, SingTel's director of mio TV & Content.

Yes, mobile content is not new, but with the telcos fighting for more market share, new viewer segments will be their focus next year.

As for traditional movies and TV shows, most will need a special pair of 3-D glasses to enjoy them.

Hollywood is prepping 3-D sports shows, television programmes like Chuck and home video releases like Bolt and Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.

Expect to see more 3-D video games, aside from the one based on James Cameron's 3-D film, Avatar.

One hurdle, though, will be the lack of 3-D glasses in local homes.

In the United States, one network is distributing over 100 million free 3-D glasses in anticipation of its upcoming slate of 3-D shows but this is not a stunt that any other country is expected to follow.

Singapore's content providers like StarHub say they are aware of the trend, though there is no word on any roll-out of 3-D content here.

Content providers may also not be keen to pull out all the stops for 3-D as the local market is too small. So, fans had best buy such movies and 3-D glasses online, say, from Amazon.com.

Also, though the Media Development Authority has given the local film-making sector a 3-D nudge with $10million in funding for 3-D projects, making one takes time so it will be some time before the support translates to locally made 3-D movies.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 31 December 2008.

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