The A$361m (US369m) invested to date by Austrlai’s television viewers following successful trials may have been wasted, as a number of 3D TV transmitters have been removed from transmission towers in Australia’s capital cities.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has not received more applications for 3D TV trials, even though its transmission channel will remain available until December.

Broadcast ONE managing director Darren Kirsop-Frearson confirmed the 3D transmitters used to broadcast 3D coverage of the State of Origin and FIFA World Cup last year had been removed. But he said free-to-air television networks could still hold more 3D trials if they wanted. The antennas are still there but they require a separate transmitter to send these broadcasts.’

Fusion Strategy media analyst Steve Allen believes that this lack of support could relegate 3D TV to ‘fad’ status: ‘The problem for telecasters is that 3D is all very interesting, but it costs a lot more to telecast so until there’s a big demand they’re not going to do it. My feeling is that 3D was a fad and it has stalled – it may pick up again, but not in the short-term.’

The move means that the Rugby World Cup, and other major events, are not presently expected to be televised in 3D.