Not sure how it will come off technically but the news is pretty impressive . . . Jaya TV to air first ever 3D serial:

For the first time ever, an Indian television channel, and that too a Tamil one, will air a 3D serial. From mid January 2006, Jaya TV will air not one, but two 3D serials, Mayavi and Paramapadham, thus creating a technological revolution in television. Talking about the concept, Murali Raaman, VP Programmes and Operations of Jaya TV says, “These 3D themes are universal and will appeal to all age groups, not just kids. There is a fantasy element in both serials which will hold the viewer’s interest. Special 3D glasses are required to watch them.” So how are they planning to distribute the glasses? “Through the cable network and we are also working out the costs to see if the glasses can be given free to viewers.” Mayavi which is inspired by the famous novel Irumbu Kai Mayavi, is the story of a young adventurer. Ganesh, Venkatraman, Dabeena, a model from Mumbai, and Riswan act in the lead roles. Ilavarasan directs the serial. This will go on air from mid January and is slotted for 52 weeks. Paramapadham is a story based on the famous snake and ladder game concept. Mukesh Khanna of Shakthimaan fame plays the key role of a wise old man and Ramesh directs it. “Ravee of G.V. Films is the brain behind the whole concept. The company has acquired the technology and exclusive rights to produce live 3D content in India from D3, a company based in Los Angeles. A technical team, headed by Hollywood 3D expert Daniel Symmes, was here initially to help us out. We have got special cameras from the US for this purpose. We have also used a lot of computer graphics,” explains Murali Raaman. He adds that the cost of production will be three times that of the normal serial and it takes three days to complete one episode of 25 minutes duration. Regarding marketing, he is confident of its success. “Given that it’s an innovative product and people are always receptive to something new, we have got plenty of responses from sponsors and we have even received queries on the possibility of advertising in the 3D format,” claims Murali.

There have been episodes of programs done in anaglyphic 3D before, but this is the first series to go 3D. Koolness. Hopefully, it will live up to the potential and be the beginning point for more and more and better and better.