ACCC, ACMA urge consumers to be cautious when buying a 3D television to watch AFL, NRL grand finals
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Communication and Media Authority today urged consumers to be cautious if considering buying a 3D television set to watch the Australian Football League grand final on Saturday or the National Rugby League grand final on 3 October 2010, as the games will only be broadcast in 3D in certain Australian cities.
The ACCC and the ACMA are concerned about marketing by some retailers that encourages consumers to buy a 3D television to watch the grand finals when some customers may be living in areas where the 3D format is unavailable. The AFL and NRL grand finals will only be broadcast in 3D in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth.
The ACCC is concerned that the retailers' marketing may be false or misleading and may breach the Trade Practices Act 1974 if the 3D broadcasts cannot be received in the customer's area.
"Before consumers buy a 3D television to watch the football grand finals, they should doublecheck with a special 3D TV viewer hotline set up by the trial broadcasters to ensure they are within the transmission area," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.
"3D TV is an emerging technology with a range of issues under consideration, including policy and consumer protection issues, and the future of temporary trials," said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman.
"Vacant spectrum being used for these trials is only available on a temporary basis and the technical standards for 3D TV are still evolving. The ACMA has released a discussion paper concerning 3D TV."
Most viewers in the six locations, with access to a 3D-ready digital television set, will be able to watch the live broadcast of the grand finals in 3D through digital channel 40. But not all residents in these areas are guaranteed an adequate signal.
People who live outside of these cities will not be able to watch the games in 3D, even with a 3D-ready television.
The 3D TV viewer hotline can be reached on 1300 487 855.
The Temporary trials of 3D TV and other emerging technologies discussion paper can be found on the ACMA website.
The ACCC is investigating the representations with a number of retailers.
ACCC media inquiries
Mr Graeme Samuel, chairman, (03) 9290 1812 or mobile/pager 0408 335 555
Ms Lin Enright, director, media unit, (02) 6243 1108 or 0414 613 520
General inquiries - Infocentre: 1300 302 502
ACMA media inquiries
Christine Donnelly, Assistant Media Manager, (02) 9334 7857 or 0401 754 344
ACCC NR 196/10
22 September 2010
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Bing Lee press release
3D Announcement
The 3D broadcast of the AFL and NRL grand finals will only be available in Sydney and Newcastle in NSW. Most viewers in Sydney and Newcastle will be able to watch the live broadcast of the grand finals on a 3D-ready television, but not all residents in these areas are guaranteed an adequate signal. Before buying a 3D television to watch the football grand finals, customers should check with a special 3D TV viewer hotline on 1300 487 855 to ensure they are within the transmission area.
