The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, together with the Australian Communications and Media Authority have urged shoppers to be cautious when buying 3D televisions to watch sports broadcasts.
The two authorities said in a joint statement that the AFL grand final and the National Rugby League grand final will only be broadcast in 3D in certain cities. They are concerned that some retailers will promote the broadcast in areas where 3D broadcasting is unavailable.
The broadcasts will be in 3D in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth.
“Before consumers buy a 3D television to watch the football grand finals, they should double-check 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 in a statement.
“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,” ACMA chairman Chris Chapman added.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
