Sky is to make its 3D channel available to Irish subscribers from October 1^st, just in time for the Ryder Cup to start.

If you have a Sky+HD box and a 3D TV, you can access the channel free of charge – if you’re subscribed to its “top” TV package (that’s the one where you pay for the six Sky TV entertainment packs, Sky Sports pack, Sky Movies Pack and the HD pack, in case you’re wondering).

In return, Sky is promising sports, movies and a selection of arts, entertainment and documentary programmes. This includes three live sports events each week, starting with the Ryder Cup.

You can just imagine the arguments it’ll cause in houses up and down the country, as the debate for and against the new TVs gets going. Though it’s probably not a patch on the arguments that’ll take place once they realise that having bought the TV, they have to shell out for extra sets of glasses at more than €100 a pop because you only get two in the pack.

Still, watching sports in 3D is pretty impressive. The rugby coverage is going to kick off on October 9^th with Munster vs London Irish, and there’s a few live Premiership matches on the cards too.

That’s before you get caught up with films – Ice Age, Monsters vs Aliens and Alice in Wonderland to name a few.

The only problem with 3D TV is that it’s a little antisocial, thanks to the glasses. And don’t try lying down to watch a film because it just doesn’t work.

But having tested one, I can see the appeal, especially when it comes to the 3D games. Sadly, I won’t be seeing the appeal of the Sky 3D channel because living in an apartment without a communal dish, I’m a UPC-only household.