Yes, We can Change

The first 3D television set has gone on sale in the UK today, but consumers who rush to buy one may end up disappointed, experts have warned. John Lewis is selling 40-inch Samsung models from its flagship stores for £1,799. The sets will be available in other John Lewis branches and Curry’s and Comet over the next week. Panasonic is expected to launch its version next week, with Sony following in June. However, viewers will not be able to enjoy the full effect of the new technology until later this year with the launch of Sky’s 3D channel, which will show football, documentaries and films. There is only one Blu-ray film available in 3D at the moment, Monsters Vs. Aliens. Samsung says that the new hardware will add depth to the picture of normal brodcasts and Blu-ray films. John Kempner, a spokesman for John Lewis, said: “We’ve had flatscreen TVs and high definition, and now 3D is the next big thing. I think it’s what everybody is going to be talking about, a...

There have been bitter recriminations over the almost week-long closure of large parts of European airspace because of volcanic ash from Iceland. Airlines are seeking compensation from governments over the unprecedented shutdown, which they say cost them $1.7bn (£1.1bn). But scientists have said regulators had few options beyond flight bans. The air traffic agency Eurocontrol says it expects European flights to be back to "almost 100%" on Thursday. A Eurocontrol spokeswoman said nearly all of the continent's 28,000 scheduled flights, including more than 300 flights on transatlantic routes, were expected to proceed. On Wednesday, about 80% of flights took place. Airlines are clearing the backlog of uncompleted journeys, but thousands of travellers remain stranded around the world. Six days after the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland triggered the first airspace closures, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticised the bans....