Viewers in the world's largest TV audience now can watch the China 3D TV Trial Channel with a 3D TV, special glasses and a set-top box, Xinhua news agency has reported.

The 3D channel broadcasts three daily rotations of four-and-a-half hours of 3D content such as performing arts, cartoons, movies and sports, and promises programming from the upcoming 2012 London Olympics.

State-run China Central Television launched the service Sunday, initially free of charge, with partners Beijing TV, Shanghai Media Group, Jiangsu TV, Tianjin TV and Shenzhen TV - reaching China's biggest viewing and advertising markets.

To make up for current slim pickings in 3D programming available in China, or elsewhere, each partner broadcaster has established specialist 3D production units, Xinhua said.

The channel is due to have its full official launch on January 23 to mark the start of the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, when Chinese traditionally travel home and watch special variety TV programmes together.

In a year when the central government in Beijing has warned about a slowdown in China's economic growth, its head broadcast regulator told Xinhua the 3D channel can create demand for 3D TV sets "worth hundreds of billions of yuan."

"The launch of the 3D trial channel is a significant step in the development of China's television," Cai Fuchao, head of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, told Xinhua.