ESPN and Discovery Announce 3D Television Networks

3D is swiftly moving from theaters to living rooms via a handful of networks that plan to launch 24/7 3D channels. In light of home entertainment’s fast developing technology, 3D programming could soon be a heated competition in the television world.

ESPN is one of the networks that has set the ball rolling. They unveiled just yesterday their ESPN 3D, set to launch June 11 and just in time to broadcast the World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico. The network committed to a minimum of 85 events, such as 25 World Cup matches, Summer X Games and college sports including next year’s BCS Championship game.

Disney, ESPN’s parent company, began testing 3D technology in sports over two years ago. They used Pace Technologies’ rigs and various cameras to feature this year’s football game between Ohio State and USC in 3D.

“The positive numbers were off the chart and the wow factor was intense,” Bryan Burns, ESPN’s VP of strategic business planning, said about the game in a statement.

Discovery Networks, Sony and IMAX are teaming up to provide a more universal approach to 3D programming with a basic cable and satellite network rather than a premium channel. The trio will work off of Discovery’s cable experience and the extensive libraries of Sony and Imax. They’ve not yet given a name or launch date for the network, but it likely won’t be too far behind ESPN’s venture.

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