EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. — DirecTV has agreed to carry ESPN
3D to its upcoming 3D lineup, which features three dedicated
3D channels including DirecTV’s newly named linear 3D
channel, N3D powered by Panasonic.
ESPN 3D said it plans to showcase a minimum of 85 live
sporting events during its first year, beginning June 11, with
the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa
vs. Mexico.
Other events to be produced in 3D include X Games 16,
the 2010 college football ACC Championship, the 2011 BCS
National Championship game, college basketball and NBA
games in 2011.
DirecTV HD customers who subscribe to ESPN will receive
ESPN 3D at no additional cost, the satellite TV provider said.
“We are excited to be the first and only distributor to announce
the launch of ESPN 3D and we look forward to announcing
additional 3D partners throughout the year,” stated
Eric Shanks, DirecTV entertainment executive VP.
“ESPN and DirecTV recognize the groundswell effect 3D
has already had on the television industry in the last few
months. This agreement is the first step in providing sports
fans access to exciting, dynamic content, as well as providing
our affiliates new opportunities to provide cutting-edge
product offerings to their subscribers,” stated David C. Preschlack,
Disney and ESPN Networks group affiliate sales and
marketing executive VP.
DirecTV said N3D powered by Panasonic will deliver 3D
programming from various programmers, including AEG/
AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions,
HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting
System.
DirecTV will also offer a 24/7 3D pay-per-view channel and a
24/7 3D DirecTV on Demand channel, beginning this June.
DirecTV HD customers will receive in June a free software
upgrade enabling them to access 3D channels. DirecTV HD
customers will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view
3D programming on DirecTV.
