ESPN 3D and Discovery 3D: A New Era of Television

It seems that 3D has once again caught on in the United States with 3D movies like Avatar becoming huge box office hits. 3D is no longer reserved for the silver screen, however, ESPN plans to unveil the first ever 3-D television network with ESPN 3D.

ESPN 3D will air at least 85 live sporting events in it's first year. The first of which will be on June 11 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup; the South America vs. Mexico match will be the premier. They also plan to have the 2011 BCS National Championship Game in 3D along with college basketball, regular season football, and at least 25 of the World Cup Games.

ABC's Sports President was quoted as saying "ESPN's commitment to 3D is a win for fans and our business partners. ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan's viewing experience and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing."

ESPN is not alone, however, the discovery channel will be joining them in the third demension, shark week in 3D! Yikes! Discovery won't be launching it's 3D endeavor until 2011 when it partners with Sony and Imax.

Both companies are now competing for the title of the first 3D network. ESPN 3D will have an earlier launch date but it will black out when there is not content airing.

To watch the 3D content viewers must have a 3D ready television set and wear 3D glasses, which might make it more of a hassle then it is worth. Also, the added costs of producing 3D material may end up costing the consumer more in the long run; it is rumored that it will be added as another tier of cable in the same way that digital cable and HD are done. It's unclear how it will work out as many are claiming that they don't plan on sitting around watching sports with glasses on indoors. It seems that American's still just want to sit back relax and watch regular old football with a beer and no hassle's. Also, in tough economic times a increase in cost doesn't seem to be viable.

3D is certainly a groundbreaking endeavor for both ESPN and Discovery. The immense success of 3D in theaters in recent weeks bodes well for the two television giants. It will be quite interesting to see how 3D television pans out over the next two years.