It's a 3-D World After All!
Everyone from content programmers to television makers are rushing to get 3D TV shows, sports, and movies along with 3D capable television sets into every home in America. The epic success of last year's 'Avatar' has the TV industry scrambling to provide 3D technology to its customers. Even though a very small percent of the America's TV viewing population actually have 3D capable televisions in their homes at this time, research predicts that more than 2.5 million homes will upgrade to 3D by the end of this year.
Cable and satellite TV companies are trying to prepare for this new trend in TV and movie viewing. DirecTV has place for 3 dedicated 3-D channels and Discovery is shooting for a 3-D channel by next year. Most people think that 3D is the next HD, and foresee cable and satellite companies will providing the channels at an additional monthly fee. As the largest cable tv provider in the country Comcast has the most to gain. Especially since Comcast has made huge strides by offering bundled cable services on products like digital cable, high-speed Internet, and digital phone services. Adding 3D TV channels on top of the special deals customers often get from Comcast by packaging all digital services together should be easy.
ESPN 3-D Channel is offering World Cup soccer matches in 3D, starting June 11. AT&T, Comcast, and DirecTV have all signed on for ESPN's 3D service. AT&T customers will have to pay an extra $10 for this service, while Comcast and DirecTV customers with HD(high-definition) service will face no additional fees. However, Comcast requires users to have an HD-DVR box, which has more bandwidth. Luckily, Comcast customers can get this upgraded box for free. DirecTV customers only need to install new software (a quick download) to their current boxes for 3D capability to be effective.
As exciting as watching sports in 3D sounds, ESPN 3-D channel will only air scheduled events like, the World Cup, X-Games, and MLB's Home Run Derby. ESPN 3D will not be on air 24/7 like other ESPN channels.
These are just a few examples of what you can expect from your cable or satellite company during the coming 3D entertainment invasion. Also of note, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, nor Cablevision have as yet signed up for ESPN 3D, though several of the companies are in talks to do so.
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