3D: The Next (Satellite) Frontier



C/P
Now that we're finished with the great HD shootout (at least for now), 3D is moving fast on the horizon as the news to watch. In less than two weeks (May 4) SES Astra plans to launch Europe's first 3D demo channel. It's timed for the opening of the ANGA Cable international trade fair for cable broadband and satellite in Cologne, Germany which should put satellite delivered 3D in the global spotlight. SES Astra's 3D demo channel will be available free-to-air via ASTRA's orbital position 23.5 degrees East, and will initially target retailers and installers featuring high quality 3D content including sports, music and entertainment.

Meanwhile, 3D satellite plans are getting touted across the world: BSkyB has launched an aggressive 3D campaign, starting with Premier League football in pubs and bars and planning a 24/7 Sky 3D channel for this autumn; Russian satellite operator RSCC announced plans to use capacity for 3D services; and Korea's SkyLife launched a 24-hour 3D channel in January – and just last week announced plans to team with N****vision for a VOD 3D service dubbed 3D MRS (movie rental service).


And in the U.S? DIRECTV is in the lead with plans to offer a four channel 3D service starting in May. The service includes ESPN 3D, an on demand 3D channel, a 3D pay-per-view channel and N3Dâ„¢, powered by Panasonic, which will deliver the best 3D programming from AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC-U and TBS.

As for DISH ... maybe some kind of announcement at Team Summit 2010 (May 11-13) in San Antonio?•
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