Posts Tagged ‘SkyLife’

Ryder Cup golfing action will be broadcasted on Sky TV in 3D. It will mark the launch of Europe’s first 3D TV channel.

While it is already golf’s most high-profile global tournament, the launch of 3D watching experience is expected to attract a wealth of new viewers to the sport. It is estimated that the global television audience will reach a billion. Precisely how many people will be able to watch 3D TV is not known. However, the UK’s largest electronics retailer, DSG International (DSGi) said 25% of the TVs in its 670 Currys and PC World stores are now 3D-enabled and, earlier this month, John Lewis announced 15% of its TV sales over 40 inches are now 3D.

To get the full 3D experience, viewers will need a new 3D-enabled TV and Sky’s high-definition package.

Also Turner Sports and The PGA of America announced that they will offer coverage of the 92nd PGA Championship in 3D on Thursday, Aug. 12 and Friday, Aug. 13, on PGA.com and through TNT’s television distributors Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, and Time Warner Cable. The 3D coverage will focus on the par-3 12th and 17th holes at Whistling Straits from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET each day. Host Vince Cellini who will be joined by 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem will provide commentary and analysis on the holes. Beem also will provide analysis throughout the weekend during PGA.com’s extensive 2D online offerings.

The 3D production will use eight cameras produced specifically for 3D that will provide a unique look at course action and give fans a one-of-a-kind visual experience to watch the world’s best golfers play the course’s challenging par-3s.

“At Turner Sports we continually look to provide the fan with an innovative viewing experience through our ability to test and explore new opportunities,” said Lenny Daniels, Turner Sports EVP and COO. “The PGA Championship has always been a platform for forward thinking and interactive technology. During previous PGA Championship coverage on TNT and PGA.com, we have introduced our marquee follow coverage, live streaming action through mobile apps and included social networking within our linear broadcast. Introducing 3D coverage to this crown jewel event allows us another opportunity to better serve our audience and add to our multitude of platforms.”

“The PGA Championship has perennially been the source of many of the game’s most special moments,” said PGA of America Director of Broadcast & New Media Casey Morton. “The addition of 3D television and online technology unfolding at Whistling Straits, a spectacular venue for viewers, is yet another new level of excitement for fans to follow the world’s premier players. We anticipate that the addition of this bonus for viewers opens another chapter in PGA Championship tradition.”

According to research made by the CEA, a large proportion of consumers will be considering purchasing a 3D TV set in the near future. However the availability of 3D content seems to be still the major obstacle for adoption.

According to the CEA and Entertainment and Technology Center at the University of Southern California, 67%t of those planning to buy a 3D TV within the next three years said they will be more likely to buy if they can receive and watch 3D television programs through an antenna, cable, satellite or fibre-to-home. The majority stressed that the main reason for buying a 3D TV is to watch 3D movies.

Virgin Media, the cable television company, aims at offering 3D TV content to its subscribers. This will be enabled through an on demand service. The provider gave up its prior decision to launch an exclusive 3D TV channel. Customers will need special 3D glasses to view the 3D content.

Virgin Media plans to exhibit its 3D TV content, made up of films, TV and games, at the Ideal Home Show, at Earls Court in London.

One can buy glasses at different rates. There are both budget and hi-end versions of the glasses.

Virgin Media differentiates from its competitor BSkyB by offering on demand 3D pruducts.

SkyLife, a Korean satellite television company, plans to start 3D broadcasts of some live sports events in May 2010. SkyLife will ensure that its cameras, switchers and other production equipment are updated by then. From May, they will have some live sports coverage and then they will expand the time span of 3D content to seven hours a day.

3D content will be available in 2010 from ESPN, DirecTV, BSkyB, SkyLife and other broadcasters and providers. ESPN, for example, is expected to broadcast 85 games in 3D this year. Some market experts estimate 40-50 video game titles in 3D to be released in 2010. SkyLife plans to build content partnerships with major Hollywood companies including Disney and DreamWorks.

SkyLife also initiated discussions with Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Fuji Film for joint investment in increased 3D programming. The company CEO commented that it will offer 3D movies to subscribers based on video-on-demand (VOD) with content from upcoming partnerships.

SkyLife officials promise to provide 10 recent movies per week to set-top boxes. The service will be available in the second half of 2010. The multi-channel digital satellite broadcaster is developing new technology, enabling subscribers who have over 60Hz regular LCD or LED-backlit LCD TVs to watch 3D programs without buying 3D-only TV sets.

The provider is expected to charge more for 3D programs.