3D – A New Dimension For Sport

HD has fast-tracked 3D, leading to intense new interest in this medium. 3D HD coverage of major sports events is becoming a reality in the entertainment market - exciting, compulsive and involving; a viewer experience similar to being at the game.

Sport in three dimensions

Infront Sports & Media and its subsidiary Host Broadcast Services (HBS) are leaders in the development of 3D coverage of live sport. Creating an exciting and totally immersive experience for fans and a new generator of exposure and revenue for sports rights holders. Live 3D sports broadcasts are now a reality and the scope for future growth is exciting.

 

3D on the rise

3D has undergone an intense phase of development as a result of new developments in technology. TV manufacturers are releasing 3D screens for both the professional and consumer markets. The move to 3D has been facilitated by the previous global investment in high-definition television (HD). 

 

All the big Hollywood Studios are making 3D films to keep up with consumer demand. While 2D ticket sales for movies are in overall decline, revenues from 3D tickets continue to grow — 3D versions of films are earning more than their 2D equivalents.

 

Major sport events covered in 3D

Infront, HBS and London-based CAN Communicate, the leading European exponent of 3D as a medium for sport, have been at the forefront, starting from May 2008 with a 3D live coverage of the 2008 IIHF World Championship in Canada. This was the first time that selected events — the semi-finals, the 3rd place and the Final — of a major ice hockey tournament were produced in 3D.

 

In April 2009, HBS and CAN worked with Orange, the leading mobile operator in France, to broadcast the French Ligue 1 match between Olympique Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain live in 3D. This was the first live 3D broadcast of a football (soccer) match in European history.

 

3D opens up a new area of potential

The application of 3D to sport opens up a big new area of potential for 3D both at home and at special corporate and commercial events organised by rights holders and sponsors.

 

The national football league (NFL) in the USA sees 3D as the next big development in-home entertainment and has conducted “proof of concept” demonstrations. British PAY broadcaster BSkyB has successfully tested the delivery of 3D programming. This year Sky will launch its first 3D TV channel as television manufacturers such as Panasonic and Sony release the first 3D TV screens into the market.

 

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