SBS has confirmed that as many as 15 World Cup Soccer matches will be able to be seen in 3D including Australia Vs Germany on June 14.
The 3D soccer matches will be seen on digital channel 40 and replayed on a loop until the next match airs. Digital channel 40 is the same channel that Nine will use for 3D coverage of the three State of Origin Rugby League matches – with the first airing on May 26.
And if you were tossing up whether to buy a 3D TV or not, then Foxtel also have come to the 3D party announcing that they will broadcast the soccer match between the Socceroos and New Zealand on Monday May 24 in 3D on FOX Sports 3D – channel 200.
But what will you need? In order to view the Foxtel match, you will need a 3D TV, an IQ2, sports as part of your package and have paid the extra to be able to receive HD channels on Foxtel. It does not look like Foxtel will charge any extra for channel 200. While this is a one off event, they will have it on air before Nine’s State of Origin and there will no doubt be many more event covered in 3D and broadcast on Foxtel.
Meanwhile, 3D TV on free to air will utilise temporary spectrum allocated for 3D for a period of just two months. Digital channel 40 will be used by both SBS for the soccer and Nine for the State of Origin. All you need to see the free to air digital offerings will be a 3D TV. Nothing more. The special allocation covers Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Nine have stated that Wollongong and Newcastle will be covered for the State of Origin in 3D but we cannot confirm if those two cities will be included in the 3D soccer broadcasts.
And then what? After these major sporting events are over, no doubt there will be many others announced in 3D. Like the uptake of digital TV and high definition, the driving force initially will be sports. Already a number of overseas events are being covered in 3D, some of which may end up here as well on Fox Sports 3D or otherwise.
And what of all those movies lately on 3D? Well, no doubt we will see them in 3D first via Blue Ray, then maybe premium 3D movie channels.
3D is here and whether it succeeds in home entertainment is yet to be seen. It will ultimately come down to available content as to the speed of uptake. Certainly a good time for sports fans though.
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