A New Dimension for DirectTV and ESPN

by Spencer Loomis

Direct TV and ESPN are already the leaders in the sports programming industry. Together the companies are set to launch the first ever 3D sports network this June. ESPN 3D will feature at least 85 live sporting events during its first year beginning with the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The channel will air up to 25 live World Cup matches like fans have never seen before kicking off with a match between Mexico and host country South Africa on June 11.

Similar to NFL Sunday Ticket and the 101 Network, ESPN 3D will only be available to Direct TV customers furthering the satellite television provider’s foothold as the leading carrier of sports programming. Unlike NFL Sunday Ticket, Direct TV customers who already subscribe to ESPN will receive ESPN 3D at no additional cost. ESPN 3D is one of three 3D channels Direct TV is planning to launch but the only sports centric 3D channel in the works.

As David C. Preschlack, the executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for Disney & ESPN Networks Group stated, “ESPN and DirectTV recognize the groundswell effect 3D has already had on the television industry in the last few months. This agreement is the first step in providing sports fans access to exciting, dynamic content, as well as providing our affiliates new opportunities to provide cutting-edge product offerings to their subscribers.”

Other 3D sports programming will include the 2011 BCS National Championship game as well as other college football and basketball games and the Summer X Games. The technology behind the 3D programming has been under testing by Direct TV for the past 2 years and considering 3D’s unprecedented popularity sparked by smash hit blockbuster movies like James Cameron’s Avatar the timing for the channel’s debut couldn’t be better. As technology like this continues to advance it will mean a continually improving fan experience for viewers everywhere.