DirecTV Jumps at ESPN 3D

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 4/5/2010 1:08:07 AM

DirecTV, looking to establish early leadership in the nascent 3DTV space, bragged that it was the first distributor to announce a deal to carry ESPN 3D, alongside the June launch of the satellite-TV operator’s three dedicated 3D channels.

But DirecTV most likely won’t have the field all to itself. Cablevision Systems also will carry ESPN 3D when it debuts, according to an industry source. Cablevision declined to comment; ESPN said only that “we continue to have discussions with all distributors.”

DirecTV HD customers will have access to ESPN’s entire 3D programming lineup, which is promised to include at least 85 live sporting events in the first year. The service is set to include up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, beginning June 11 with the first match, South Africa vs. Mexico. Other events to be produced in 3D by ESPN include X Games 16, the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference college- football championship game, the 2011 BCS National Championship game, college basketball and NBA games in 2011.

DirecTV HD customers who subscribe to ESPN will receive ESPN 3D at no additional cost. At least initially, when ESPN 3D is not carrying any live events, it will go dark, according to the programmer’s executives.

Also in June, DirecTV will launch a linear 3D channel dubbed “N3D.” That will include programming from partners AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System. Th e N3D channel will be exclusively sponsored by Panasonic for the first year. DirecTV’s two other dedicated 3D channels will be a 24/7 pay-per-view channel and an on-demand movie channel.

By June, DirecTV said, its HD customers will receive a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to the 3D channels. Customers will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view the programming.