DIRECTV, Panasonic Unveil 3D Channels

NEW YORK: DIRECTV is rolling out a suite of three 3D channels in conjunction with Panasonic, producer of the VIERA HD 3D TV sets.

DIRECTV customers can now access n3D, a linear channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming, such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, Wild Safari: A South African Adventure and N Wave Picture’s S.O.S Planet, African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango and Encounter in the Third Dimension. n3D will also offer special events such as this weekend’s running of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400, the local broadcast of the Yankees-Mariners series on July 10-11 and FOX Sports 2010 MLB All-Star Game ion July 13. The platform is also launching DIRECTV Cinema in 3D, which is offering IMAX titles Deep Sea 3D and Under the Sea 3D, and n3D On Demand, which is currently delivering replays of ESPN’s 3D coverage of the World Cup. ESPN 3D is also carried on DIRECTV. The platform has positioned itself as an early mover in 3D. In January, at CES, it announced a partnership with Panasonic, the exclusive sponsor of n3D, to launch 3D TV channels. And last month, DIRECTV HD customers received a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to the 3D channels,

"The ability to bring high-quality 3D programming into the home is a huge advancement in the evolution of television," said Derek Chang, executive VP of content strategy and development for DIRECTV. "Our innovative technology has allowed us to lead the industry in HD and we are continuing on that same path by establishing ourselves as the premier destination for the best 3D viewing experience available. We are proud to be partnering with Panasonic and are excited to deliver this new dimension of television to millions of DIRECTV HD customers across the country."

"This is a major milestone in the young history of 3D home entertainment and Panasonic is very proud to work with DIRECTV to bring consumers this new TV channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming," added Joseph M. Taylor, chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "We have launched our VIERA 3D TVs and Blu-ray 3D Player, and they have been very well received by consumers, but we know the key to the success of 3D for the home is the availability of content. The arrival of n3D powered by Panasonic underscores the fact that consumers will have access to a rapidly growing range of 3D TV programming including live major sports and entertainment events, as well as movies on 3D Blu-ray Disc in 2010."