Date Set for 3net Launch

CULVER CITY: DIRECTV is set to launch 3net, the new 3D network from Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications and IMAX Corporation, on February 13.

The service goes live in prime time this Sunday on DIRECTV channel 107 with the one-hour 3D specials China Revealed and Forgotten Planet making their world premieres. Also on the launch slate is the world 3D TV premiere of Into the Deep 3D. The channel is promising to deliver compelling, native 3D content to the marketplace in a bid to drive consumer adoption of 3D sets. 3net plans to offer viewers the largest library of native 3D entertainment content in the world by the end of 2011.

“Today’s announcement marks the culmination of a dynamic collaboration, and we are very proud of what has been accomplished in the seven short months since the network began its development,” said Tom Cosgrove, 3net’s president and CEO. “DIRECTV is the leader in meeting consumer demand for video entertainment and has clearly been an industry innovator in 3D. We are proud to partner with DIRECTV on this historic launch and bring compelling, original 3D programming and key content from our partners to DIRECTV subscribers across the country on a 24/7 basis.”

“Quality 3D programming is vital to the success and increased adoption of the technology, and with industry leaders like Discovery, Sony and IMAX making a commitment to this category, it is clear that 3D is here to stay and is only going to get better,” added Derek Chang, executive VP of content strategy and development at DIRECTV. “We are excited to be the first distributor to announce the launch of 3net and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the largest and most compelling 3D programming lineup available.”