FIFA Sets 3-D Plans for World Cup

LONDON: FIFA today revealed the schedule of the 25 games that will be aired in 3-D and announced that ESPN in the U.S. and Sogecable in Spain are the first confirmed broadcast partners on board, with discussions ongoing with networks worldwide.

Working with Sony, 3-D cameras will be in place at five out of the ten FIFA World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The 25 games being filmed in 3-D are those expected to attract the most public attention, including the opening game on June 11 (South Africa vs Mexico) and the final game on July 11. Others 3-D matches involve Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and the U.S., among others. Three quarter-finals will air in 3D, as well as the semi-finals and the third-place match.

"The 3D feed from these 25 matches will be made available for broadcast on 3D channels, which can be enjoyed by consumers on their 3D-compatible TV sets in the comfort of their home, almost as if they were in the football stadium themselves," said Niclas Ericson, the director of FIFA TV. "Whilst discussions with major broadcasters are ongoing, I am very pleased to announce the first confirmed partners for the 3D live broadcast, who are ESPN in the US and Sogecable in Spain. We expect further announcements to be made shortly."

FIFA also said that a global 3-D public viewing project will see eight matches being fed live to digital cinemas. Swiss-based Aruna Media has been tapped to manage the exclusive 3-D cinema and entertainment venue rights for live games in 3D. Aruna plans to broadcast live 3-D coverage of matches to around 26 countries and is in advanced discussions with several major markets. In addition, 3-D promotional trailers will be shown on Sony 3D BRAVIA TVs in around 4,000 Sony-affiliated retail stores worldwide, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment today unveiled plans to produce and distribute the official FIFA film in 3D on Blu-ray Disc this year.