It's no longer just a rumour: the Football World Cup will be broadcast in 3D. But you'll need a special TV to view it and it won't be every game either.
According to an official report, SBS has been granted full access to a 3D stream by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), although the agreement is only temporary for the duration of the 2010 Football World Cup.
The terms of the agreement will give Australians with 3D televisions access to the special 3D-only channel. In recent weeks, brands such as LG and Samsung have launched 3D TVs in order to capitalise on the interest in 3D sport broadcasts. Prices for 3D TVs start from $3,000 and are available in a range of formats including LED and Plasma.
FIFA has previously confirmed that they will work with broadcast partner Sony to record select games in 3D. However, this coverage will be limited to a handful of games.
According to FIFA, 25 matches will be broadcast in the next-generation format, aiming to "take advantage of Sony's technologies and knowhow in the area of 3D." Although SBS has yet to confirm whether these 3D broadcasts will include all three of Australia's first round matches in South Africa.
May and June are set to be two massive months for 3D fans. The 2010 State Of Origin series is set to kick off 3D festivities with three games in 3D, with the first game of the series to be shown on May 26th. Similarly, the World Cup kicks off from June 11th.
Foxtel 3D
And in an interesting announcement made today by Foxtel, the much-awaited farewell match played between Australia and New Zealand will also be broadcast in 3D, using Sony's camera technology on a specially set-up 3D channel called Fox Sports 3D and a high definition version of the same channel, Fox Sports 3HD.
The local derby kicks off at 7:30pm on Monday, May 24th, two days before the State of Origin match. The date effectively gives Foxtel the bragging rights to Australia's first 3D broadcast, a significant milestone for the 3D format and for sports fans in general.
