04/20/24
January 05, 2010
ESPN Launching First 3D Sports Channel: On June 11, the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa will be the first event broadcast on ESPN 3D, a new 3-D channel that will air at least 85 events during its first year -- including 25 World Cup matches, the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football, and the Summer X Games. Viewers will require glasses, a 3-D ready television and possibly another set-top box. An EnGadget item from October offers more details on 3-D TV.
I can't imagine upgrading televisions again for 3D. It was hard enough getting the Our Home Needs HDTV Act passed over my wife's veto. She still tells me there's no difference, no matter how many times I point out that you can now see clearly that David Caruso needs to exfoliate.
posted by rcade at 02:40 PM on January 05, 2010
Seconded, especially since this feels like a step between two technologies (HDTV and whatever comes next) that no one will ever need. Hook up a video disc player to it.
posted by yerfatma at 04:13 PM on January 05, 2010
If they're going to do this, though, they need to go whole-hog. Give an option to install a little water-gun nozzle so you can actually feel the spittle hit you in the face during Rome is Burning.
posted by Ufez Jones at 04:39 PM on January 05, 2010
One word: cheerleaders.
posted by graymatters at 05:57 PM on January 05, 2010
She still tells me there's no difference, no matter how many times I point out that you can now see clearly that David Caruso needs to exfoliate.
Getting HDTV was the primary reason to STOP watching anything involving David Caruso.
*shudder*
posted by grum@work at 06:38 PM on January 05, 2010
Getting HDTV was the primary reason to STOP watching anything involving David Caruso.
Turning any type of TV on is a good reason not to watch David Caruso.
posted by dyams at 08:55 PM on January 05, 2010
I thought David Caruso was the primary reason to stop watching anything involving David Caruso.
posted by apoch at 08:58 PM on January 05, 2010
Just saw Avatar in 3D and the technology now is truly incredible. This could be insane.
posted by DudeDykstra at 04:00 AM on January 06, 2010
Yeah, I had the chance to see Avatar (twice!) in true IMAX 3D here in Seattle, and it was spectacular. I also saw the nVidia 3D video system during the Penny Arcade Expo last September, and it was stupendous. I'm aching to see if Bioshock 2 works well with it, because then I'll upgrade...
However, like nVidia's system that uses active glasses and needs a 120Hz refresh rate, the problem is a channel that already rules out 90-95% of HDTVs in consumer homes is kind of pointless. Broadcast with just the polarized glasses like they did during the Superbowl last year, and any HDTV- or even older TV- should be good enough quality.
The technology is there, although for live broadcasts it'll be a hurdle to start dealing with the focal point (from the perspective of the cameras, the sense of depth won't be there when they're mostly focusing from far away on the stadium roof or deep in the second tier). But that's not insurmountable, especially with the over-the-field roving camera being perfect for making 3-D and really giving the viewer that "Whoa" experience.
posted by hincandenza at 05:45 AM on January 06, 2010
Slow. Down.
I don't even have an HD television.