Some TV Channels to Launch 3-D Networks

On Tuesday, both ESPN and Discovery Communications Inc. revealed plans to launch a 3-D television network.

ESPN is reported to launch ESPN 3-D in June, and it will be the industry’s first 3-D TV network. It will air at least 85 live sporting events in 3-D in its first year.

In 2011, Discovery, Sony Corp and IMAX Corp will launch the first 24/7 3-D television network in the United States.

Because so many movies have been coming out in 3-D, and after the blockbuster success of Avatar, many people believe that 3-D technology is going to take over the home market.

Sean Bratches, the executive vice president of sales and marketing at ESPN, said, “This will be a meaningful step to drive adoption of 3D television sets and afford opportunities for our affiliates to create value through new product offerings, and our advertisers, who want fresh sponsorship opportunities.”

The first 3-D broadcast that ESPN will air will be the World Cup soccer match between South Africa and Mexico on June 11. Other events that will be broadcast in 3-D will be another 25 World Cup matches, the Summer X Games, and college football and basketball.