Panasonic, DIRECTV Usher In 3D Television

Filed in archive Entertainment , HDTV , Home Theater , Television on July 3, 2010

A few days ago, during the press coverage of the inauguration of an Asian country's new president, I chided through Twitter a television network for grandstanding with its use of 3D cameras. "It's all part of the network wars crap. Who owns 3D televisions in the country anyway?" I remember saying.

It seems technology is not only keeping up, it's riding roughshod over critics like me.

There's good news for home entertainment fans in the United States. DIRECTV, perhaps the world's most popular video service, and Panasonic, the technology company leading the charge in 3D television technology, is ushering in a new dimension in home entertainment.


© Panasonic



What I'm talking about is the two companies' recent launch of three 3D channels, including the DIRECTV Cinema in 3D on channel 104, which is at present offering IMAX films like Under the Sea 3D and Deep Sea 3D, and n3D On Demand on channel 105, which is currently showing recaps of ESPN's 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches.

"The ability to bring high-quality 3D programming into the home is a huge advancement in the evolution of television," said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV, in a press statement issued by Panasonic. "Our innovative technology has allowed us to lead the industry in HD and we are continuing on that same path by establishing ourselves as the premier destination for the best 3D viewing experience available. We are proud to be partnering with Panasonic and are excited to deliver this new dimension of television to millions of DIRECTV HD customers across the United States."

Speaking of n3D, which is available at no additional cost to DIRECTV HD customers on channel 103, it will feature, throughout the month of July, original 3D programming such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, Wild Safari: A South African Adventure, and Encounter in the Third Dimension, among others.

For more information about the new and exciting 3D content on television, head on over to the DIRECTV website. To find out how to get more out of your 3D TV viewing experience, go check out Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology.