DirecTV tallies 4 3D Channels

Leading the 3D way into tertiary TV programming, DirectTV has become the first service provider to offer a 3D channel package. Now at four 3D channels (DirecTV Cinema, N3D, N3D On Demand and ESPN 3D), it’s quite ahead of the pack as most cable and satellite providers still have 0 or very few 3D offerings.

DirecTV Cinema in 3D is the first movie channel in full third dimension. Its lineup is currently limited (Imax Deep Sea 3D and Under the Sea 3D), but if the demand continues to grow, it’s a sure bet new programming will closely pace its 2D counterparts.

N3D, the flagship of the package, is the first original programming channel in 3D. A few of the channels currently in production: Dinosaurs – Giants of Patagonia, Wild Safari – A South African Adventure, African Adventure – Safari in the Okavango and Encounter in the 3D. N3D on Demand will allow subscribers to purchase 3D programs a la carte.

ESPN 3D is, as expected, the first foray into rich media sports programming. For now, ESPN will be experimenting with car racing (eg, Nascar Coke 400), baseball (MLB) and soccer. Expect offerings to ramp up quickly if their subscriber base demand it. I know I’ll be watching this closely…literally!

About the author

George Levint

George is the senior editor at DigitalFind and an expert in how technology at home impacts our lives. From funky analog radios to AI devices that try to out-think you, he's usually unfairly critical until proven otherwise. He also enjoys spending the occasional weekend off-grid to keep Skynet guessing.