ESPN And Discovery to Launching 3D Television Networks

The 2010 FIFA World Cup match between South Africa vs. Mexico will be notable not only for the game, but because it will be ESPN 3D's first broadcast. As you might guess from the name, it will be a channel with 3D programing. You will have to wear those glasses for it to work, and have a '3D-ready TV'.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/espn-launching-first-3d-television-network.html

"ESPN and Discovery Communications announced plans Tuesday to launch the industry's first 3D television networks.

The sports programmer will introduce a 3D network this summer, while Discovery is joining forces with Sony and Imax for a 3D network to launch in 2011.

The announcements represent a potentially game-changing addition to the TV landscape, which only recently fully embraced another technological shift to high-definition programming.

The Walt Disney-owned unit said Tuesday that its new channel -- ESPN 3D -- will feature at least 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match South Africa vs. Mexico.
...
To watch the content, viewers must have a 3D-ready TV set, and might need a new set-top box. And yes, viewers also must wear 3D glasses.

Plus, the added cost of producing content in 3D will likely get passed onto the consumer, resulting in another cable pay tier similar to current high-definition packages."