The digital revolution has not only given us high definition television, but has also opened up the possibility of 3DTV just as fast. If you think HD is good, wait until you see stereoscropic content come alive in your own living room. And, it will all begin THIS year.
Like HDTV, early broadcast adopters will be sports television. ESPN will be credited as the sports leader in the technology when it launches its new 3D network on June 11th. The sports network will begin with a 3D telecast of the World Cup soccer championship between Mexico and South Africa. By the end of its first year, ESPN plans to offer viewers a target of 85 live events in 3D.
In July, Direct TV will jump on the bandwagon as it teams up with Fox Sports to air a 3D broadcast of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Dallas at the equally high tech, new Cowboys' stadium in Arlington.
And later this year, Discovery will be involved in several productions and concerts as it works with IMAX and Sony in their endeavours that will air on its new 3D channel.
There is good news and bad news for consumers. The bad news is you'll need to buy a new 3DTV set if you wish to take advantage of the new programming being offered. The good news is the cost should be only a few hundred dollars more than today's HDTV sets. This June, TV manufacturer Vizio is expected to jump into the market quickly with a set debuting around $2,000.
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In addition to the television itself, you will also need to purchase high tech 3D glasses which are likely to cost extra. Two different technologies will be available: "active shutter" and "passive shutter." The active technology uses glasses that open and shut lenses in front of your eyes so quickly, the eye can't see it happening.
Be warned. Those who have experienced the technology already are telling us the visual experience is so compelling and realistic, viewers have to guard against motion induced sickness.
Viewers will have a hard time separating television and reality - and that's what broadcasters and advertisers are hoping for in the years to come, as time spent watching tv continues to increase annually.
