Sky 3DTV Football Coverage In Pubs

Written by Rob Nichols on February 2, 2010 · Filed under Tech, TV/Movies 

For many football fans this weekend just gone will be a memorable one. Not just because of the traditionally fierce clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, but because of the fact that for the first time ever, in pubs up and down the country, the game was aired in Sky 3DTV.

Much has been made of the 3D scene in the past few months and this is surely a massive step forward in terms of sport. Some may argue that whilst impressive, it’s more for glamour than anything else, but then again that seems to be the way football is these days anyway. Whether or not it is necessary doesn’t deny the fact that an impressive display of 3D football got many fans excited for the future of football on TV.

The last few years have seen thousands if not millions of homes switch to HDTV, which of course impressed everyone, initially. However, being human we all share one common trait. That is that we always want more than what we have at any moment in time. It’s what drives us on and moves the world forward. This is exactly what has happened here. The public wanted more, and they got it.

Not only was this the first ever football match to be broadcast in 3D, it was in fact the first ever sports event to be shown in such a way anywhere around the world. Sky obviously take massive amounts of pride in this huge technological leap forward, but it has left people contemplating whether or not it’s just a novelty.

The match itself was not broadcast to homes, as it is unlikely that a large enough amount of people currently own a 3D capable TV. Instead it was shown in nine pubs located in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin. The pubs were fitted with 3D ready TV sets prior to the match and the crowds were flooding in ready to put on their glasses and watch what was indeed, a spectacle.

Of course, with this being BSkyB who lead the way in terms of digital TV in the UK, this could have a massive influence on not only sport, but also movies. With their ever increasing arsenal of subscription movie channels, how long will it be before we see ‘Sky Movies 3D’ alongside ‘Sky Sports 3D’. I can honestly say I believe it would be extremely unwise and perhaps a little silly to move this technology into the Music TV as it would be almost entirely unnecessary. However, perhaps some modern artists in a vain attempt to be ‘cool’, will shoot 3D music videos for the select few that are capable of watching them.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: “3D is without doubt one of the most talked about developments in television for many years. Sky has always innovated to bring customers the best possible viewing experience, so we fully intend to take the lead in bringing the spectacle of 3D to the UK and Ireland.”

With movies such as Avatar 3D wowing crowds recently and even more potentially amazing 3D experiences coming this year, 2010 is sure to be remembered as the year 3D made it big in the UK and across the world. What do you think? Would you be happy wearing 3D glasses? Or are you waiting for 3DTV without glasses? Will you want to upgrade your high definition TV experience to now include 3D?

Via – T3