Walt Disney (DIS)
Is 3-D TV the Future? Disney Seems to Think So
Is 3-D TV the Future? Disney Seems to Think So
Walt Disney’s ESPN Network secured another content distributor for its ESPN 3-D channel offering today. ESPN signed a deal with AT&T Incorporated (T: Charts, News, Offers) that will allow AT&T TV subscribers to access ESPN 3-D for an additional $10 per month with a 3-D TV. ESPN will debut its new broadcasting technology and 3-D channel during this year’s World Cup. The worldwide leader in sports will spearhead the first major 3-D presentation of a sporting event with its World Cup launch. Although outside opinion about the future success of 3-D TV varies wildly, ESPN seems very optimistic about its potential as the “next big thing” in television. What is Walt Disney’s ESPN planning to do with 3-D television? What is the next step?
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It is important not to underscore the significance and magnitude of ESPN’s World Cup decision. As most sports fans know, the World Cup is easily the biggest sporting event in the world, and on top of that, it only happens once every four years. The World Cup’s international presence presents a double edge sword for Walt Disney and ESPN. ESPN has the opportunity to showcase 3-D TV to a massive global audience, and really win some support in court of public opinon. Its performance could establish 3-D television as the next step in entertainment. At the same time, if ESPN 3-D fails to live up to the hype, it could kill 3-D TV’s momentum before it really gets a chance to start. The margin for error is very small. ESPN’s event selection is not the only indicator about its belief in 3-D TV.
Walt Disney’s ESPN Network is also making a strong effort to position itself with 3D content providers not only for the World Cup but future events. In addition to AT&T, ESPN has orchestrated deals with Direct TV and Comcast (CMCSCA: Charts, News, Offers) for its ESPN 3-D channel. ESPN has also announced plans to broadcast the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby in 3-D. If 3-D television grows as ESPN anticipates, it will be one of the first channels available to most 3-D TV subscribers. ESPN is really trying to be the pioneer in 3-D content, and it recognizes that in order to accomplish this goal it needs to be available on all the major cable providers.
The worldwide leader in sports is truly living up to its name by selecting the World Cup as its 3-D debut event. ESPN is not looking to bet against technology, and as a result has been extremely active in the 3-D industry. The World Cup broadcast is the first real preview that viewers will get of 3-D television. ESPN knows that the pressure is on, and it needs to make a good impression. There may be uncertainty with the 3-D technology, but ESPN and its parent copmany Walt Disney are hoping to make the skeptics into believers when the World Cup kicks off this weekend.
More News about Disney
- Gooooaaaal! World Cup Set to Expand 3D, Mobile, Web Viewing – Find out all the details about the 3-D presentation of the World Cup.
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