n3D presents History Channel's The Universe in 3D on July 30
History Channel doesn't have its own 3D network yet, but the day after season five premieres there, it will be aired at 10 p.m. on DirecTV's n3D... in 3D (and in 2D on The 101.) A&E TV VP David Zagin claims "The 3D experience greatly enhances the graphics of The Universe," and it certainly seems possible, given the CGI renderings featured on the show, which will focus that episode on "The 7 Wonders of the Solar System" including mountain ranges on Saturn's rings, a massive Volcano on Jupiter as well as its red spot, and hi-res photos of lava flow on Mars. Check the press release after the break for all the details, no word whether there will be any more 3D episodes coming our way, but hopefully this means things are looking up for DirecTV's attempts to acquire content for the first 24-hour 3D network in the US.
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DIRECTV and HISTORY(TM) Offer 3D Tour of 'THE UNIVERSE'
First Episode of Season 5 of HISTORY'S Popular Series to Air
In 3D on n3D(TM) Powered by Panasonic on July 30; 2D Version Also Available on The 101(R) Network
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jul 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV and HISTORY are taking viewers on an exclusive 3D tour of the solar system. Beginning Friday, July 30, HISTORY will deliver its first 3D broadcast on DIRECTV's new 3D channel, n3D(TM) powered by Panasonic, with the season 5 premiere episode of its popular series, THE UNIVERSE. On the same day, DIRECTV will also offer a 2D version of this episode on The 101(R) Network.
The season 5 premiere of THE UNIVERSE, titled 7 WONDERS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM, uses CGI graphics to visualize recent findings from the latest space probes, offering astonishing insight into the greatest marvels of the universe, including mountain ranges on Saturn's rings; the famous red spot on Jupiter and the indication that there may soon be another one; a volcano that would stretch the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco if it was placed on Earth; and the highest resolution images ever taken of the lava flow on Mars that might indicate volcanic activity.
DIRECTV will air THE UNIVERSE'S 7 WONDERS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM in 3D on n3D(TM) powered by Panasonic (Channel 103) and in 2D on The 101(R) Network (Channel 101) on Friday, July 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
"Offering this programming in 3D will enable our viewers to completely immerse their senses in the unchartered landscape that makes up our solar system," said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. "This is the type of programming that lends itself perfectly for 3D and still looks amazing in HD. We are excited to be partnering with HISTORY as they embark on their first 3D mission and look forward to continuing to deliver compelling 3D content to our viewers."
"This is a great opportunity for HISTORY to partner with DIRECTV to showcase our hit series THE UNIVERSE in 3D," said David Zagin executive vice president of Distribution for AETN." The 3D experience greatly enhances the graphics of THE UNIVERSE and adds an exciting new element to HISTORY's programming. We are excited to provide our viewers with the opportunity to watch this program in 3D."
n3D(TM) powered by Panasonic is now available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to 3D events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 race, which aired earlier this month, n3D customers will also have access to ESPN's 3D coverage of the Summer X Games 16 and exclusive, original 3D programming such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane's Addiction.
DIRECTV also offers DIRECTV Cinema(TM) in 3D on channel 104, which is currently airing IMAX titles Deep Sea 3D and Under the Sea 3D and n3D(TM) On Demand on channel 105, which is currently delivering replays of ESPN's 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches. DIRECTV also launched ESPN 3D on channel 106 on June 11.
Last month, DIRECTV HD customers received a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to the 3D channels on DIRECTV. DIRECTV HD customers will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view 3D programming on DIRECTV.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ:DTV) is the world's most popular video service delivering state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, the most comprehensive sports packages available and industry leading customer service to its more than 25.6 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 18.6 million customers access to 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital(R) 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), award winning technology like its DIRECTV(R) DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for nine years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 7 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.
About HISTORY
HISTORY(TM) and HISTORY HD(TM) are the leading destinations for revealing, award-winning original non-fiction series and event-driven specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. Programming covers a diverse variety of historical genres ranging from military history to contemporary history, technology to natural history, as well as science, archaeology and pop culture. Among the network's program offerings are hit series such as American Pickers, Ax Men, The Universe, Ice Road Truckers, Chasing Mummies, Top Shot and Pawn Stars, as well as acclaimed specials including America the Story of Us, WWII in HD, 102 Minutes That Changed America, Moonshot and Life After People. HISTORY has earned four Peabody Awards, seven Primetime Emmy(R) Awards, 12 News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. Take a Veteran to School Day is the network's latest initiative connecting America's schools and communities with veterans from all wars. The HISTORY website, located at www.history.com, is the leading online resource for all things history, featuring over 20,000 videos, images, audio clips, articles and interactive features that allow visitors to dig deeper into a broad range of thousands of historical topics.
SOURCE: DIRECTV
