2010 world cup
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World Cup 2010 final game is coming to movie theaters in 3D
So maybe you're like our friend Jimmy and want to check out some World Cup action in 3D, but don't know where to go to see it. Luckily Cinedigm is adding to its list of sports broadcasts by bringing the World Cup final to a few moviehouses in 3D. Check out the official site for the current list of locations, although there are far fewer than we've seen available for events like the NCAA Final Four and BCS National Championship game. Maybe if the US team moves on we'll see that number improve but if all you want to do is slip on some 3D specs and catch some football international-style, we'd get a ticket now.
AT&T U-verse will have ESPN 3D at launch, for a fee
We're just two days away from the launch of the first 3D channel in the US, and U-verse will be ready. The third broadcaster to announce it will carry ESPN 3D after DirecTV and Comcast, it is the first to charge an additional fee for the privilege. $10 per month adds the "3D Technology Package" to your U-verse viewing options -- similar to Comcast and different from DirecTV's approach, it works with all the boxes but will require users to manually switch to 3D mode on their TVs -- which at the moment will consist only of ESPN 3D, although the company promises its goal is to offer a "wide range" of 3D content just like its current HD lineup (which it also charges an extra $10 to access.) Have U-verse but haven't shelled out for a 3DTV, glasses, and this new channel? There's still the Multiview app to look forward to, with four ESPN channels on screen at once and coverage in up to six different languages you won't miss a single flop or injured star player during the entire tournament, we promise.
Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars half-off on PSN
Indie developer Psyonix, Inc. recently sent out a press release announcing a half-off sale for its wordy PSN title, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Until June 15, folks living in NTSC territories can purchase the game from the PlayStation Store for just $5 -- a promotion that's being offered in anticipation of the upcoming 2010 World Cup. We wonder if the World Cup will return the favor, and introduce a sudden death, vehicle-based round of soccer into its proceedings. If so, we might actually watch it.
ESPN 3D will be on Comcast in time for the 2010 World Cup
Count distributor number two (after DirecTV) and the first cable affiliate for ESPN 3D, now officially coming to Comcast when it launches June 11. That follows up on the Masters 3D event broadcast last month and will give 3DTV owning subscribers with digital cable their first linear channel and VOD package (albeit part time, at least for the first year) starting with the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Not into soccer action? The Winter & Summer X-Games are on deck as well as the 2011 BCS National Championship game next January, and whenever someone catches a football star behaving badly in a bathroom on their new 3D cameraphone, you'll know where to go for the highlights.
Trickster Online's Spring Poppuri Olympics flings out prizes
They all laughed at you when you told them you were playing a 2D sprite-based MMORPG with characters cuter than The Smurfs, Rainbow Brite and Pokémon all rolled into one. Now you have the chance to wave a brand-new iPod touch in their faces and crow "Who's laughing now? Who's laughing now?" as they fall to their knees and scream to the sky. Ntreev's Trickster Online continues to roll out special events and contests for its playerbase, as it just announced their Spring Poppuri Olympics, which starts March 18th and runs through April 7th. Players can net some snazzy prizes through this event, including an in-game pet, an iPod Touch 32G, an autographed 2010 World Cup soccer ball, and more. To win, players are tasked to drill for special "Poppuri Boxes" hidden across Caballa Island. If you are level 40 and find at least 200 of these boxes, you will be eligible to win the goodies. "We love to watch the fierce drilling spirit of our players during these Poppuri events," said Chris Lee, CEO of Ntreev USA. "Players will be rewarded nicely with some fabulous prizes for this exciting event and we hope to deliver more events in the future with even greater in-game and real-world prizes." Since Trickster Online is a free-to-play title, there's no reason why you shouldn't head on over to their website, and check it out to see if it's up your alley. And with the lure of a free iPod touch, there's no time like the present!
Univision & Telefutura en HD starting Monday
Spanish speaking HDTV owners in the U.S. can expect the other shoe to drop this week, with Univision and Telefutura stepping up to high-definition broadcasts starting Monday. The cutover will be staggered, with New York and LA going first at 12:02 a.m. Monday morning, followed by other markets throughout the week. The network's first all HD program will be the Tournament of Roses parade broadcast January 1. As promised, it's followed Telemundo to higher quality in plenty of time for the World Cup next year, sadly now we're just wondering when they'll switch over to 3D. [Thanks, Andres]
Sony and FIFA team up to make the World Cup 3D
It's no secret that plenty of companies are hoping that 2010 will be the year of 3D, and it looks like Sony has now gotten a big boost by lining up a partnership with one of the biggest events of the year: the FIFA World Cup. As the pair have announced today, the new arrangement will see at least 25 World Cup matches produced in 3D using Sony's 3D cameras, which will be viewable through a variety of means. That includes special public viewing events in seven cities around the world (none in North America, unfortunately), an "Official 3D Film" that will be previewed at Sony Stores and other retail outlets and, last but not least, a Blu-ray of said film that will be made available at some point following the World Cup. This won't be the first time a soccer match has been broadcast in 3D, however, and it looks like it won't be your only option for catching some games in 3D next year either. [Thanks, Matt]
