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ESPN's Home Run Derby in 3D goes off without a hitch
We not only didn't get to make the trip to Anaheim for ESPN's first 3D broadcast that was produced in house, but we also couldn't watch it in 3D thanks to the fact that we don't subscribe to one of the three providers who's carrying ESPN 3D. We're sure we weren't alone watching it in HD, but we did appreciate ESPN showing a few shots of the 3D cameras and enjoyed reading Wired's impressions which seemed pretty positive. We'll be keeping an eye out for 3D that is available on our provider, but it really goes to show that at this point in time, the lack of 3D content is a very big concern. %Gallery-97446%
Could 3D bring the NHL back to ESPN?
Stop us if you've heard this one before (with HDTV as savior), but an editorial on Home Theater Review suggests an interesting theory -- that a need for 3D content could drive ESPN to once again open its arms to the NHL. Currently relegated to limited airings on NBC and Versus, post-lockout professional hockey has had a tough time regaining its former status, but a partnership with the sports leader (and its immense subscriber base) could turn that around. On its end, ESPN could potentially have a source for plenty of programming to fill its ESPN 3D schedule, and a partner willing to bend over backwards to accommodate the new technology and its need for closer, lower camera angles to increase the 3D effect. We're not huge hockey fans but we're sure a few of you are, even if you plan on sticking to 2D HDTV viewing of the on-ice action, are you ready for National Hockey Night to make a return?
Samsung 3DTVs put to the test with World Cup, Monsters vs. Aliens and... iCarly?
Of course we've talked 3D to death and back, and we've seen several reviews and previews, but Technologizer took some time out to grab a more "man on the street" impression of the technology. With a mini focus group intact they checked out the Samsung Experience in NYC, taking time to focus on the top of the line 55-inch C9000 LED LCD HDTV. With not much 3D content (the initial viewing was before the world Cup started) they checked out some regular 2D content converted by the display into 3D, while viewers were surprisingly receptive to The Daily Show and Transformers 2 that way, iCarly and American Idol didn't fare quite as well. Still, viewers seemed excited by the 3D Blu-ray movie pack-in, and a short time later, some German 3D fans were impressed by the World Cup presentation, though like our impressions the effect varied based on the camera angle. Ultimately, none of the people asked seemed ready to buy a 3DTV yet, citing lack of content and prices as their main reasons. click through for the full impressions, we'll wait a week or so and see if there's a followup when there's two or more 3D channels and Blu-ray 3D movies to watch.
Engadget HD Podcast 198 - 06.15.2010
The start of World Cup 2010 and launch of ESPN 3D gave us plenty to talk about, and that's before we got to Sony's 3DTV and Blu-ray 3D announcements, the 152-inch plasma shipping this fall from Panasonic, and ITV HD ruining the big game for an entire nation. there's plenty of sadness to go around however, with Boxee delays, DirecTV glitches and TiVo / DISH squabbling. Microsoft's new Xbox 360, along with ESPN3 access and an upgraded Netflix interface gave us plenty to talk about -- we'll see if it's actually whisper quiet. We wrap things up with the new TiVo remote and this week's Ask Engadget HD, HDTV or projector?Get the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace[MP3] Download the show (MP3).Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@Rjcc)Producer: Trent WolbeProgram00:00:40 - Engadget HD Podcast 197 - 06.8.2010 - comments00:07:07 - ESPN 3D officially launches with FIFA World Cup coverage: live from Bristol00:12:57 - Exclusive: a look around ESPN's 3D Master Control room00:14:20 - Interview: Chuck Pagano talks ESPN 3D, mobile streaming00:19:00 - Looking for ESPN 3D on Comcast? Get an MPEG-4 cable box first00:23:38 - Sony has two 3D Blu-ray titles on deck for retail in 201000:24:08 - Sony 3DTVs go on pre-sale at Sony Style stores immediately, 'Cloudy' hits Blu-ray 3D June 2200:26:30 - US PlayStation 3 gets four 3D titles starting tomorrow00:27:42 - Panasonic's 152-inch 4K-resolution 3D plasma ships this fall00:29:00 - Panasonic announces 46-, 42-inch plasma 3DTVs for Japan00:31:04 - ITV HD fails to show England's first World Cup 2010 goal to the home fans (video)00:32:55 - F1 boss Ecclestone says no high definition feed until 201200:36:45 - DirecTV software update locks up HD DVRs nationwide -- Update: Fixed00:38:47 - Boxee Box delayed until November00:40:15 - USPTO rules against TiVo's "Time Warp" patent, but the fight vs. DISH rages on, again00:42:25 - PlayOn adds ESPN3 streaming for your World Cup viewing pleasure00:42:53 - ESPN3 comes exclusively to Xbox 36000:50:33 - Netflix for Xbox 360 adds search in November00:52:00 - New Xbox 360 gets official at $299, shipping today, looks angular and ominous (video hands-on!)01:06:37 - TiVo Slide QWERTY Bluetooth remote appears on the FCC test bench01:08:30 - Ask Engadget HD: HD projector or HDTV? 2010 editionLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)
Comcast adds TiVo Series 3, Premiere boxes to the 3D compatible list
Last week ESPN 3D launched, and Comcast's information indicated many users with older cable boxes wouldn't be able to get on the action without an upgrade. The good news for TiVo owners is that information has since been updated and now TiVo Series 3 / HD and TiVo Premiere units are on the approved list for 3DTV broadcasts. We're not sure exactly what the hangup might have been and how it was resolved, but if you've got one of those DVRs hooked up to a 3DTV and Comcast service, it's definitely time to get on the phone and have the channel activated so you can watch the World Cup properly.
Interview: Chuck Pagano talks ESPN 3D, mobile streaming
During our time at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut this past week, we were able to peek inside every nook and cranny of the company's technological side. We discovered some pretty remarkable things about the culture and attitude toward innovation, and while the bulk of that discovery will be seen in a forthcoming Engadget Show segment, we couldn't help but share some insight from a kind fellow who has been deeply involved in the blinking lights portion of ESPN from day one. We sat down for a brief one-on-one interview with Chuck Pagano -- ESPN's executive vice president of technology -- following the outfit's 3D launch, and while we were both bitter over the 1-1 result in the South Africa vs. Mexico match, he was understandably excited about the future of his firm's latest channel. For Chuck's take on 3D, the move to HD and the impending arrival of ESPN streams on your phone, be sure to grab your best reading glasses and click on through.
Exclusive: a look around ESPN's 3D Master Control room
Not sure if you knew, but today marks the launch of ESPN's first dedicated 3D channel, predictably titled ESPN 3D. For now, the channel will only be active whenever 3D sporting events are being aired, starting with a full 25 FIFA World Cup matches from the Republic of South Africa. It's a pretty monumental launch for the world leader in broadcast sports, and it's obviously taking a pretty big leap with only a smattering of 3D sets available and an obviously limited amount of content at its disposal. That said, there's hardly a better way to enjoy 3D content than to see sports in the third dimension, which makes the appeal of this new station that much stronger. We're here live at the company's kickoff event in Bristol, Connecticut, and we'll be bringing you lots of coverage from behind the scenes. One important piece that has yet to be revealed to the public is exactly how this material is getting from the field to the consumer, with Comcast, DirecTV and AT&T (U-verse) signed on from day one. During our shooting for The Engadget Show (don't worry -- we'll be cutting it up and getting it live as soon as possible!) we were able to stop by ESPN's 3D Master Control room, a box no larger than the average American kitchen but infinitely important in the grand scheme of things. Amazingly enough, the room pictured in the gallery below didn't exist six weeks ago, and in an insanely short period of time ESPN has managed to create a control room that sucks feeds in from all over the world, adds graphics (along with a specialized ESPN 3D "bug"), ensures that everything is aligned properly and then pipes it out to the aforesaid carriers. %Gallery-94971%
ESPN 3D officially launches with FIFA World Cup coverage: live from Bristol
It's official, one of the most popular networks in the US (if not the world) kicked off its 3D branch in style today, and we made the trek to ESPN's campus in Bristol, Connecticut to experience it first hand. Put simply, the campus is any gadget or sports nerd's paradise; technology is oozing from every corner of every building, including the one we gathered with other press today in order to witness the start of a monumental three-dee journey. At the front of the large conference room was a 72-inch Samsung DLP, which was delivering the 2010 FIFA World Cup kickoff in 3D from Johannesburg, South Africa. It should be noted that none of the 25 World Cup matches that'll be delivered in 3D aren't being shot by ESPN; instead, FIFA has contracted HBS to shoot and distribute a "world feed." We didn't notice too many glitches during the opening match, but ESPN assures us that native transfers will look even better once they kick things off here in the homeland with the MLB Home Run Derby from Anaheim on July 12th. As for the tech side of things, ESPN was taking in the 1080i50 side by side 3D signal and converting it to the US-friendly 1080i60 side by side, and since DLP sets expect the checkerboard 3D format, a RealD POD was used to make the link between the cable set-top-box and the TV. The glasses were supplied by XpanD, but not the same universal shutter glasses that we expect to be available at retail soon. Afer we took in the setup, we sat down to enjoy the match, which was opened with a handful of pristinely shot 3D commercials -- of course. A Sony spot kicked off with a soccer team practicing, and naturally ended with a goal exploding in slow motion; without a doubt, this was one of the more spectacular uses of 3D that we've seen, though we're guessing that the budget for the ad was somewhere near the stratosphere. The other commercials weren't any less impressive, with another trio concerning a Gillette razor, Toy Story 3, and a downright comical 'This is SportsCenter' ad where Niel Everett gets a little too close to a pricey 3D camera with his trusty Louisville Slugger. We'll be bringing you more coverage from here in Bristol as the day continues, with the grand finale coming in a special Engadget Show segment that should go up next week. For now, head on past the break for a few impressions from the 1-1 draw. %Gallery-94968%
Looking for ESPN 3D on Comcast? Get an MPEG-4 cable box first
We're just minutes away from the first match of the 2010 World Cup, and the first match broadcast on ESPN 3D. If you're on Comcast and not yet seeing the channel on your guide, it will probably be helpful to know where to look. A few posters on AVSForum have pointed out where to find the guide number for your area, and also that this broadcast is different from the previous Masters 3D event in several ways. First, not everyone will get the channel automatically, while it's provided at no additional charge, it will require a call to add the package to your service, and in some cases, a new cable box -- TiVos won't work this time. Give the FAQ a once over to make sure you're ready to go, then slip on those 3D glasses and enjoy the kickoff match between South Africa and Mexico. Want to know how things are going? Check @bjdraw on Twitter for live updates on the 3D broadcast straight from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol. Update: We've confirmed with Comcast that the suddenly restrictive cable box requirements are because ESPN 3D (and future 3D content) is being transmitted in the MPEG-4 format, instead of older MPEG-2 compression. That should ease up any bandwidth concerns, but unfortunately means most people will need to swap their cable box to get the new channel. Is living in the future fun yet?
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.
DirecTV rolls out 3D upgrade for newer set-tops, older ones left in the cold
We thought it was pretty cheesy when cable operators broadcast The Masters in frame compatible side by side 3D without updating the set-top boxes, which forced users to manually select the format with their 3DTV's remote, but this is much worse. Today DirecTV started rolling out an update so its H21 and HR21 (and higher) receivers were 3D aware, but left the first generation H.264 HD receivers out. So instead of forcing customers to manually select side by side 3D, they have to upgrade their receiver. We're sure there are other benefits to the upgrade, like a 3D guide or something, and other features the latest hardware offers, but still. The other item of concern is that the set-top does check to make sure your 3DTV is up to the challenge and we've posted the compatible 3DTVs below. Just about every 3D set available today is on the list and even the older Mitsubishi DLPs will work if you have the checkerboard converter. Panasonic - TC-P50VT25, TC-P54VT25, TC-P58VT25, TC-P65VT25 Samsung - LN55C750R2F, LN46C750R2F, UN55C9000ZF, UN46C9000ZF, UN55C8000XF, UN46C8000XF, UN55C7000WF, UN46C7000WF, UN40C7000WF, PN50C7000YF, PN58C7000YF, PN63C7000YF, PN50C8000YF, PN58C8000YF, PN63C8000YF Mitsubishi - WD-60737 with Dongle 3DC-1000
ESPN sees 3D penetration surpassing DVRs by 2019
For those wondering why ESPN is so eagerly launching a dedicated 3D channel, VP Sean Bratches was on stage at a 3DTV conference in NYC comparing it favorably to the launch of ESPN HD. The HD launch was mostly concentrated on smaller cable providers, while ESPN 3D is kicking off with DirecTV and Comcast, while the network sees 3DTV penetration surpassing DVRs by 2019. Also, there may be a few more 3D produced events than the 85 originally promised for the first year, with a schedule of up to 100 events now. Multichannel News has the rest of the details from the conversation, but we're pretty sure you can tell how serious ESPN is about 3D with one glance at Mr. Bratches' incredible eyebrows.
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.
DirecTV will have ESPN 3D at launch, next to its own N3D channel
Not that we ever doubted they would, but DirecTV and ESPN have made official plans to make ESPN 3D available to the satellite broadcaster's millions of customers as soon as it launches June 11 with the South Africa / Mexico World Cup game. Better news? There's no additional charge for ESPN 3D, at least for now, though of course you will need a 3DTV to make any use of the signal. The only other new news is a name for DirecTV's native Panasonic-sponsored linear 3D network, now dubbed N3D (Get it? In 3D? ...Yeah, we didn't either.) Now the only wait is to see if DirecTV can shove its own 3D exclusive in the competition's face (doubtful) or if we hear about any other carriage announcements between now and NAB 2010.
Three for 3D: ESPN 3D adds Home Run Derby, Sky 3D launches 4/3, AcTVila makes the jump this summer
Three continents, three more milestone announcements for 3D. First up is Sky TV, which, with or without 15,000 or so flat screens from LG, is officially launching its Sky 3D channel around the Man. U/Chelsea game on April 3. Already have a 3DTV and Sky's "top channels and HD pack?" Call the company with details for activation, while everyone else checks to see if their local pub is among the thousand plus already signed up to receive the six live 3D matches slated for this season (plus the Coca Cola league playoff finals) and demo reel for all non-footy hours of the day. Bringing the focus back home, ESPN 3D has scheduled the first event it will produce and air itself, the MLB Home Run Derby on July 12, a day after launching with the SA/Mexico World Cup game. Other events officially on deck (the plan for the first year is still about 85) include several college basketball tournaments and the ACC Championship football game in December. Last but not least is Japan, already home to at least one 3D network, which will soon have access to even more over the cross-manufacturer AcTVila video on-demand service. Clearly, the only logical thing to do is to keep that "3D will never take off" comment macro keyed up, it will be getting a lot of use over the next few months.
An inside look at ESPN's Innovation Lab
When we heard ESPN was testing 3D at its new Innovation Lab at the newly rebranded ESPN Wide World of Sports, we just had to see it for ourselves. But while the fact that ESPN was testing 3D during a Globetrotters game caught our attention, after we arrived we discovered that ESPN did more than just change the name from Disney's Wide World of Sports. No, ESPN built a lab and a full production studio that is tied into its main one in Bristol via ESPN's fiber network -- so no need to bring in satellite trucks. There were new video boards erected around the facility and enough fiber was run through out the place to support more HD cameras then ESPN even owns. In addition, permanent HD cameras were installed throughout the facility which Disney hopes to leverage to eventually let you bring HD recordings of your little league tournament home. Now of course the lab and 3D was of the most interest to us and in there we found lots of HDTVs and of course a 3DTV, all with access to the main control room as well as all the cameras in the facility. We did get to check out the very same footage of 3D gold that evidently helped persuade The Masters to go 3D -- and we can see why, even the casual golf fan can easily see how much an extra dimension adds to the production. Overall we learned that ESPN is serious about testing out new gear and technology at this new facility, and the rebranding of the park is about more than just changing the signs. %Gallery-88620%
ESPN used Harlem Globetrotters game to test 3D basketball production
Not all the preparation for ESPN's 3D network is going on at the Innovation Lab, VP of Communications Mike Soltys recently spoke with Sports Media Watch during ESPN the Weekend at Disney and mentioned other tests under way to make sure things get off on the right foot. A recent Globetrotters game in Orlando that aired on ESPN2 served as a test bed for 3D, with production done out of the same truck as the regular broadcast and 3D cameras mounted along with their standard broadcast counterparts. NBA games will be among the "minimum" 85 3D events ESPN airs on the network over the first year and we're pretty sure they were more interested in finding out how to best capture Dwight Howard than Flight Time Lang. As we learned from Sky's recent demo, camera angle is a major part of the 3D soccer experience and to get that right there's a soccer field next to the aforementioned Innovation Lab to work out those details before this summer's World Cup debut. Check the full interview for a few more details plus notes on whether it plans on reacquiring rights to air NHL games and other major and minor recent controversies -- we'll stick to the 3D.
ESPN opens 3D Development Center
How long has it been since you thought about the impending launch of ESPN 3D? Days, hours, seconds? It's certainly on someone's mind, as the network has announced its Innovation Lab at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex in Orlando to do 3D production testing year round in preparation for its World Cup, NBA, NCAA and X Games coverage planned over the next year. The Innovation Lab has previously brought to life the Ball Track and Snap Zoom features used in Home Run Derby and Monday Night Football broadcasts, we'll see if all that testing pays off once the new channel launches this summer.
3D stole the show at CES 2010
Not sure why we've been putting this off, but we'll just come right out and say it: there's no doubt that this was the year for 3D at CES. We walked the show floor for countless hours and can tell you that just about everyone was showing something related to 3D at their booths. Most of these demos required a bit of a wait to experience them (thanks, hype), and everywhere you went people were talking about 3D. Granted, not all of that talk was positive, but it was talk nonetheless. Whether or not the technology will be seen in history as a success in the market place is obviously still up in the air, and much like a finely crafted episode of Lost, 3D at CES this year was littered with more questions than answers. %Gallery-82768%
Poll: Will you buy a 3D HDTV?
While last year's CES darling -- widget HDTVs --has expanded into full blown app stores built into every display or set-top box around, there's no question that the big news in Las Vegas in 2010 was 3D. Details on prices and exact shipping dates are still at best, sketchy, but we put our eyes into enough shutter glasses to last us until 2011. So, here's this year's question: are you ready to upgrade your HDTV for a World Cup, Avatar or BCS National Championship Game ready 3DTV? Or are you more inclined to wait for more content / lower prices before jumping in? Finally we can't forget those who never intend to buy a 3D ready setup and are perfectly happy with things the two dimensional way they've always been. Get your vote in, and as always, feel free to let us know why in the comments. %Poll-40164%
