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DirecTV quietly shifts n3D channel from 24/7 to part-time broadcasts
Nearly two years after launching its n3D channel broadcasting 3D content around the clock, DirecTV has reduced the channel to part-time programing hours as of June 1st. Whether the change is due to a lack of fresh content or viewer adoption is unclear and DirecTV's bland statement about waiting for both to grow doesn't hint either way, that the change had gone largely unreported for nearly a month does not bode well. In the meantime, 3Net and ESPN 3D continue to broadcast unabated with the latter going live from Wimbledon this week, and DirecTV has confirmed it will be airing tape delayed 3D footage from the Olympics provided by NBC this summer. After seeing all the early HD-only channels fall by the wayside we're not at all surprised to see this one go dark at least part-time, but the question will be whether 3D uptake is fast enough to keep broadcasters interested going forward. [Thanks, KM]
n3D brings Formula DRIFT action home February 4th
The next special event scheduled for DirecTV's n3D channel is the season finale of Formula Drift, Round 7: Title Fight. Recorded last October at Toyota Speedway, the two one hour specials will cover the action on the track as well as interviews with drivers like Tanner Foust (more details in the press release after the break.) Just a note Formula 1: You're officially behind again.
DirecTV premieres The Prince's Trust Rock Gala 2010 in 3D Christmas night
If you happen to find yourself unwrapping a 3D display on December 25th, after you're finished watching the Bulls face the Knicks on ESPN 3D just flip to DirecTV's exclusive n3D channel and you'll find a broadcast of The Prince's Trust Rock Gala 2010 at 8 p.m. A UK charity event that promises "Britain's rock royalty," this year's concert included performances form Queen, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins. Even if you prefer your music stylings with a slightly more American flair, there will also be the broadcast premiere of Bon Jovi's new video "What Do You Got" (already available online via the PlayStation 3.) Check out all the details in the press release after the break and don't worry if you're still living an old school 2D lifestyle, the concert comes to the 101 channel in HD December 31st.
DirecTV pumps up 3D offerings with Guy Fieri, new VOD on the way
It's not just 3D Blu-ray movies and videogames (Gran Turismo 5) getting a shot in the arm this week as DirecTV has announced some new content on the way to its subscribers. n3D greets the "first food show in 3D" on December 4th with six specially produced episodes of "Guy Fieri's Big Bite." Additionally, there's more 3D movies on the way to the VOD section, including Step Up 3D, The Last Airbender, Shrek Forever After, Saw VII and a few others throughout December and January. Other than movies there's also a Jessica Simpson Christmas special and Vancouver 2010 documentary up for viewing in 3D to get you through the cold winter months. Check the press releases after the break for all the details, and just in case any 3DTV owners forgot this is seems as good a place as any to mention that there's plenty of college basketball on tap this weekend courtesy of ESPN 3D, which is now available on Time Warner Cable.
CBS, Panasonic & DirecTV add US Open Tennis to 3D Demo Days lineup
Panasonic and DirecTV's n3D channel has added another event to its slate of coverage from Center Court of the US Open Championship during Labor Day Weekend and Finals Weekend. A notable shift for this production is the use of a new combination "Shadow D" camera rig developed by Vincent Pace, which Broadcasting & Cable mentions will allow one operator to control the 2D and 3D cameras at the same time. Panasonic is working with CBS Sports to add new, lower placements for the six 3D camera rigs, and a dedicated production team for the broadcast that will be viewable onsite, on DirecTV's n3D channel (103) and also at any retailers participating in the 3D Demo Days promotion between September 10-12 like Best Buy. According to HD Guru we can expect coverage between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the fourth, but the rest of the schedule is not yet available. This is Panasonic's second 3D tennis event of the season, but likely the first many of us will have a chance to put eyes on, especially if there's another epic Isner/Mahut three day, 11-hour match.
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.
Early DirecTV 3D reviews take the good with plenty of the bad
Now that n3D is live on DirecTV, there's an opportunity to see whether or not the 3D revolution is actually ready for takeoff. Judging by early impressions from CNET's David Katzmeier and HDGuru Gary Merson, like the early days of HD and Blu-ray before it, quality 3D experiences are unfortunately mixed in with mediocre to awful ones. CNET had mixed impressions of the Guitar Sessions segments featured on n3D, while the effect seemed forced at times, though enjoyable at others. Unfortunately both reviewers cited African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango for its terrible presentation, with Merson going so far as to request it be taken off the air until the 3D issues are corrected. It wasn't all bad, as he gave Encounter in the Third Dimension and S.O.S. Planet much higher ratings, along with an overall favorable impression of this past weekend's Mariners/Yankees broadcast despite a few camera tracking issues. If you have a 3DTV experience of your own let us know in the comments, or check out these reviews to know what to watch (or avoid) until there's a bit more to choose from.
DirecTV's new n3D channel is the first to bring home all 3D, all the time
DirecTV and Panasonic flipped the switch on the nation's first 24 hour 3D network this morning, sending n3D out on channel 103 to all properly equipped viewers. Of course, if you've got your 3DTV, your H21 or higher satellite receiver and some 3D specs, what will you be watching? Besides events like the upcoming NASCAR race from Daytona, an exclusive 3D feed of the MLB All-Star Game and (locally available) broadcasts of a Yankees/Mariners series, July's schedule is packed with demo content like Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane's Addiction and Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia. Beyond that there's a few IMAX flicks on the new DirecTV Cinema in 3D channel, and World Cup games from ESPN 3D through video on demand, check Zap2it for a full schedule but don't be shocked to see a lot of repeats, for now.
n3D channel launches 24-hour 3D broadcasts on DirecTV July 1
Just missing its projected June launch window, n3D will be introduced to the world by its proud parents, DirecTV and Panasonic, July 1 at 9:30 a.m. If you have DirecTV's HD service (plus a 3DTV and the right receiver, you'll be able to tune in once the switch is flipped at the launch even in New York City. In terms of content, concerts, documentaries and some sports are promised right away (at least a few posters on AVSForum are already able to watch some 3DVOD), although we're not seeing any specifics yet beyond the baseball and NASCAR broadcasts already announced. Whether you buy that this is a new era of entertainment of just a passing fad, we'd recommend staying tuned for more news from the launch event Thursday.
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.
