DirecTV Rumored To Get 3D HD Channel Next Year
The DirecTV 12 satellite just launched into orbit, enabling DirecTV to bring even more HD channels to its users. What else could it bring? A 3D channel, maybe.
With the amount of high-def television networks seeming to expand by the day, we know it's just a matter of time before adding HD channels isn't enough to sway consumers over from one carrier to another. We've also already heard that next year's World Cup will be at least partially broadcast in 3D, though details about viewing it in such a format have yet to be made clear.
According to the HD Guru, the new bird that launched will give it the bandwidth necessary to go live with a 3D HD channel, and considering that the satellite will become fully operational in March of 2010, we suspect the 3D channel will be opened to the public shortly thereafter. The technical aspect of the channel still remains a mystery, though we are told that it will "feature an assortment of movies, sports and programs in 3D."
Fuzzy? You need 3D glasses!
If all this pans out, we're told that existing DirecTV customers will gain support of the channel through a firmware update straight to their existing HD DVR, with the new content to be compatible with all new 3D HDTVs. Of course, you'll also have to provide your own 3D glasses to enjoy the experience, but we don't forsee glasses-free 3D becoming a reality any time soon.
We have to say--a 3D HD channel on a carrier could very well be a huge competitive advantage. If DirecTV is somehow able to gain an exclusive on the channel for at least a year or so, we can imagine a bunch of bandwagon jumpers heading its way just to see what the fuss is all about. It could also spur the creation of 3D content, which generally tends to be the primary problem with getting folks interested in 3D. Would you switch carriers in order to have access to a 3D HD channel? Are you even interested in 3D?
With the amount of high-def television networks seeming to expand by the day, we know it's just a matter of time before adding HD channels isn't enough to sway consumers over from one carrier to another. We've also already heard that next year's World Cup will be at least partially broadcast in 3D, though details about viewing it in such a format have yet to be made clear.
According to the HD Guru, the new bird that launched will give it the bandwidth necessary to go live with a 3D HD channel, and considering that the satellite will become fully operational in March of 2010, we suspect the 3D channel will be opened to the public shortly thereafter. The technical aspect of the channel still remains a mystery, though we are told that it will "feature an assortment of movies, sports and programs in 3D."
Fuzzy? You need 3D glasses!
If all this pans out, we're told that existing DirecTV customers will gain support of the channel through a firmware update straight to their existing HD DVR, with the new content to be compatible with all new 3D HDTVs. Of course, you'll also have to provide your own 3D glasses to enjoy the experience, but we don't forsee glasses-free 3D becoming a reality any time soon.
We have to say--a 3D HD channel on a carrier could very well be a huge competitive advantage. If DirecTV is somehow able to gain an exclusive on the channel for at least a year or so, we can imagine a bunch of bandwagon jumpers heading its way just to see what the fuss is all about. It could also spur the creation of 3D content, which generally tends to be the primary problem with getting folks interested in 3D. Would you switch carriers in order to have access to a 3D HD channel? Are you even interested in 3D?
