NFL testing live 3-D broadcast tonight
If you’re a fan of the San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders and live in one of three cities, you can dream of watching tonight’s game in the first ever 3-D broadcast by the NFL. However, this is a test and only a test, so you may never get a chance to see it with your own eyes.
Tonight marks the historic first ever broadcast of an NFL game using 3D cameras at special theaters. The game will be broadcast to Boston, New York and Hollywood to be viewed by a fortunate few in ever-fashionable polarized glasses.
The broadcast is being done as a test by California-based 3ality. The company is backed by the family of Art Modell, former owner of the Baltimore Ravens.
However, broadcasters are still paying to upgrade their cameras to HD and 3D broadcasting requires extra angles. David Hill of the Fox Sports Television Group is quoted as saying that he, “can’t see making a move into 3-D until a good fairy comes flapping into my office with a check.”
That doesn’t hamper the NFL’s dream of a more virtual and visceral future for the league. In its release, the NFL predicted that, “Just as high-definition broadcasts have enhanced the home viewing experience in recent years, digital 3D broadcasts will set a new broadcast standard in the months and years to come.”
The production and screening of the broadcast are being handled by Beverly Hills company RealD. The company has relationships with 1,500 theaters around the world.
So how does one get the chance to see this first-ever event? If you’re an Average Joe like us, the answer is that you don’t. No tickets are on sale for the 3D broadcast as it is closed to the public. If you’re an industry insider or the friend-of-a-friend of one, we’d love to hear your take on the broadcast after the life-changing event tomorrow.
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December 5th, 2008
Hi, Dave: Thanks for the mention. We’re delighted to say that the test broadcast was a success, with packed houses in all locations. Would like to clarify one point in your post: 3ality Digital was responsible for both the production and the broadcast of the game.
–Angela Wilson Gyetvan, 3ality Digital