Comprehensive Guide To 3D TV - 3D TV Channels
3D TV Manufacturers & Models - Get the latest info on new available 3D TVs from the leading manufacturers -
Toshiba Samsung Mitsubishi Panasonic Sony LG Vizio Philips Sharp Loewe
Introduction To 3D TV Channels
In this article we'll be looking at the ever growing number of 3D TV channels on the airwaves. For those of us who already have 3D TVs or 3D Blu Ray players in our homes this increase is great news. More 3D content, more choice, and more downward pressure on prices as competition grows. It's getting to be increasingly obvious each day that the sentiments expressed by the 3D TV manufacturers - that 3D really is going to be a huge part of the future of home entertainment - were right all along. Once the issue of wearing 3D glasses is resolved, maybe with the advent of no glasses 3D TV models, the last obstacle to mass acceptance of 3D TV will have been removed.
The new wave of 3D TV channels are taking it seriously, with a number of them vying for business with a range of services including 3D VOD video on demand movie streaming, major sporting event broadcasts, and the relay of fascinating natural world programs.
And this is a global revolution. Although the first channel to broadcast 3D content was a Japanese network in 2008 with a four times a day schedule, the US now leads the way with the greatest number of live 3D TV channels including well known names such as ESPN 3D, DirecTV, and the newest kid on the block - the 24 hour 3net 3D channel partnership between Discovery, IMAX, and Sony. In the UK there's Sky 3D and Virgin. Throughout Europe there are a dozen or so more. Along with the 3D TV networks that these channels run on, they're well on the way to bringing 3D content to a vast global audience. You can see a full list of networks and channels running 3D programming just above this article.
As the availability of 3D content grows even further, through more 3D movies, Blu Ray disc, and 3D DVD releases, it's going to become increasingly apparent to anyone that's been sitting on the fence that the time to buy a 3D TV is near. Each 3D TV channel that goes live, each innovation in 3D TV technology, each new announcement from the manufacturers on new 3D TV models to be released, and of course each drop in prices caused by competition is only going to serve to reinforce the success of the 3D TV revolution.
Here's some background detail on the 3D TV channels operating today. The list is not exhaustive, I'm researching and will be adding more in the near future:
The 3net 3D TV Channel
In 2010, Sony Corp. brokered a deal the Discovery Channel and IMAX to plan the launch of a new 24 hour 3D TV channel in 2011. The plans were ambitious, with 3D content expected to include space, exploration, adventure and natural history programming. The 3net partnership also has stated that content will not exclusively come from Sony, IMAX, or Discovery. Third-party 3D providers will also be able to participate.
On Feb 13th 2011 the new channel went live, with the first three 3D programs including the 3D TV premiere of Into The Deep along with the 3D premieres of China Revealed and Forgotten Planet.
ESPN 3D
The ESPN 3D channel was originally announced by ESPN on January 5th 2010 just one day before the major 3D TV manufacturers announced their first ever lines of 3D TVs. ESPN actually began broadcasting on June 11, 2010 with its first 3D content broadcast being the first FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico. Viewers opinions on the quality were mixed, with some experiencing eye strain due to the quick movements. Overall though the quality was good.
DirecTV Cinema
The DirecTV Cinema channel sits on the DirecTV network, and provides an opportunity to get immersed in the latest Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries and more - all in stunning 3D Video On Demand - with many titles available instantly.
Fashion TV
Announced the plan to air one hour of 3D content per day on its 24 hour HD channel. The channel combines IPTV and VOD services, with the 3D content getting its broadcast at 11pm daily.
Fashion TV's plan is to initially aim for 40 hours of 3D content per year for its combined 3D VOD and HD channel services, with future potential for a fully fledged 3D channel.
n3D
The n3D is a dedicated HD 3D channel powered by Panasonic, and broadcast on the DirecTV network. The channel aims to deliver high quality 3D content covering sports, music, nature, arts, and more.
Xfinity 3D
Xfinity 3D is a 24 hour 3D TV channel launched by the major Comcast network on Feb 20, 2011. Featured 3D content includes movies, sports, music, and natural world programmes.
SKY 3D
One of the first ever 3D TV networks, BSkyB launched the 3D TV channel Sky 3D to their European Customers in March 2010. The channel focussed first on sports programming with the broadcast of the first live 3D football match. This was shown in pubs in a number of major UK cities. The new channel quickly moved on to airing a mixture of high quality 3D content, including 3D movies, arts, sports, music, and entertainment.
Canal+ 3D was the first 3D TV channel to be launched in France, broadcasting movies, live sports and music events, and animation films.
Spanish channel 3D Pictures was set to launch its own 3D TV channel by the end of 2010, to be available to Customers over IPTV, satellite, or cable. 3D content to include the standard mixture of documentaries, movies, and live entertainment events.
High TV
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3D TV Networks Comcast DirecTV Dish Network 3D Cablevision Cox Communications/Cable Time Warner
3D TV Channels ESPN 3D 3net Verizon FiOS 3D Yes Network DirecTV Cinema 3D DirecTvHD 3D n3D Wealth TV Xfinity 3D
European 3D Orange 3D Canal+ SES Astra UPC Fashion TV
Virgin Sky 3D Channel 4 3D BBC 3D BT Vision
Rest Of The World Australia Japan Middle East
Where is 3D TV Development Right Now?
Read our unique perspective on the 3D TV landscape as of early 2011....
Growth prospects, plans, and developments for the coming year...
Confused about what 3D TV means to you?
Go straight to Amazon's comprehensive 3D guide for a range of educational videos and buyer reviews of 3D products including 3D TVs, Blu Rays, Monitors, and Movies....or visit the 3DTVGuide.org 3D TV sites page for more useful info.
The why, what, how, where, and when of buying a 3D TV.
The top 'need to know' facts you'll want to consider when looking to buy a 3D TV.
Where can I get more info on 3D TVs, Blu Rays, glasses etc
One of the best ways to get good information on any subject is by participating in forum discussions. Here you'll find a good choice of 3D TV forum threads chosen for their interesting discussion value.
The Cost Effective, Simple Way To Get 3D TV
Read about 3D TV Starter Kit bundles. Get the TV, glasses, movies, and connectors all in one go.
Learn how 3D TV works
Easy to follow guide to the 3D TV technology used to deliver 3D imaging. Answering the question 'how does 3D TV work?'
Is watching 3D bad for your health?
Examining the latest published 3D TV health warnings - is watching 3D images bad for your health?
Discover the parts that make up the 3D experience.
Revealing what you need to watch 3D TV - an introduction to the TV sets, Blu Ray players, and glasses.
What does the future hold?What's the next step for 3D imaging in our homes?
Let's take a look at the possible future of 3D entertainment - holographic TV developments.
3D TV Manufacturers - The latest developments and models from the leading TV manufacturers - Toshiba Samsung Mitsubishi
Panasonic Sony LG Vizio
Phillips Sharp
3D TV Models - Revealing the latest new 3D models to hit the stores.
3D TV Networks - Get the lowdown on the 3D content providers, and find out who has plans for dedicated 3D channels - Cablevision, Cox, Time Warner, Comcast, DirecTV, Verizon, Sky
3D Blu Ray Players - Read about the latest breakthrough developments in DVD players - an essential piece of the 3D TV puzzle.
3D Glasses - Understand why 3D glasses are required to see good quality images in 3D.
3D Movies - Examining the meteoric rise in popularity of the new 3D films to hit the cinemas.
Rest Of The World 3D TV Channels
Australia Foxtel Orbit Showtime Network Nine Network
Austria Servus TV Sky Deutschland aonTV/Telekom Austria
Belgium Belgacom IPTV
Brazil Rede TV
Czech Republic UPC Sat Plus IKO TV
Estonia STV
France Canal+ MyZenTV Numericable WildEarthTV NRJ12 3D
Germany Kabel BW Sky Deutschland
Holland Ziggo 3D VOD Brava 3D UPC Netherlands SBS Broadcasting
Hungary UPC
Italy Sky Italia Mediaset Motive
Middle East Arabsat
Poland UPC
Portugal Zon
Roumania UPC
Russia Platform HD NTV Plus Rossiaz
Scandinavia Viasat 3D
Slovakia UPC
Spain Hispasat 3D Pictures Canal + Prasa TV
Switzerland Cablecom
Breaking News - High TV to launch new international 3D channel
March 18th 2011 - Promising a heady mix of 3D programming covering entertainment, lifestyle, and reality shows, the Los Angeles based High TV is planning an April 4th 2011 launch of a new internationally available 3D channel.
