Deutsche Telekom is to stage what it is describing as Germany’s first public demonstration of 3DTV by broadcasting a live hockey match over its IPTV network.
In cooperation with Constantin Media, Plazamedia and the German Sport1, all Liga Total HD customers will be able to see this Friday’s match between the US and Germany in 3D.
“With the opening game in 3D, we prove that our entertainment platform is future proof. Without exception, all of our media receivers can process the 3D signal in HD quality,” said Christian P. Illek, Marketing Telecom Germany. “Thanks to our digital IPTV infrastructure we are able to implement new technologies in a short time.”
“The viewers will remember this first match in three dimensions. With this innovative and complex implementation of a global sporting event we are positioned as a supplier of future-oriented production technologies,” said Bernhard Burgener, CEO of Constantin Media, the production company.
All Liga Total HD-subscribers of Deutsche Telekom’s Entertain IPTV service will be able to see the match at no additional cost. Of course an HD subscription as well as a 3D capable TV set and the accompanying glasses are required.
Both Sky Deutschland and Sat 1 have in recent weeks demonstrated the 3D format, but only to closed audiences. However, while Telekom might be pumping the signal throughout its network, the reality is that few will be able to watch given the lack of installed 3DTV displays.
Constantin Sport Medien will capture coverage of the opening game in the ice hockey World Cup. Its Sport 1 channel, the former DSF, has the German rights to the 30 games in the competition. Nine cameras will record the event with their pictures sent back to a specially fitted outside broadcast truck.