The US DTH platform DirecTV will launch three dedicated 3D channels sponsored by Panasonic. The move will bring the total number of US 3D channels to five, including the ones announced by ESPN and Discovery Networks.
Beginning in June 2010, millions of DirecTV HD customers will receive a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to three dedicated 3D channels through their 3D television sets, such as Panasonic’s Viera Full HD 3D TVs.
Panasonic will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of the new HD 3D channels, which will deliver movies, sports and entertainment content. DirecTV is currently working with AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System, to develop additional 3D programming that will debut in 2010-2011. The sponsorship will feature Panasonic branding on all DirecTV 3D channels for a one-year period.
At launch, the new 3D programming platform will offer a 24/7 3D pay per view channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D On Demand channel and a free 3D sampler demo channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content.
