Starting Sunday, April 11, Dutch cable operator UPC will commence a series of 3D events. The first showcase is live coverage of the last day of the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament.
The broadcast of the Masters is the first-ever linear broadcast of a live 3D event from the United States, where it is also carried by major MSOs Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Cablevision as well as online. On UPC, the tournament will be broadcast by Chellomedia’s Sport1.
“Innovation has always been part of Masters tradition,” said Masters Tournament chairman Billy Payne in a statement. “Utilising this technology marks another important milestone in allowing our at-home patrons to better experience the beauty of our course and excitement of our tournament. We consider ourselves fortunate to be a leader in providing this technology, thanks in large part to our valuable partners who share in our commitment to deliver a meaningful and memorable viewing experience.”
The Dutch cabler plans a series of 3D events together with partners Samsung and The Walt Disney Company. In May, two major Disney titles will be shown in 3D, Toy Story and Toy Story 2. UPC is talking to other parties to show more 3D programming later this year.
With this announcement, UPC is stealing the thunder from fellow cabler Ziggo, who will most likely present its 3D plans on a press meeting this Tuesday, April 6, to “announce the next phase in watching TV, where the viewer can experience truly life-like images.”
