Digital TV News

Sky scores a 3D sports TV hat trick

Friday 21 May, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Sports fans should head to one of the many UK pubs and clubs with Sky 3D TV this Saturday as the satellite TV giant prepares to show eight solid hours of 3D football and rugby.

Sky (www.sky.co.uk), Britain’s largest satellite TV provider, is kicking off its Saturday of 3D sport with the Championship play-off final between Blackpool and Cardiff City.

The match, which starts at 2pm, is being played at Wembley and is the stadium’s first live 3D broadcast. Coverage will be presented by David Jones, and special guests include Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle and the newly appointed Bristol City manager, Steve Coppell.

The 3D sporting action continues in France, with Biarritz vs Toulouse in the Heineken Cup final from 4.30pm, followed by the UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at 6pm.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “This Saturday’s offering is another first from Sky Sports, as our 3D operation embarks on its biggest challenge yet; three major finals including the richest prize in sport, the finale to club rugby’s biggest competition and European football's club showcase.”

Sky’s dedicated 3D TV channel was launched at the beginning of April, and kicked off with the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Sky 3D TV is enjoyed by punters across the UK

“Football and rugby union are just the first of many live sports set to be available in this ground breaking format, which we will roll out domestically later in the year,” added Francis.

The Sky 3D TV service is now available in over 1,000 pubs and clubs around the UK, which have all been kitted out with a 3D ready TV set.

Sky 3D is expected to be launched for Sky+HD customers later in the year when more homes have purchased the necessary 3D TV sets to watch the channel. The first 3D set went on sale in the UK last month, costing £1,800 from John Lewis.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Because sports fans will not want to miss a minute of the 3D action this weekend, be sure to use the online Sky 3D pub finder to find your nearest 3D venue showing the matches.”