By Annette Shailer
This year’s Harvey Norman State of Origin Series will be the first sporting event ever to be broadcast live in 3D on free-to-air television, with Channel Nine announcing the development last night (Apr 27).
All three Harvey Norman State of Origin matches between NSW and Queensland – beginning with game one at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on May 26 – will employ the latest enhancements and technology in 3D production.
At this stage only NSW viewers or venues that have 3D TVs will be able to take advantage of the extra dimension, which would create a unique point-of-difference for sports bars.
Channel Nine CEO David Gyngell said the enormous undertaking would revolutionise home entertainment.
“It’s early days of course because the technology is still developing, and its availability to consumers right now is limited. But 3D is about to arrive with a bang across the world, and the Nine Network and Harvey Norman want to pioneer the revolution in Australia,” Gyngell said.
As the first, and currently only, manufacturer with a 3D TV range on sale now, Samsung is predicting high demand from sports fans eager to be the first to enjoy the 3D experience.
“For anyone passionate about sport, 3D provides the ultimate stadium experience from the comfort and convenience of your own home,” said Mark Leathan, head of marketing, consumer electronics, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“Being first to market, we will also be the first TV through which Australians can enjoy this 3D broadcast experience – a landmark occasion in Australian broadcasting history.”
Premier Media Group director – commercial and sales, Sarah Keith, said Fox Sports was delighted that sport was leading the charge in delivering 3D content to Australian consumers.
“Fox Sports is currently working with our platform partners and sport codes to investigate the delivery of 3D entertainment, both at home and in venues,” she said. “This complements our leadership in HD technology as the Number 1 sports broadcaster delivering over 800 hours of live sports to Australian viewers.”