Turner To Take NASCAR 3D

TNT Racebuddy 3d

Turner Broadcasting has joined the race among networks to broadcast sports in the emerging 3D format in the home. The programmer will deliver a third-dimension feed of a NASCAR event on July 3 that will air partly in prime time.

To be sure, the term "broadcast" could be a misnomer. The Turner TV feed will be available only to subscribers of DirecTV, who also own one of the new 3D sets and accompanying glasses.

Nonetheless, as 3D sets proliferate, Turner will be able to garner some learnings about the challenges of a 3D-cast, notably on the different camera angles needed to maximize a 3D experience. Its 3D feed will feature two streams -- one of the race, the other from pit row.

Turner does not plan to offer commercials in the 3D stream.

ESPN has launched a 3D network that is carrying the World Cup. MSG network in the New York area became the first network to deliver a 3D sportscast into the home this spring with a hockey game.

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The Turner race -- the Coke Zero 400 -- will also be carried on its TNT network in standard and HD formats, while a 3D version will be available online for people with 3D-compatible computers, as part of the TNT RaceBuddy offering on NASCAR.com.

TNT uses RaceBuddy during NASCAR events to provide additional camera angles and hopes viewers will use it while also watching on TV.

Jay Abraham, COO of the NASCAR Media Group, said "fans have been asking us about 3D for several months" and the 3D-cast "will likely change how NASCAR is consumed moving forward."

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