• by Wayne Friedman , January 5, 2010

Looking to get the jump on the next big wave of TV technology distribution, ESPN and Discovery made announcements to launch the first 3D TV networks.

The ESPN network, to be called ESPN 3D, is scheduled to air 85 live sports events, including 25 FIFA World Cup matches. It will launch this year.

Other events to be produced in 3D include "Summer X Games," college basketball and college football games that will include the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2011. Discovery did not reveal specific programming for its network in its release.

Discovery will pool resources with Sony Corporation and IMAX Corporation in a joint venture, with a launch date in the U.S. sometime in 2011.

Neither ESPN or Discovery disclosed business details, such as the number of subscribers it would have for the new network at launch, or the financial terms with cable system operators. The announcements came just days before the Consumer Electronics Show convention meets in Las Vegas.

ESPN has been working on the 3D TV process for a couple of years. Last fall, in movie theaters, ESPN produced the USC vs. OSU college football game.

George Bodenheimer, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of ESPN and ABC Sports, stated: "ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan's viewing experience, and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing."

The new network will give ESPN seven U.S. TV networks. The others include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, and ESPNU.

For its 3D efforts, Discovery Founder and Chairman John Hendricks stated: "Discovery's business strategy has always focused on delivering groundbreaking content through new platforms, including the first suite of digital channels launched in 1996 and the first 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002."

"Sony is the only company with expertise in every part of the 3D value chain," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation.

For Discovery, the 3D network will now give the cable network group eight channels, adding to Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater.