ESPN Sports Ditches 3D
I have been stating for a long time and even more so at NAB and IBC when this gimmick was floated as the next big thing to hit the TV industry since HD. 3D is a fad, not a long term feature that will stick around.
Was I right?
Well, ESPN Sports, owned by Disney has pulled the plug on the 3D venture.
ESPN 3D will cease transmissions by the end of the year, launched in 2010 with offerings that included American football, Masters golf and action from the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
But the channel said customers have not warmed to the technology, citing a “lack of demand from the majority of consumers.”
Disney is now looking to focus their efforts on Ultra HD or 4K TV rather than 3D broadcasts.
“We are committing our 3D resources to other products and services that will better serve fans and affiliates,” said ESPN spokeswoman Katina Arnold.
The channel charges an average of US$2.79 from each subscriber, and is carried by Time Warner Cable Inc, Comcast Corp and DirecTV, amongst others.
Will others follow?
In short, yes !
Back in January of this year, BBC North controller of production Mark Harrison reckons the tech is yesterday's news.
I am surprised that other broadcasters have not followed the same path as Disney by pulling the plug on 3D.
If I was a betting man, I would wager that BSKYB will announce in the next 6 to 12 months of a reduction in 3D services.
In summary, this is not news, just an assertion that 3D is and was a fad and a gimmick. Was that not obvious to all in the industry? Apparently not. I am sure that 3D will have its place in the movie theaters and games consoles, just not on our TV screens
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