3D Masters broadcast paves way for future success

(AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON)

True to form, those who experience 3D TV appear to be left wanting more, as Sony Electronics bathed in the glory of a successful 3D broadcast of the 2010 Masters golf tournament.

"We were thrilled to be the first to shoot the tournament in 3D," said Executive Vice President Mike Fasulo on Thursday, April 15. "The feedback we received from those who viewed golf live and in 3D was overwhelming."

Having supplied special video cameras for use at the tournament, the first of four Majors throughout the golfing season's calendar, Sony teamed up with telecoms company Comcast who supplied 3D feeds of the action via CBS, ESPN, and other sports channels.

Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic are among manufacturers talking up the prospect of bringing 3D TV to market in 2010 after public enthusiasm for 3D cinema, and Sony are planning a new range of 3D-capable TV sets for June.

Like many competitors, the company are pursuing on use of active shutter technology, electronic spectacles with liquid crystal lenses that black out in time with images displayed on screen, creating a 3D effect for the wearer.

While Sony's active shutter solution requires viewers to wear special glasses for a 3D experience, other manufacturers such as Hitachi and Philips have been putting their effort into autostereoscopic TV technology that does not require any extra accessories, and Nintendo is believed to be using a similar approach for its 3DS.

The French Open Tennis Tournament, May 23 - June 26, is also due to get the 3D treatment, as are 25 matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June and July.