Washington, D.C. (March 29, 2010) -- DIRECTV announced today that it will launch the new ESPN 3D HD channel in June.
The sports channel will give the satcaster four different 3D channels in June. DIRECTV earlier said it would launch three dedicated channels for 3D programming in June.
The three channels will include a 24-hour 3-D channel which will feature movies and documentaries. Another 3-D channel will provide Video on Demand programming while a third 3-D channel will be a "sampler demo channel" that will feature a variety of content. The sampler channel will be free.
The ESPN 3D channel will air 85 live sporting events in its first year, including up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, beginning June 11.
The sports network also plans to produce X Games 16, the 2010 college football ACC championship, the 2011 BCS national championship football game and college and NBA basketball games in 3D.
DIRECTV and ESPN said the satellite's HD customers who subscribe to ESPN will receive ESPN 3D at no additional cost.
DIRECTV said customer set-tops would receive a software upgrade in June enabling them to receive the new 3-D channels. However, to watch the channels in 3-D, viewers will have to get a 3-D HDTV and 3-D goggles.
