DirecTV cuts back on 3D output
June 25, 2012
By Chris Forrester
DirecTV is to trim back its 3D TV transmissions, citing lack of 3D content. The channel n3D will be cut from its recent 24-hour schedule (which included many repeats) to an evening programming block.
The channel went live in July 2010 helped by electronics giant Panasonic. The new broadcasting format came into effect on June 1st. DirecTV says it will flag up any special material that’s available outside the new hours.
The lack of 3D material is near-catastrophic for broadcasters. Sales of 3D-equipped TVs are at an all-time high. Research outfit NPD Group says 3D sales accounted for 11 per cent of all flat-panel sets sold in the US in Q1 this year, and the numbers are building.
“While 3D adoption continues to grow and more programming is being developed, DirecTV has decided to move n3D to a part-time channel,” DirecTV said in a statement. The company stressed it still offers subscribers 3D programming from ESPN and 3net, the 3D channel owned by Discovery Communications, Sony and IMAX.