The Masters broadcasting in 3D
All we’ve been hearing this week in the news is, “Tiger Woods is back!” But the real story is, “Tiger Woods is in 3D!.”
The Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta is the first broadcast event to make use of the new 3DTVs from companies like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Panasonic. The cable providers (Comcast, Cox and Time Warner) are using a 1080i/30fps signal to standard HD cable receivers, and the side-by-side 3D image is converted by the TV to 3D.
Available in my market by Time Warner Cable, the tournament is not broadcast live and is available only through On Demand. I also happen to live in one of the world’s golf capitols (practically can’t 
throw a rock without having to yell, “Fore!”), so I know people who watch and re-watch how the pros handle situations, and evaluate their swings. On Demand makes perfect sense for them. But I’m not sure if anyone is running out to get a new TV so they can watch Tiger Woods drive a golf ball into a tree in 3D.
It’s amazing how fast 3D content has become available. The TVs have barely come to market in March, and it’s only April now. It seems only a lucky few will be able to catch the play now. Of course 3D on computers has been around for a few years, and The Masters is available in 3D on the internet (though I’ve heard it doesn’t look as good as on cable).
Every major television provider has plans for 3D, and every major manufacturer is seriously pushing 3D this year. 3D should hit critical mass by next year.
I want to hear from those of you who still think 3D is a gimmick that will die out soon. What’s your argument?
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