MSG to broadcast 3D Milestone
This week marks a milestone in the history of broadcasting and technology. On Wednesday March 24th the MSG Network, along with Cablevision, will air a Rangers/ Islanders game in 3D, distinguishing it as the first live sporting event broadcasted in this format in United States’ history. This comes after Comcast announced it will distribute ten hours of golf’s Masters Tournament (April 8-11) in 3D.
One could easily dispute the legitimacy of this event when considering hockey’s limited popularity; it can modestly be placed fourth in the pecking order of professional sports. MSG’s reach, which is narrow when balanced against the sum of its competitors on the airwaves, and the minuscule number of consumers who own this technology, should also be taken into account. A 3D ready television retails between two to three thousand dollars and the necessary glasses cost roughly two hundred dollars and are not cross-compatible.
While 3D televisions have been slowly leaking into the global marketplace since, as early as, 2007, it has not enjoyed clear-cut success. In March of last year, Philips discontinued production of its 3D TV, the 3D6W02, after an underwhelming response. Lack of sales and a reluctance to enter into a format war during a recession threw their product into disarray and caused them to decrease investments in 3D technology.
Skeptics feel that the current generation of 3D TV’s caters more towards a niche market, video gamers, and that the eventual release of “glasses free 3D” holds this technology comparable to what LaserDiscs were to DVD’s. Recent reports of Panasonic’s VIERA selling out its first week and the financial success of the movie Avatar, along with a handful of other movies, indicates a demand for the technology and points to the contrary.
The success of this broadcast will help this form of the medium distinguish itself as either a failed experiment or as the first that others can reference while developing a precedent for utilization of the technology. So if you own a 3D ready television, are a fan of the hockey, and Cablevision is your provider, turn your dial to channel 1300. The Theater, located across from Madison Square Garden, is also showing the game in 3D for twenty dollars, where some Rangers greats will be in attendance.
What we offer:
If you are interested in the 3D experience, you can find everything you’ll need at Abe’s of Maine. We currently offer a number of 3D ready Samsung televisions (55” 1080p, 46” 1080p, and 40” 1080p). We offer a 3D Starter Kit, which includes two pairs of glasses and the movie Monsters vs. Aliens 3D. The necessary Blu Ray player can be found here.
