Technology will play a huge role in defining the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Whether it's Algeria's new computer software they claim will give them the ability to take down England, the $75,000,000 South Africa is spending on unmanned aircrafts, water cannons, and mobile command centers for security, or the new Adidas TechFit jersey's claiming to give the players 5.3% more power, nothing brings more hype to the Cup than the world's most beautiful game brought to you in 3D...if you live in the right spot.
Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg will set the stage for the first world-wide, live broadcast of any sporting event in 3D. Sony will be shooting 25 games with 3D cameras and are expecting to draw huge crowds to their 7 sponsored 'Fan Fest' locations where attendees can view the new technology.
For most people on the planet, you'd better hope to live near Berlin, London, Paris, Mexico City, Rio, Rome, or Sydney. Otherwise, it may prove difficult to see these games in true 3D. Fortunately for US residents, ESPN has announced they will also show these 25 games on their new 3D dedicated channel. ESPN is looking to the World Cup to test the American audience's reaction to 3D sports. To watch, all you have to do is head out and buy yourself a new $3000 3DTV for the Cup. That 60 inch plasma you bought last year will look great in the bedroom.
ESPN is going out on a broadcasting limb to create this new channel. Betting the 3D technology takes off, 85 filmed, live events have been promised by the broadcasting giant. Events such as the X Games have the potential to lure users into the experience. While, I don't know if I’d be the first one to throw on a pair of 3D glasses while at a bar with my friends, I’d definitely want to sit back a watch Shaun White launch off of a 20 foot half-pipe over me on the way to completing a 1080.
Some say the transition to 3DTV will be the reincarnation of the LaserDisc, while many others believe the World Cup will be the launchpad for the new frontier of television sports.
I think that this has the potential to be great for some sports, but not overly impressive for others. I'm expecting many improvements in the 3D TV and glasses technology, 3D broadcast quality, and overall videography in the coming months/years, which will greatly change the experience.
This first test may just be the teaser for what Sony and ESPN have in store for us. And, I’m excited to see if this is going to take the masses by storm and endure, or simply be passed over like plenty of other over-hyped fads. Time will tell…but if this makes sports even a little bit better to watch, I for one say bring it on!
