Though the US Open Tennis Championships have come and gone, we’re just now learning the impact of the 3D broadcasts that Panasonic, CBS Sports, and Direct TV teamed up to deliver.  Because many fans who were new to the broadcasts loved the feeling of being in the stands watching the matches first hand, numbers were through the roof, and the event is one of the largest ever viewed 3D sporting broadcasts that DirectTV has ever experienced.

The coverage consisted of 2 full days of broadcasts over the week-long tournament, which was a solid increase over the 40 hours that were broadcast last year.  Additionally, the cameras that were implemented to capture the 3D content doubled, which means that there’s an obvious investment on the part of the broadcasting organizations. 

There are several sporting events that are bring 3D broadcasts into the fold, but with Wimbledon and the US Open events stepping up, it seems that tennis fans are going to be the first ones on the wagon.  Panasonic is touting the event an absolute success, and it’s hard to find the gumption to refute it.  Are sporting fans embracing 3D technology?  They had better be, as the platform is perfect for live events, and with so many 3D broadcasts planned in the near future, those that don’t adopt it will end up watching them at a friend’s house who did.

Image credit: mediabistro.com

To many, the lack of consumer consumption regarding 3D HDTV programming has very little to do with a decline in interest regarding the technology.  Instead, there simply isn’t much to watch in regards to 3D programming.  So, to remedy this situation, consumers can expect more programming on the 3D platform in the coming months.

For example, “Lucretia Borgia”, a popular operatic piece, will be aired in 3D on DirectTV this month.  Further, there will be several other 3D releases coming to DirectTV customers.  Tron: Legacy, Tangled, Jackass, and Piranha will all be released in 3D, which should excite many that felt that they weren’t getting the content necessary to utilize their recent entertainment upgrades. 

Sports have found the 3D movement, as well.  ESPN is now offering 3D coverage for major golf events, with 10 hours slated in their coverage of the Masters in Augusta.  This could be a risky venture, as many aren’t sure just how sports will translate to the 3D technology.  Look for quite an investment on ESPN’s behalf.  Should the technology take hold, they’ll want to be the frontrunner for the movement.  That’s a guarantee.

Image credit:televisioninfo.com