A 3D Grand Final battle is set to take place between the AFL and NRL after Panasonic snared a deal with Channel 7 and the Australian Communications and Media Authority backed down from their recent ban to allow the NRL final to be broadcast in 3D.
Earlier today ACMA said that they will issue licences to the Seven Network and the Nine Network to conduct trial broadcasts of 3D TV in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth covering the AFL and NRL grand final matches, respectively.
ACMA also indicated that it will suspend consideration of any further 3D TV trials while it conducts a review of certain spectrum, licensing and consumer policy issues associated with 3D TV.
ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman “There is still much for the industry in Australia and internationally to learn about 3D TV production, transmission and reception. Accordingly, the ACMA is pleased to facilitate these additional trials by the Seven Network and the Nine Network.”
In a separate announcement Channel 7 said that TV viewers will be able to watch the Grand Final on digital channel 40.
The game is set to be sponsored by Panasonic.
Details of the 3D initiative were announced today by Andrew Demetriou, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Football League, David Leckie, the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Media Group and Steve Rust, Managing Director of Panasonic Australia.
Mr Rust said the broadcast will provide the most realistic viewing experience, immersing audiences in the colour and excitement of the AFL Grand Final.
“This is an opportunity for Panasonic to help showcase one of the biggest and best sporting events in the world in high definition 3D,” Mr Rust said.
The 3D picture is created by capturing two slightly different images using a dedicated 3D camera or rig. Panasonic Neo Plasma Full HD 3D televisions then display left and right images alternately for the left and right eyes. In synch with the images displayed, the 3D eyewear rapidly opens and closes left and right shutters. The viewer’s brain then reconstructs the separate images to create a 3D picture.
Commenting, Mr Leckie said: “We are looking forward to meeting the challenge of producing the first live 3D television coverage of an Australian Football League match and it being the biggest game of the year and one of the great moments in sports. We’re delighted to be working with Panasonic to make this happen.”
Mr Demetriou, AFL, said the league was excited to be partnering with Panasonic and Seven to deliver the broadcast.
“The broadcast of the 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final in 3D will represent another fantastic leap forward in the presentation of our game to fans across Australia,” Mr Demetriou said.
