EXCLUSIVE: The 2010 NRL State of Origin Series could be shot in 3D according to Channel Nine sources with the network now looking for sponsorship for the event, which will be the first ever 3D broadcast in Australia of major football code game.
ChannelNews has been told that both Harvey Norman and Samsung have been approached to sponsor the event which if it goes ahead will be broadcast on a Channel Nine HD Channel.
Both Samsung and Harvey Norman executives are not denying that they have been approached to discuss the sponsorship of NRL games being broadcast in 3D.
We are told that if the concept goes ahead the game could be shot using 3D cameras made by Sony or Panasonic.
We understand that Channel Nine has costed the concept with the NRL, Channel Nine and Samsung keen to be involved in delivering the first ever 3D live broadcast in Australia.
Mark Leathan the General Manager of Marketing in Samsung’s Consumer Electronics Division said “We are well aware that Channel Nine and the NRL are looking to shoot the State Of Origin Series in 3D. We are currently considering a proposal from the network. We have not yet made a decision but it does sound attractive. We need to see how it will fit in with our current 3D marketing strategy”.
Both the NRL and Channel Nine have not returned our calls.
Last month in the UK a soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal was broadcast in 3D to screens across the UK.
The event which was delivered by the News Limited owned Sky, launched Europe’s first dedicated 3D channel.
According to fans who packed pubs around the UK the event was a big hit. One fan said “When they show the replays and the ground shots, you really begin to feel like you’re there.” “The 3D’s good, it’s definitely cool,” said Ben Tranter, 26, a passionate Arsenal fan that lives minutes from the club’s ground.
Samsung executives believe that the NRL event could be a big hit with pubs and clubs in NSW and Queensland.
Several entertainment venues that we spoke to, said that they would go out and buy a 3D TV with the cost being recovered from an increase in drinks.
A Manager at the Oaks pub in NSW said “We believe that a State Of Origin game in 3D would prove popular. The issue may be the cost of the 3D glasses”.
The UK broadcast was made possible by recent innovations in 3D television and camera technology, including those made in the production of the US blockbuster Avatar.
Sky’s director of strategic product development, Gerry O’Sullivan “We’ve been working very hard to bring Sky 3D to screens in the UK,” he said.
