ESPN Could Ax ESPN 3D?? - Blu-ray Forum

HD Man · 11-03-2010, 01:54 PM

Industry Article about ESPN 3D plans

ESPN Could Ax ESPN 3D
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2010) -- Less than five months after its launch, ESPN's bally-hooed 3D channel is already in danger of getting the ax.

Yahoo News reports that the network is carefully evaluating whether to continue the 3D channel for a second year. The channel, which is available on such TV services as DIRECTV, Comcast and AT&T, launched in June of this year.

"We're committed to a full year of trial of ESPN 3D and we're preparing for a second year," said Johathan Pannaman, ESPN's director of technology. "But whether this is something we repeat or continue or cut is something that at this point we have very little indication on one way or another."

The executive added that ESPN is "not sure what makes sense" for its 3D lineup and the network's accounting team doesn't "yet see a proven (return on investment.)"

The comments reflects a growing concern in the TV industry that TV makers and 3D content companies overreached this year in trying to bring 3D to the home. Despite a expensive marketing effort, 3D TV sales have fallen far below expectations with the Consumer Electronics Association estimating that only 1.1 million will be in U.S. homes by year's end.

Consumer surveys have suggested that home viewers are turned off by the 3D goggles required to view the special images -- and the premium prices for 3D TVs.

The withdrawal of ESPN 3D, which shows college football and other sports in the format, would be a huge blow to the 3D at-home movement.

Yahoo News notes that ESPN could essentially punt on the channel by making it a Video on Demand service, which would offer less programming and be less expensive to the network.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/espn110310.htm

11-03-2010, 01:54 PM	#1
HD Man Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Location:Wash, DC area Blu-ray collection:253 Trading Score:2	ESPN Could Ax ESPN 3D?? Industry Article about ESPN 3D plans ESPN Could Ax ESPN 3D By Swanni Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2010) -- Less than five months after its launch, ESPN's bally-hooed 3D channel is already in danger of getting the ax. Yahoo News reports that the network is carefully evaluating whether to continue the 3D channel for a second year. The channel, which is available on such TV services as DIRECTV, Comcast and AT&T, launched in June of this year. "We're committed to a full year of trial of ESPN 3D and we're preparing for a second year," said Johathan Pannaman, ESPN's director of technology. "But whether this is something we repeat or continue or cut is something that at this point we have very little indication on one way or another." The executive added that ESPN is "not sure what makes sense" for its 3D lineup and the network's accounting team doesn't "yet see a proven (return on investment.)" The comments reflects a growing concern in the TV industry that TV makers and 3D content companies overreached this year in trying to bring 3D to the home. Despite a expensive marketing effort, 3D TV sales have fallen far below expectations with the Consumer Electronics Association estimating that only 1.1 million will be in U.S. homes by year's end. Consumer surveys have suggested that home viewers are turned off by the 3D goggles required to view the special images -- and the premium prices for 3D TVs. The withdrawal of ESPN 3D, which shows college football and other sports in the format, would be a huge blow to the 3D at-home movement. Yahoo News notes that ESPN could essentially punt on the channel by making it a Video on Demand service, which would offer less programming and be less expensive to the network. http://www.tvpredictions.com/espn110310.htm

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