History Enters 3D Orbit with DirecTV

Will broadcast The Universe on "n3D" channel

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/27/2010 4:52:11 PM

Cable programmer History, a unit of A&E Television Networks, will deliver its first stereoscopic 3D broadcast this Friday, July 30, by airing a 3D version of the season five premiere episode of its series, The Universe, on pay-TV operator DirecTV.

History's 3D broadcast will be shown at 10 p.m. ET/PT on DirecTV's new 3D channel, "n3D", which is sponsored by set-maker Panasonic. On the same day, DirecTV will also offer a 2D version of this episode on The 101 Network.

The season five premiere of The Universe, titled "Seven Wonders of the Solar System," was natively produced in 3D by Flight 33 Productions, which shot interviews and B-roll with 3D camera rigs and generated the show's 3D animations in-house. Technicolor provided stereoscopic encoding for the program. The show makes extensive use of CGI graphics to visualize recent findings from the latest space probes and examines various marvels of the universe including mountain ranges on Saturn's rings and the famous red spot on Jupiter. It also includes what History describes as the highest resolution images ever taken of the lava flow on Mars that might indicate volcanic activity.

"Offering this programming in 3D will enable our viewers to completely immerse their senses in the uncharted landscape that makes up our solar system," said Derek Chang, EVP of content strategy and development for DirecTV, in a statement. "This is the type of programming that lends itself perfectly for 3D and still looks amazing in HD. We are excited to be partnering with History as they embark on their first 3D mission and look forward to continuing to deliver compelling 3D content to our viewers."

"This is a great opportunity for History to partner with DirecTV to showcase our hit series The Universe in 3D," added David Zagin, EVP of distribution for AETN. "The 3D experience greatly enhances the graphics of The Universe and adds an exciting new element to History's programming."