DirecTV and Panasonic Team Up on 3DTV

LAS VEGAS: DirecTV and Panasonic announced today a strategic relationship to expand 3D television on the satellite provider’s platform. Starting in June 2010, DirecTV HD customers will be offered a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to three dedicated 3D channels. Panasonic’s HD Viera sets have 3D display capability. The Japanese electronics giant will be the exclusive sponsor of DirecTV’s 3D channels for one year.

The DirecTV 3D channel suite will include a free sample, demo type feed, an on-demand channel and a pay-per-view feed with movies, documentaries and other entertainment programming. The satellite TV service provider is currently working with AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System to develop 3D programming for the coming season.

The deal was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in progress this week in Las Vegas. Panasonic also introduced its first fully integrated, professional 3D camcorder at the show.