Sky Ponders 3D Rugby – But Not for Kiwis

The NZ Herald reports Sky TV is considering 3D coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup — but only for other countries.

Media columnist John Drinnan says the International Rugby Board is “looking at extending Sky’s host broadcaster contract” so it can provide an international 3D feed.

Drinnan questions whether 3DTV has a future or “is just another attempt by technology firms to create the next consumer must-have” and cites “indications” that Sony has been prepared to offer broadcasters like Sky free 3D cameras to help drive uptake of 3D displays.

Another 3DTV sceptic, Sydney a/v retailer Steve Neil, of Eastwood Hi-Fi, reckons poor coverage of the most recent State of Origin game “spelt the death knell of 3DTV”.

But others believe differently, such as this reviewer of the first Fox Sports 3D broadcast in Australia that was done as a curtain raiser to the FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, The Times of London headlined its FIFA HD review “our pin-sharp World Cup horror”, dubbing the moment when England’s goalie let a goal in “two million pixels-per-frame of undiluted man-agony. It is what this technology has been waiting for.”