AT&T U-verse has joined DirecTV and Comcast in offering the ESPN 3D in time for the the new network’s launch with the first 2010 World Cup match at 6:30 a.m. PT Friday morning (June 11).
AT&T is charging an extra $10 per month for the “3-D Technology Package” (1-800-ATT-2020 or AT&T retail locations), similar to the HiDef package fees for cable and satellite systems, though DirecTV is not charging extra for ESPN 3D yet.
The ESPN 3D channel is available on channel 1610 to U-verse TV HD customers (with the U100 package or above).
3D programming is supported on all customers’ existing U-verse DVRs and receivers, without any additional set up or U-verse equipment upgrades . Viewers will need a 3D-enabled TV and the corresponding 3D glasses.
ESPN 3D will broadcast 25 football/soccer matches live during the month-long tournament — mostly one per day until the quarterfinals — and neayl 100 live sporting events over the next 12 months, including the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby, X Games 16, Winter X Games 15, college basketball and football games and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.
Dan York, president of content, AT&T.
David C. Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney & ESPN Networks Group.
AT&T and ESPN are also offering U-verse TV customers a 2010 FIFA World Cup app which includes a Multiview that lets you watch up to four ESPN channels at one time and also brings athlete bios, groupings and the latest team standings to the TV screen. The app is available to every U-verse TV customer at no extra charge on channel 618 and 1618. AT&T and ESPN are also delivering live coverage to mobile phones with AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV, and coverage of all matches and exclusive bonus content is available for AT&T High Speed Internet customers
AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR lets you record up to four shows at once and play them back on any connected TV in the house. U-verse TV customers can record ESPN 3D coverage with their U-verse DVR and play it back in 3D at any time.
U-verse TV, the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, offers 130 HiDef channels and picture-in-picture.