The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and ESPN have teamed up to create National 3D Demo Days, a weekend of 3DTV programming events and demonstrations in retail locations.
ESPN 3D will provide continual 3D programming nationwide from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET Sept. 10-12.
A recent study conducted by CEA found 64% of sales associates said shoppers are expressing a desire to experience sports in 3D.
Among the highlights on the schedule:
* At 3:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, a live telecast of defending Big Ten Conference champion No. 3 Ohio State hosting No. 19 Miami of the ACC in the first meeting between the perennial powers since the Buckeyes defeated the Hurricanes 31-24 in the 2003 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl to win the 2002 BCS National Championship. This marks the second time that Ohio State has been featured in 3D by ESPN as the team’s game against USC on September 9, 2009, served as a test telecast for the network.
Other programming will include coverage from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, X Games 16, college football’s Boise State vs. Virginia Tech game from Sept. 6, as well as entertaining footage from the Harlem Globetrotters in an appearance at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla.
“Bringing ESPN 3D to retailers across the country is a great step forward for the rollout of 3D,” said Bryan Burns, vice president, ESPN business strategy and development and member of the CEA Board of Industry Leaders.
Eight in ten sales associates report the level of interest in 3D technologies has increased in recent months. Participating retailers across the country will hold 3D demos at their locations to give their customers an experience they cannot get anywhere else.
“With a complete 3D system in place – from products to content and distribution – 2010 is the year for this exciting new technology to take off,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA.