ESPN 3D is going 24/7 with 3D sports programming starting Feb. 14.
That’s about the same time the new 3net is expected to launch from partnership of Sony, Discovery Communications, and IMAX. 3net is an entertainment network featuring movies, series, music, and documentaries. Both networks were announced at CES a year ago. ESPN 3D launched in early June and has telecast more than 60 sporting events in 3D. 3net is expected to launch this quarter.
ESPN 3D will stick exclusively to sports, continuing its expansion of live events and filling out the schedule each day with reruns of those live events.
This week ESPN 3D is televising NBA games in live 3D on Wednesday and Friday, followed by a 3D broadcast of the BCS National Championshop game on Monday, Jan. 10.
Nine broadcasts are scheduled for the Winter X Games from Jan. 27 – 30.
“As we continue to expand the number of 3D events on the channel, it made sense operationally to transition ESPN 3D to a 24-7 network,” said Sean Bratches, executive vice president, sales and marketing for Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “We’ve been very pleased with the rate at which our affiliates have adopted ESPN 3D in its first year and we continue to look for new ways to serve fans, advertisers and affiliates with the best 3D sports content available.”
— By Scott Hettrick