Thanks to launches on the nation’s biggest satellite and cable systems when ESPN 3D debuts June 11, the network will be instantly available to more than 40 million homes and could surpass the number of homes with DVRs by 2019, according to executive VP of sales and marketing Sean Bratches.
The network is expanding its planned 3D event coverage from the previously announced 85 up to about 100 and will only accept ads in 3D.
“We’re very encouraged with the slate of affiliates we have going into the marketplace with ESPN 3D” Bratches said Tuesday (May 25) during a 3DTV conference in New York co-sponsored by sister publications Multichannel News, Broadcasting & Cable, TWICE and other NewBay Media publications.
He said that by 2019, ESPN thinks penetration of 3D sets in the home will be below HD sets but above digital video recorders. Sports fans are early adopters of technology and we think that the genre plays very well in terms of the technology…”
ESPN is also pitching 3D-related advertising across its platforms and has already produced its first “This is SportsCenter” spot in 3D. Sony will have a 3D commercial on the new network when it launches with 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer games on June 11.