Tiger Woods’ return to golf could be even more dynamic with word that The Masters next month will be the first ever broadcast live with multiple cameras in 3D and simulcast online.
The news follows last week’s announcement by CBS that the network would also broadcast the Final Four in 3D for the first time.
Sony, which already experimented with taping its own Sony Open in Hawai’i in 3D in January, will sponsor 3D coverage of The Masters from April 7-11 and serve as an industry expert as well as supply 3D cameras and TVs for the ESPN production that will be separate from the regular CBS and ESPN coverage. Multiple 3D cameras placed strategically throughout the course will offer perspectives never before seen of Augusta National.
Comcast will distribute the programming free on a dedicated channel to its HD cable customers in the U.S. with 3D-enabled TVs while Comcast and IBM, the Tournament’s technology partner, will combine efforts to offer the 3D feed via www.masters.com for consumers with 3D-enabled monitors and media players.
Augusta National Golf Club will oversee 10 hours of 3-D coverage of all four rounds from the back nine, including two hours of live afternoon 3D coverage each day beginning during Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest on April 7 and continuing throughout the four Tournament rounds, Thursday, April 8 – Sunday, April 11.
“Utilizing this technology marks another important milestone in allowing our at-home patrons to better experience the beauty of our course and excitement of our tournament,” Augusta National Chair Billy Payne said in a statement. “We consider ourselves fortunate to be a leader in providing this technology, thanks in large part to our valuable partners who share in our commitment to deliver a meaningful and memorable viewing experience.”
According to a media release, The Masters introduced its first HD production in 1993 and became the first golf tournament presented live in HD on network television in 2000.
Prior to The Masters, the two NCAA semifinal basketball games on April 3, as well as the national title game on April 5, will be broadcast in 3-D on special televisions at Lucas Oil Stadium — the site of this year’s Final Four — and in up to 100 Cinedigm digital cinemas nationwide.
Those productions will be separate from the regular CBS broadcast as well, including announcers specific to the 3D broadcast, Dave Ryan and Steve Lappas of CBS College Sports Network.
“We are excited to be able to present Men’s Final Four weekend in 3-D offering fans an exciting and different way to view a major sporting event,” said Ken Aagaard, the executive vice president of operations and engineering for CBS Sports.
Cinedigm also broadcast the 2009 BCS national championship game and the NBA All-Star Saturday events in 3-D as well.
— By Scott Hettrick