Thirteen months after being announced at the 2010 CES, the Sony/Discovery/IMAX network 3net will debut Sunday (Feb. 13) on DirecTV.
DirecTV, which also offers n3D – powered by Panasonic and ESPN 3D, along with 3D VOD, is the first and only distributor so far that has agreed to carry the joint venture 3net network from Sony Corp., Discovery Communications and IMAX Corp.
The fully programmed 3net will debut at 8 p.m. ET on DirecTV’s channel 107 with a primetime slate of one-hour, native 3D original programs such as “China Revealed” and “Forgotten Planet,” as well as the world 3D television premiere of “Into the Deep 3D.”
Throughout February original 3D series and new programs wil be introduced each night at 9 p.m. ET.
Last week it was announced that 3net signed a multi-year agreement to broadcast the annual International 3D Society’s Creative Arts Awards. The second annual awards program was produced in 3D last night (Wednesday, Feb. 9) at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood for broadcast at a later date.
“Today’s announcement marks the culmination of a dynamic collaboration, and we are very proud of what has been accomplished in the seven short months since the network began its development,” said Tom Cosgrove, 3net’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “DirecTV… has clearly been an industry innovator in 3D.”
“Quality 3D programming is vital to the success and increased adoption of the technology, and with industry leaders like Discovery, Sony and IMAX making a commitment to this category, it is clear that 3D is here to stay and is only going to get better,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DirecTV. “We are excited to be the first distributor to announce the launch of 3net and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the largest and most compelling 3D programming lineup available.”
“The broad availability of high-quality, native 3D content is a critical step towards consumers fully embracing 3D,” said Rob Wiesenthal, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corp. of America. “3net is an important element in our strategy to maintain a leadership position in all things 3D.”
“The launch of 3net represents a giant leap in our march to bring audiences the closest-to-real viewing experiences,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications.
“3net brings together three global brands with a single mission – to deliver premium 3D entertainment experiences to audiences in the comfort of their own homes,” said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “We are proud to embark on this new venture with Sony and Discovery, and we believe that our popular library of breathtaking IMAX content is in great company with the range of compelling programming from our partners.”
3net Premiere Night Schedule (all times Eastern):
CHINA REVEALED (8:00 PM)
China’s beauty is little seen, often hidden and always surprising. This hour-long series explores the thronging cities, epic vistas and spiritual heartlands of this huge and mysterious nation in stunning 3D. Produced by Natural History New Zealand Ltd.
INTO THE DEEP 3D (9:00 PM)
This IMAX special takes audiences on a spectacular three-dimensional exploration of the undersea world. Using the IMAX 3D camera in its underwater housing for the first time, this film captures unique marine life and magnificent underwater vistas.
FORGOTTEN PLANET (10:00 PM)
Explore the strangest places on earth – once vibrant cities now completely devoid of all humanity. This series of one-hour programs imagines the world humans will one day leave behind by exploring what we’ve already abandoned. Produced by Flight 33 Productions.
— By Scott Hettrick