The 2010 World cup is to be recorded in 3D for the first time in history and may even be broadcast live in this format. The Japanese company Sony will provide the technology to film the matches, although it is not clear at this stage whether a new generation of 3D camera will be used. Most 3D set-ups currently in use utilise two cameras, correlated with the left and right eye of the viewer, who then uses special polarised glasses to view the images. Sony’s new camera uses a single lens, splitting the image in two with an internal mirror and then recording them on two sensors. The camera is said by Sony to be particularly suitable for sporting events. It’s not yet clear whether the company will use this device for the World Cup – the technology is still at an early stage of development.
However, many believe that the technology is a heartbeat away from becoming mainstream and major sporting events are powerful catalysts for technological innovation, strongly contributing to the take-up of the new technology. 3D movies and television images are definitely on the rise – one estimate suggests that by 2013, as many as 13.6 million 3D TV sets may be installed across Europe.
The BBC is planning to capture some of the 2012 Olympics in 3D and has hinted that it may soon be launching a dedicated sports channel – Premier League football would then be available in 3D. Sport lovers are in for a 3D feast.
