NEW YORK, Jul. 1, 2010 (Kyodo News International) -- U.S. satellite broadcaster DirecTV (NASDAQ:DTV) Inc. on Thursday launched what it claims are the world's first around-the-clock channels exclusively offering 3-D programs, with the cooperation of Japanese home appliance maker Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC)
DirecTV opened three dedicated 3-D channels -- a pay-per-view channel focusing on movies, documentaries and other programming, and on-demand and free demo channels featuring sports, music and other content, the company said. Customers need 3-D TV sets to access the channels.
As the exclusive presenting sponsor of the channels, Panasonic will also provide technical support, according to DirecTV.
Major home appliance makers including Panasonic and Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) have started selling their 3-D television sets in the United States. Sony also plans to launch 3-D broadcasting in the U.S. market next year.
In the United States, specialty broadcasters have so far offered limited 3-D programs covering World Cup soccer games, while Sony and Sky Perfect JSAT Corp. (OOTC:SKPJF) have broadcast 3-D World Cup programs in Japan.
