Following the success of the multi-day 3D broadcast of the 2010 tournament in European retail stores, this year’s action will be available in homes across Europe, excluding France. Switzerland-based Swisscom and Canal Digital in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have already signed up to distribute the 3D signal, although further operators across Europe are set to be announced ahead of the start of the tennis Grand Slam on May 22.
“Eurosport is committed to providing fans with the best sports entertainment experience,” said Laurent-Eric Le Lay, chairman and chief executive officer of Eurosport. “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Panasonic and the FFT to make 3D sports viewing across Europe a mainstream reality.”
Michel Grach, the FFT’s media and sponsorship director, added: “We are committed to constant innovation to make sure tennis fans across Europe can get the closest experience possible to actually being here in Paris to view this momentous event. From the extremely positive feedback about the 3D broadcast into retail stores last year, it is clear that 3D technology truly recreates the immersive experience of being court-side, on the television set.”
Laurent Abadie, chairman and CEO of Panasonic Europe, said: “In the past year a wide range of 3D technology has become available; an increasing amount of content has been created; and new broadcast 3D channels have been launched. It is clear that 2011 is the year this revolutionary technology will become mainstream. We have worked closely with the FFT to ensure that in 2011, as many tennis fans as possible can recreate the thrilling experience of being at the tournament, in their homes in 3D.”
