Tiger Woods made the announcement this morning that he will be back at The Masters. It might be the biggest rating in the history of golf and Comcast will do something pretty impressive.
In a first in sports broadcasting, Augusta National Golf Club and
Comcast have partnered to deliver the 2010 Masters Tournament live in 3D
to those in the United States with 3D-capable TVs and computers.
Comcast will join in the production effort and provide the distribution
channels necessary to deliver the 3D content free to customers
nationwide. Additionally, Comcast and IBM, the Tournament’s technology
partner, will combine efforts to offer the 3D feed via www.masters.com.
Sony Electronics will support the effort not only as a sponsor of the 3D
telecast, but also as an industry expert, along with supplying the
latest advances in professional camera equipment and its 3D-capable
televisions.
“Innovation has always been part of Masters tradition,” said Augusta
National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Billy Payne.
“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. 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.”
Two hours of live afternoon 3D coverage will be available each day
beginning during Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest on April 7 and continuing
throughout the four Tournament rounds, Thursday, April 8 through Sunday,
April 11. The production, using multiple 3D cameras placed strategically
throughout the course for perspectives of Augusta National never before
seen, will primarily focus on the second nine.
Full coverage of the event will be available to Comcast customers in
both SD and HD format on CBS, with additional highlights and broadcasts
available on ESPN as well as On Demand and online.
