DirecTV made headlines when it became the first company to broadcast a 3D TV channel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the recent launch of its "n3D" TV channels.
The new channel is available to all DirecTV subscribers who have a 3D-capable HDTV and active-shutter 3D glasses.
The satellite broadcast company has promoted 3D as a new "immersive experience" that should help bring movies right into the living room. Programming shown on n3D are broadcast in 1080p and have a viewing revolution of "960 x1080 pixels per eye or exactly one-half the “Full HD” of 3D Blu-ray disc titles."
There have been several early reports regarding DirecTV's 3D efforts, although the reviews are all over the board. In an HD Guru article, 3D quality varied wildly, with different videos scoring A-, B+ (after picture adjustment), D+, and F (failure). The reviewers used the Panasonic TC-P50VT25 50" plasma 3DTV and a DVR, along with a Samsung UN55C8000 LCD LED 3DTV with a DVR.
Both HD Guru and CNET had a specific problem with African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango, with CNET reviewers claiming they felt nauseous while watching it. HD Guru recommends that DirecTV remove Okavango from the channel until it can be properly fixed.
CNET said Guitar Sessions with Jane's Addiction wasn't perfect, but still proved enjoyable despite minor issues.
DirecTV first announced plans for a 3D channel in December, and company officials promised 3D by June. I remain supportive of companies seeking to launch 3DTV channels, but agree that DirecTV should have been more diligent with ensuring 3D content quality.
CNET also said the "launch of a 3D channel using relatively unimpressive demo material does little to help the adoption of a TV technology," which I have to agree with.
