It seems like the "ultimate" TV viewing experience is being constantly redefined ever since HD became the standard way to watch television. Much innovation happens around attempting to televise sporting events in the most immersive format. Back in June ESPN broadcast a portion of the World Cup in 3D, but Hewlett Packard (HP) has a thought of another technology for immersive television watching: a "triple wide high-definition" screen.
HP is working with the National Basketball Association to figure out how to televise a basketball game on their super-wide television, as you can view an entire basketball court at once on the screen. This setup simulates sitting court side during a game as you will be moving your field of view to what you want to watch instead of what the cameraman decides you should be watching. I would particularly like this setup for football, as half the time it seems like the cameraman is tricked by a fake handoff and is following the wrong person with the camera.
This television is definitely a niche product and probably wouldn't be useful for much more than watching sports, especially since the content has to be specially recorded with multiple cameras that stitch together a final, wide image. However, this would be a great addition to the local sports bar and has the advantage over 3D that you don't have to be wearing special glasses to experience the immersion.
Share your thoughts in the comments, does a triple wide television pique your interest, or is 3D the way to go? Or maybe HP should be working on a combo 3D triple wide television?
