Verizon to bring 3D TV content to FiOS this year
updated 02:10 pm EDT, Fri April 2, 2010
Verizon to offer 3D TV via FiOS before 2011
Verizon has become the first wired TV provider in North America to promise 3D TV content to any buyer of a 3D-capable TV. The service will only be available to subscribers to Verizon's fiber optics-based FiOS service before the end of 2010. While specifics aren't yet available, Verizon says it will bring the broadest range of 3D programming and touts a better interface. Whether the service will come in the form of a full- or part-time broadcast service or video on demand hasn't yet been decided.
Thus far, ESPN has announced it will film in 3D; Verizon is negotiating to get the sports channel's advanced broadcasts. Verizon said it's also in active discussions with a number of other companies involved in supplying 3D content.
Verizon admits there are challenges involved in the undertaking, including technology that lets TVs and set-top boxes adjust TVs to display 3D content. The provider aims to bring a fully automated HDMI format-switching capability that is simple to use when switching between 2D and 3D content.
