AT&T U-Verse Picks Up ESPN3D

It’s the third provider to pick up ESPN3D in time for the World Cup after DirecTV and Comcast. Fans who have a 3-D TV set will be able to see some 25 games from ESPN in the third dimension. Here’s the press release:

AT&T U-VERSE TV LAUNCHES ESPN 3D CHANNEL FOR 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP 

Fans Can Watch 25 Matches in Thrilling 3D with Launch of First 3D TV Channel on U-verse TV

DALLAS, June 9, 2010 — AT&T U-verse^® TV customers, put on your 3D glasses.

In time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM, AT&T* and ESPN today announced the addition of ESPN 3D to the U-verse TV channel lineup. AT&T U-verse TV customers will be able to enjoy the industry’s first 3D sports television network that will deliver 25 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM matches and nearly 100 live sporting events in the next year.

The first ESPN 3D 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM match will air on June 11, featuring South Africa vs.  Mexico. Other events to be delivered in 3D include the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby, X Games 16, Winter X Games 15, college basketball and football games and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.

“Because of our advanced IP technology, AT&T U-verse customers can be confident that they’ll have access to the latest TV innovations — whether it’s your favorite content across your devices, interactive apps, or 3DTV,” said Dan York, president of content, AT&T. “With ESPN 3D, U-verse TV customers can experience the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM for the first time ever in exciting 3D, and we’re looking forward to delivering more ESPN 3D coverage throughout the year.”

“ESPN and U-verse TV are pleased to bring fans nearly 100 exciting, ground-breaking 3D sports events in the next year,” said David C. Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney & ESPN Networks Group. “From the first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to college sports, the NBA and more, U-verse customers will be able to see it all in dynamic 3D on ESPN 3D.”

3D programming is supported on all customers’ existing U-verse DVRs and receivers, without any additional set up or U-verse equipment upgrades. Customers will also need a 3D-ready TV set and 3D glasses.

The ESPN 3D channel is available on channel 1610 to U-verse TV HD customers (with the U100 package or above) who subscribe to the 3-D Technology Package for $10 a month. Customers can call 1-800-ATT-2020 or visit an AT&T retail location to add the 3-D Technology Package in time for the opening 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM match on June 11.

In addition to 3D coverage, AT&T and ESPN are also offering U-verse TV customers an innovative 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM app which includes a Multiview that lets you watch up to four ESPN channels at one time and also brings athlete bios, groupings and the latest team standings straight from South Africa to your U-verse TV screen. The app is available to every U-verse TV customer at no extra charge on channel 618 and 1618. AT&T and ESPN are also delivering live coverage to mobile phones with AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV, and coverage of all matches and exclusive bonus content is available for AT&T High Speed Internet customers

AT&T U-verse offers many features that help fans wanting to catch every exciting FIFA World Cup^TM moment. AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR lets you record up to four shows at once and play them back on any connected TV in the house. If you’re not at home for a match, U-verse TV customers can record ESPN 3D coverage with their U-verse DVR and play it back in 3D at any time. U-verse TV also offers an extensive HD channel lineup with more than 130 HD channels. And with fast channel change and picture-in-picture browse, you can channel surf between FIFA World Cup^TM matches without the delay experienced on other digital TV services and preview matches on other channels.

We’ll end it there.