The Masters … A 3-D Tradition Unlike Any Other

Throughout the day, I’ve been seeing word that the golf tournament that beats to its own drum, The Masters, is once again doing something different. The Augusta National Country Club has announced that this year’s tournament will be produced in 3-D. Unlike other sporting events that have been produced in 3-D, this will not be made available in movie theaters, The Masters will be available to those who own a 3-D TV set which probably numbers in the single digits at this time.

Here’s the release from The Masters website.

Masters to be Broadcast, Distributed Live in 3D

Monday, March 15, 2010

Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Billy Payne announced today that the 2010 Masters will be produced and broadcast live in 3D. This innovative step forward, the first of its kind in golf, will include multiple 3D cameras placed strategically throughout the course resulting in perspectives never before seen of Augusta National.

In a first in sports broadcasting, the 3D production, which will primarily focus on the second nine, will be distributed live to those in the United States with 3D-capable television sets and 3D-capable computers.

“Innovation has always been part of Masters tradition,” said 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.”

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. Comcast will join in the production effort and provide the distribution channels necessary to deliver the content free to its households throughout the United States. Additionally, Comcast and IBM, the Tournament’s technology partner, will combine efforts to offer the 3D feed via www.masters.com.

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 – Sunday, April 11.

The Masters is proud of its tradition of bringing innovation to the sport of golf, including advancements in television coverage. The Tournament has been broadcast by CBS since 1956 and, beginning in 2007, early round coverage has been televised by ESPN. In 1993, the Masters introduced its first HD production and became the first golf tournament presented live in HD on network television in 2000.

As you can see, Comcast will help to distribute the telecast. I wonder if CBS will actually be involved or this will be a separate production. Seeing that this came from The Masters and not CBS, it makes me wonder.

Of course, you can’t have a Masters-centric post without its theme song, “Augusta”. Here it is, but with the actual lyrics sung by the composer, Dave “Don’t call me Kenny” Loggins.

That does it for this post.