ESPN to shut down ESPN 3D this year after failed adoption

ESPN will shut down its specialized ESPN 3D channel by the end of the year, proving once again that 3D is a gimmick that the general public could not care less about.

The move was confirmed via Twitter by an ESPN PR affiliate, who cited the lack of adoption of 3D TVs and services as the reason.

A second spokesperson added: "Nobody knows more about sports in 3D than ESPN, and we will be ready to provide the service to fans if or when 3D does take off."

The channel launched in June 2010 to broadcast the FIFA World Cup.

ESPN discontinuing its 3D operation by end of year
-- Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) June 12, 2013

ESPN 3D was great at home but due to low adoption of 3D to home, we are discontinuing to focus on other products for fans and affiliates
-- Katina Arnold (@KatinaESPN) June 12, 2013

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 12 Jun 2013 12:18

Jemborg

That's a shame in a way.

Eventually, when you get headset free 3d as standard I reckon we will see more of it.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

12.6.2013 14:38 #1

xnonsuchx

Called it! ;-)

12.6.2013 15:12 #2

Ryoohki

I never did see the big deal with 3D movies and shows. I went to see iron man 3 in 3D and was more annoyed by the glasses than anything. It was no big deal and I had a slight headache by the time I left the theater but that's more because the movie sucked than my eyes being bothered. I couldn't wait for that movie to just be over.

12.6.2013 15:34 #3

Jemborg

Originally posted by Ryoohki: I never did see the big deal with 3D movies and shows. I went to see iron man 3 in 3D and was more annoyed by the glasses than anything. It was no big deal and I had a slight headache by the time I left the theater but that's more because the movie sucked than my eyes being bothered. I couldn't wait for that movie to just be over. I did not have that problem at 48 fps of the Hobbit.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

12.6.2013 15:59 #4

Bozobub

Frankly, all of the currently extant versions of 3D display give me blinding headaches after more than an hour or so of use. I cannot WAIT to see the fad die.

12.6.2013 18:29 #5

Smacks

I was just looking at tv's and decided if I get a new one it will definitely be 3D. These type of things take time to get adopted by the average Joe. ESPN was probably looking at cuts to make and decided this was the best place. The price on 3D tv's are finally coming down to a decent range. I would say they pick the service back up when their is more demand. HD took time to catch on, remember when there were just a few channels available. Now we have 3D and next 4K.

12.6.2013 18:42 #6

Bozobub

It ain't about "catching on", homes. For a significant portion of the populace, it's about severe eye strain. Nor is the resulting 3D effect very compelling, except perhaps in an IMAX-sized setting.

A significant part of the problem is that, for any type of 3D that uses glasses (whether active or passive), total visible light entering your eyes is reduced by 50%.

12.6.2013 20:08 #7

DarthMopar

3D TV in it's current form is dead in the water. Until they figure out how to eliminate those stupid glasses and the headaches from prolonged viewing, I'm perfectly happy with my 1080P LED 70' Vizio.

12.6.2013 23:21 #8

mukhis

Originally posted by DarthMopar: Until they figure out how to eliminate those stupid glasses and the headaches from prolonged viewing
i don't mind glasses as long as the 3D is REAL. the prob is most movies are just 2D to 3D conversion done based on 3D modeling rather than done with a real 3D camera. this reduces 3D effects and gives rise to visual issues as well. yes, still the real 3D can be pain with glasses specially if you watch for long time but this is what it is now. many researches have been done to get glass-free 3Ds but so far it is a FAIL.

12.6.2013 23:57 #9

Jemborg

I don't believe 3D gaming is a fail.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

13.6.2013 00:02 #10

Qliphah

Any 3D that requires the use of glasses will be a failure. When whole room holograms and/or information beaming straight to the brain becomes reality wake me up.

13.6.2013 09:20 #11

Mrguss

3D is so 50's. They will keep failing for many other decades to come.

+5000

13.6.2013 17:06 #12

Gdot73

3d is good, i don't know why everyones hating on it, you want holograms beemed in front of you on a silver plate well its not happening yet. 3d with glasses is where its at right now and I've seen many MANY impressive things in 3d. It can make me a little tired but not often, I can easily sit through 2 hours of. 3d film without stopping or getting a headache, only the 1st few times I felt a slight headache but then eyes get used to it (unless your a pussy maybe
). If I was buying a tv which I recently did, it would have to have 3d no question about it. 70` tv but no 3d? What a waste

14.6.2013 05:48 #13

Bozobub

You don't know why "everyone is hating on it"?
- It adds significant unnecessary expense to a TV purchase.
- Most content looks no better in 3D, and often worse.
- No, I don't want "holograms beamed in front of me", but nor do I particularly care to wear extra glasses to watch TV. I already have glasses, thenkyew, and 3D glasses don't deal well with them.
- Quite a few people don't tolerate current 3D tech very well; it has nothing to do with them being "pussies" and everything to do with 3D display tech being immature. Calling those who a tech affects negatively "pussies", by the way, is even more immature. Do you call people who get heatstroke pussies..? If so, you might want to explain why it happens to NFL linebackers just as (or even more) often than the average soul - lol.

14.6.2013 07:25 #14

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