The BBC today announced it will broadcast live 3D coverage to homes across the U.K. for the first time, when it broadcasts the Men’s and Ladies’ Finals of the 2011 Wimbledon Championships via the BBC’s HD Channel.

The free-to-air broadcast of the Championships in 3D will be available to anyone who has access to a 3D TV set and to HD Channels, regardless of which digital TV provider they use.

The live 3D coverage of the ladies’ and men’s finals on Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July will mark the 125th anniversary of the Wimbledon Championships.

The BBC’s coverage is being provided in partnership with the AELTC and Sony Professional. It will also be available in a limited number of cinemas across the UK and the BBC is offering a small number of 3D screenings which will be free to members of the public via www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours. This is one of a small number of 3DTV editorial experiments the BBC is currently undertaking, on behalf of licence payers.

Coverage of the Championship Finals will also be available in Standard Definition (SD) on BBC One and in High Definition (HD) on BBC One HD. Danielle Nagler, Head of BBC HD and 3D, says: “I’m delighted that in this anniversary year we’re bringing UK audiences a new way of getting close to the action on Centre Court. I’m sure that 3D will only add to the drama as the world’s greatest players compete for the championship.”

Paul Davies, BBC Executive Producer Sport says; “During our 75 years of televising the Wimbledon Championships the BBC has continually broken new ground in broadcasting techniques. This unique 3D transmission is the latest innovation to bring to life all the tension, drama and excitement on one of the most iconic sporting arenas in the world”.

George Entwistle, Director of BBC Vision says; “We know how much audiences already enjoy the BBC’s Wimbledon television coverage. This is a hugely important experiment for us and I’m pleased that we have the opportunity to show some of our stunning sports coverage to our audiences, in 3D, for free.”

As well as coverage on BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC Two and the BBC HD channel, viewers will be able to follow the championships via BBC Online, who will be streaming all the live action direct to viewers’ PCs and offering live text commentaries via the mobile service. BBC Red Button will also offer a wide range of viewing options throughout Wimbledon and with BBC Radio 5 Live providing extensive coverage, interviews and commentary from Wimbledon, there are more ways than ever to follow the excitement and action this year.

BBC iPlayer will be offering up to two full matches every day of the tournament. Today At Wimbledon will also be available on demand from BBC iPlayer in HD and SD.

Live 3D Screenings in BBC Television Centre and Select Cinemas across the UK

Live 3D coverage of the men’s singles final will also be available in a select number of UK cinemas and at BBC Television Centre. For details of how to apply for free tickets via a random draw please visit:- www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours. Tickets will be available between Wednesday 8th June until Monday 13th June.

NOTES
The Wimbledon finals will be available in 3D* on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat channel 109, Freeview channel 54, Sky channel 169 and Virgin Media channel 187.
*Subject to homes having a 3D television with HD built in or a 3D TV connected to an HD box and a pair of 3D glasses.
The entire Wimbledon Championship is also being simulcast in HD on BBC HD and on BBC One HD which will screen the finals in HD on Freesat channel 108, Freeview channel 50, Sky channel 143 and Virgin Media channel 108.