Viasat and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) have entered into a partnership which means that Viasat customers can experience the first ever live Olympics in 3D. Viasat will broadcast more than 100 hours direct from London 2012 Olympic Games via its 3D channel Viasat 3D.

“Since NRK could not take advantage of the 3D rights, we are pleased that television viewers now have the opportunity to see London 2012 in 3D through Viasat”, said NRK sports rights manager Runar Østmo.

Viasat 3D will broadcast eight hours daily direct from the London 2012 Olympics. In addition, it will produce a four-hour summary highlights programme from each day’s events.

100m sprint masters in 3D

The events that will be produced and shown in 3D include the men’s 100m final, swimming, gymnastics and basketball. In addition, both the opening ceremony and closing ceremony will be shown entirely in 3D. The 3D content is produced by Olympic Broadcasting Services and the partnership agreement with NRK sublicenses the content to Viasat.

3D is the standard

3D technology is becoming standard on most new TVs. Figures from the Electronics Industry trade shows that in 2010 and 2011 together 175,000 3D TVs were sold in Norway. In 2012 the industry expects to sell about 250,000 new 3D TVs.

“Focus on the Olympics in 3D is both important and of course very welcome to all who have purchased a 3D-ready TV”, said Erik Andersen of Electronics Industry.

From HD to 3D

During the Beijing Olympics in 2008 NRK and Viasat cooperated to show the Olympics in HD for the first time. During the London 2012 Olympics Viasat customers will be able to choose to watch the games in HD on NRK1 and NRK2 or 3D on Viasat 3D. Viasat has previously broadcast golf, hockey and football in 3D.

Erik Z Børresen, CEO of Viasat Norway commented: “London 2012 is a massive event for all sports enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to be able to show some of the most exciting events live in 3D for Viasat customers. We already offer a wide range of movies and live sport in 3D, and London 2012 is the perfect showcase for the amazing live 3D TV experience.”

www.nrk.no