Sky kicks off 3D TV with Manchester United vs. Chelsea

Sky has confirmed it will be launching its eagerly anticipated 3D TV service in a couple of weeks with the broadcast of the Barclays Premier League football match between Manchester United and Chelsea.

This first 3D football game on Saturday 3 April marks the start of a set of 3D Premier League games. Sky is hoping to show at least five more before the end of the current season (Sunday 9 May) and should also be covering the Coca-Cola Football League Play-Off Finals from Wembley Stadium at the end of May.

Sky 3D football is expected to be a hit among the pub community as thousands of boozers have already signed up to the service. More are expected to be enticed to join before the Premier league starts.

Speaking on the first 3D game of the season, Brian Lenz, Sky's director of product design and TV product development, said: "It's fitting that one of the biggest games of the season will be the launch pad for our pioneering Sky 3D service. With 3D, seeing is really believing, so it's great news that over a thousand pubs across the country will be able to show the magic of 3D to their customers."

As well as the live games, Sky will also be broadcasting a showreel of the best of Sky 3D which will run on Sky 3D periodically throughout the day. This will be a good chance for home viewers to check out the service as Sky 3D is also available to residential customers who subscribe to Sky's top channels and HD pack.

By the end of the year, Sky 3D should be offering a wider range of 3D programming - not just football - and will broadcast movies, sport, documentaries, entertainment and arts programming. The channel will be available at no extra cost for customers signed up the largest TV package.

Look out for the Sky 3D channel appearing on the Sky EPG before the 3 April. Sky has confirmed all the new 3D TV channels will be compatible with the new 3D TV models due for release by Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic soon.

Kick off for the 3D Manchester United vs. Chelsea game is on Saturday 3 April at 12.45pm. Meanwhile, match coverage by Sky will begin from noon.

For more information on Sky 3D visit the provider's website.