This year’s Wimbledon Championships will be first ever 3D broadcast on the BBC. Marking the 125th anniversary of the Championships, the live 3D coverage will be of the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Finals on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July.
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 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 the BBC website.
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”.
Meanwhile, Virgin Media said it was “delighted” to be offering its customers their second Grand Slam tennis tournament in 3D following on from the success of its exclusive coverage of the Roland Garros French Open – the first 3D tennis ever to be shown in the UK.
Virgin Media TV customers will be able to watch the Wimbledon men’s and women’s finals in 3D on channel 187. Customers who don’t have a 3D TV can still watch the tournament live in regular 2D in either SD or HD on BBC1 (channel 101) and BBC1 HD (channel 187).
“With the unique ability to deliver 3D both live and On Demand, such as movies and documentaries whenever you want, Virgin Media provides the greatest range of options for Brits to enjoy this exciting new format as we continue to expand the range of 3D content we offer,” a spokeswoman said.