Eurosport Team with Panasonic/FFT to Bring French Open in 3D

Leading European sports broadcaster Eurosport has partnered with Panasonic and Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) to roll out live broadcast of the French Tennis Open at Roland Garros in 3D.

Broadcasters Swisscom in Switzerland and Canal Digital, operating in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, have already been confirmed to carry the 3D signal.

Laurent-Eric Le Lay, CEO and Chairman of Eurosport, stated: “Eurosport is committed to providing fans with the best sports entertainment experience. Bringing the French Tennis Open live in 3D directly to consumers’ homes is the best way to demonstrate how the combination of compelling content and new technology greatly enhances sports viewing.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Panasonic and the Fédération Française de Tennis to make 3D sports viewing across Europe a mainstream reality.”

Laurent Abadie, Chairman and CEO, Panasonic Europe said: “In the past year a wide range of 3D technology has become available; an increasing amount of content has been created; and new broadcast 3D channels have been launched – it is clear that 2011 is the year this revolutionary technology will become mainstream. We have worked closely with the FFT to ensure that in 2011, as many tennis fans as possible can recreate the thrilling experience of being at the tournament, in their homes in 3D.”

Michel Grach, Media and Sponsorship Director, Fédération Française de Tennis, added: “Roland Garros is one of the most historic international sporting events in the world. We are committed to constant innovation to make sure tennis fans across Europe can get the closest experience possible to actually being here in Paris to view this momentous event.

“From the extremely positive feedback about the 3D broadcast into retail stores last year, it is clear that 3D technology truly recreates the immersive experience of being court-side, on the television set. By working closely with expert technology partners such as Panasonic and Eurosport, we are delighted to be able to deliver this year’s tournament into consumers’ living rooms live in 3D and therefore allow people who cannot be court-side to feel the passion of such exciting event. It will add yet another dimension to what promises to be an incredible sporting event.”