3Dimensional TV broadcasts are becoming more and more popular everyday. DirecTV is the first TV service provider to deliver programs
in 3D format. Dish Network has also introduced 3D programs in its service. This article brings a comparison of the 3D programs delivered
in Dish Network and DirecTV.
Requirements for 3D:
DirecTV subscribers require to have a 3D TV, a HD or HD DVR receiver, a HD Access and a pair of 3D glasses to access 3D programs. For 3D TVs, DirecTV basically recommends subscribers to have any of three models of Panasonic TV namely TC-P54VT25, TC-P58VT25 and TC-P65VT25. Other than these models, subscribers can also select TV models from Samsung, Mitsubishi, Sony and others. The HD or HD DVR receiver and HD Access are provided by DirecTV itself whereas the 3D glasses should be obtained as per DirecTV’s suggestions.
Dish Network subscribers should have 3D TV or 3D capable HDTV, ViP922 Slingloaded HD DVR, HDMI cables, HD Access and 3D glasses. The 3D glasses should be compatible with the 3D TV.Subscribers should have the 3D TV and the 3D glasses from the same brand. But most importantly, subscribers have to have the ViP922 Slingloaded HD DVR, as only this DVR in Dish Network can support 3D videos. HDMI cables are required to connect the TV and the DVR. It is good for subscribers if they have high-speed HDMI cables of 10.2 Gbps or higher.
3D Channels:
DirecTV is the first TV service, all round the globe to deliver 3D broadcasts. DirecTV’s 3D broadcasts are delivered via DirecTV Cinema, n3D (powered by Panasonic) and ESPN 3D. In these channels subscribers can watch latest movies, live sports coverage, documentaries and others in crystal clear 3D format. Movies of DirecTV Cinema can be accessed on channel number 104 and 105 of DirecTV. The n3D (powered by Panasonic) channel is delivered on channel number 103 and ESPN 3D is delivered on channel number 106 of DirecTV.
Dish Network delivers 3D content in their Video On Demand section. These segment can be accessed on channel number 1 and 501. Also, subscribers can access the 3D Video On Demand movies by accessing the movie list available in Dish Cinema.
3D Programs:
DirecTV delivers 3D programs on DirecTV Cinema, n3D (powered by Panasonic) and ESPN 3D. DirecTV Cinema can be accessed on two channels (ch. 104 and ch. 105). These channels showcase the movie titles of free as well as on demand movie lists. To order on demand movies, subscribers require Internet service connected to a HD DVR. Many movies of DirecTV can be watched instantly in 3D format. n3D (powered by Panasonic) delivers ubscribers, the most HD programs including sports, music, nature, arts and more. ESPN 3D is another channel with 3D broadcasts. ESPN 3D, as the name suggest includes sports broadcasts. Subscribers can access live as well as highlights of different popular games.
Dish Network delivers 3D Video On Demand (VOD) content that includes movies, events and TV shows. Subscribers can access these content by lacing an orders. Subscribers can order Video On Demand content on channel 1 and 501 or Dish Cinema using Dish network remote control. Internet connection is also required to order Video On demad content. Subscribers can check the 3D content available for Video On Demand on channel 1 and 501 of Dish Network. These channels contain Video On Demand program lists and subscribers can select and order their desired VOD. The Video On Demand content are available for 24 or 48 hours only, after placing the order. Subscribers can also place an order for 3D Video On Demand via Dish Cinema. They will be able to access a separate list under the heading called “3D On Demand”. Going into this “3D On Demand” movie list, subscribers can select and place an order for their favorite movies. Apart from Video On Demand content, Dish Network also broadcasts a number of in-season games and other shows in 3D from time to time.
From explanation above, we can clearly assess that DirecTV provides subscribers with more 3D channels and programs as compared to that of Dish Network. But Dish Network has more strategies to bring in more 3D content and channel very shortly. Even DirecTV has plans to increase their 3D broadcasts with more 3D channels. Thus, subscribers of both Dish Network and DirecTV will soon have a world of 3D entertainment to explore.