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Well, after two years of disappointing 3D sales numbers and even worse 3D audience numbers, there appears to be signs that DIRECTV is pulling back on its commitment. ConsumerReports.com notes that DIRECTV has turned the n3D channel into a part-time channel.
"When I recently went to check what 3D programming was on DirecTV, I noticed something unusual in the program guide: The n3D channel, which DirecTV launched in conjunction with Panasonic back in 2010, had no current listings," writes James K. Wilcox, the author of the Consumer Report online article.
Wilcox writes that DIRECTV has listed a "placeholder" message promoting 3D coverage of next month's London Summer Olympics.
With n3D in part-time status, the Sony/Discovery/Imax channel, 3net, is the only full-time 3D Network left on DIRECTV. ESPN 3D is a full-time channel, but DIRECTV has decided to run that as a part-timer as well.
Wilcox contacted DIRECTV to determine if this new approach to 3D was "temporary or permanent"
"While 3D adoption
continues to grow and
more programming is
being developed, DirecTV
has decided to move n3D
to a part-time channel,"
an unnamed DIRECTV
executive emailed the
writer. "Our 3D
customers will still
enjoy a variety of 3D
programming spanning
across all genres from
top 3D networks ESPN 3D
and 3net."
In other words, DIRECTV
dodged the question. But
the bigger question now
is if 3D viewing numbers
don't increase soon,
will DIRECTV duck out of
its commitment to 3D
entirely?
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