BSkyB Launches First 3D Channel in Europe; ESPN Follows in U.S.

British Sky Broadcasting Group plans to launch Europe’s first 3D television channel on April 3. The first program will be a soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea.

More than 1,000 clubs and pubs in the U.K. and Ireland have signed on to carry Sky 3D, according to BSkyB.

Later in the year, Sky 3D will offer a range of movies, sport, documentaries, entertainment and arts content. The channel will initially be introduced at no extra cost for customers who subscribe to Sky’s top channels and HD pack. 

Meanwhile, in the U.S., a New York network will be the first to air a live sports event in 3D: MSG’s coverage of the New York Rangers vs. Islanders hockey game will be available in 3D; MSG will likely take a loss on the broadcast, but plans to use it as a test to prepare for future 3D-casts, according to MediaPost. Costs for a 3D-cast are significantly higher and a “massive logistical and economic undertaking,” says MSG media president Michael Bair.

MSG is available in about 11 million homes, and other carriers such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable and DirecTV may pick up the stream, as well.

Comcast will air the Masters in 3D just weeks later.

ESPN has said it plans to launch the country’s first 3D network for sports in June. ESPN 3D will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa versus Mexico, ESPN said.