BBC 'Serves An Ace' At Wimbledon In 3D

The BBC has announced that it will broadcast live 3D coverage to homes across the UK for the first time, when it broadcasts the men's and ladies' finals of the 2011 Wimbledon Championships via the BBC's HD Channel.

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 live 3D coverage of the ladies' and men's finals on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 will mark the 125th anniversary of the Wimbledon Championships.

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:

www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours

Coverage of the Championship Finals will also be available in Standard Definition (SD) on BBC One and in High Definition (HD) on BBC One HD.

Daniele Nagler, Head of BBC HD and 3D, said: "I'm delighted that in this anniversary year we're bringing UK audiences a new way of getting close to the action on Centre Court. I'm sure that 3D will only add to the drama as the world's greatest players compete for the championship."

Paul Davies, BBC Executive Producer, Sport, said: "During our 75 years of televising the Wimbledon Championships the BBC has continuall 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."

George Entwistle, Director of BBC Vision, said: "We know how much audiences already enjoy the BBC's Wimbledon television coverage. This is a hugely important experiment for us and I'm pleased that we have the opportunity to show some of our stunning sports coverage to our audiences, in 3D, for free."

Streaming

As well as coverage on BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC Two and the BBC HD channel, viewers will be able to follow the championships via BBC Online, who will be streaming all the live action direct to viewers' PCs and offering live text commentaries via the mobile service.

BBC Red Button will also offer a wide range of viewing options throughout Wimbledon and with BBC Radio 5 Live providing extensive coverage, interviews and commentary from Wimbledon, there are more ways than ever to follow the excitement and action this year.

BBC iPlayer will be offering up to two full matches every day of the tournament. Today At Wimbledon will also be available on demand from BBC iPlayer in HD and SD.Live 3D coverage of the men's singles final will also be available in a select number of UK cinemas and at BBC Television Centre.

(KMcA/BMcC)