LG to supply 15,000 TVs for BSkyB live 3D broadcasts (or maybe not!)

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
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Update: LG denies 15,000 3D TV deal with Sky (Digital Spy)

LG Electronics Leads Live Sports 3D Broadcasts With Major Media Partnerships

SEOUL — LG Electronics (LG) [Seoul: 066570], a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics and appliances, today announced a strategic partnership with Britain’s largest pay-television provider, British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC (Sky) [LSE:BSY], to supply TVs for Sky’s live 3D broadcasts.

The deal to supply the broadcaster with 15,000 3D TVs is the largest deal of its kind. Sky plans to install the TVs in public venues across the UK in advance of plans to broadcast weekly Premier League matches in 3D beginning this spring.

Sky has been developing its 3D system for the launch of Sky 3D, Europe’s first dedicated 3D TV channel this April. For the preview event in January, the broadcaster installed LG 3D TVs in nine selected pubs throughout the UK for the screening of the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United, making it the world’s first live 3D TV sports broadcast to a public audience.

“LG wants to enable more customers to experience 3D TV technology in action,” said Havis Kwon, Executive Vice President and head of the LCD division of LG. “Watching live 3D sports broadcasts in public areas brings fans as close to the game as possible without having to step into the stadium. These partnerships will help consumers become more familiar with 3D TVs and that can only be a positive for the industry and innovation.”

In addition to Sky, LG has also struck deals with other partners around the world as part of its strategy to highlight sporting events on its 3D TVs. Earlier this month, LG announced a deal to supply 3D TVs to India’s Valuable Group, the biggest media and entertainment company in India, for broadcast of the final four cricket matches of the Indian Premier League in April. In the US, LG is teaming up with CBS Sports and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to deliver the Men’s “Final Four” basketball championship games in 3D.