AT&T U-verse will have ESPN 3D at launch, for a fee

We're just two days away from the launch of the first 3D channel in the US, and U-verse will be ready. The third broadcaster to announce it will carry ESPN 3D after DirecTV and Comcast, it is the first to charge an additional fee for the privilege. $10 per month adds the "3D Technology Package" to your U-verse viewing options -- similar to Comcast and different from DirecTV's approach, it works with all the boxes but will require users to manually switch to 3D mode on their TVs -- which at the moment will consist only of ESPN 3D, although the company promises its goal is to offer a "wide range" of 3D content just like its current HD lineup (which it also charges an extra $10 to access.) Have U-verse but haven't shelled out for a 3DTV, glasses, and this new channel? There's still the Multiview app to look forward to, with four ESPN channels on screen at once and coverage in up to six different languages you won't miss a single flop or injured star player during the entire tournament, we promise.

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AT&T U-verse TV Launches ESPN 3D Channel for 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)

Fans Can Watch 25 Matches in Thrilling 3D with Launch of First 3D TV Channel on U-verse TV

DALLAS, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T U-verse® TV customers, put on your 3D glasses.

In time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, AT&T* and ESPN today announced the addition of ESPN 3D to the U-verse TV channel lineup. AT&T U-verse TV customers will be able to enjoy the industry's first 3D sports television network that will deliver 25 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches and nearly 100 live sporting events in the next year.

The first ESPN 3D 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match will air on June 11, featuring South Africa vs. Mexico. Other events to be delivered in 3D include the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby, X Games 16, Winter X Games 15, college basketball and football games and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.

"Because of our advanced IP technology, AT&T U-verse customers can be confident that they'll have access to the latest TV innovations - whether it's your favorite content across your devices, interactive apps, or 3DTV," said Dan York, president of content, AT&T. "With ESPN 3D, U-verse TV customers can experience the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup™ for the first time ever in exciting 3D, and we're looking forward to delivering more ESPN 3D coverage throughout the year."

"ESPN and U-verse TV are pleased to bring fans nearly 100 exciting, ground-breaking 3D sports events in the next year," said David C. Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney & ESPN Networks Group. "From the first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to college sports, the NBA and more, U-verse customers will be able to see it all in dynamic 3D on ESPN 3D."

3D programming is supported on all customers' existing U-verse DVRs and receivers, without any additional set up or U-verse equipment upgrades. Customers will also need a 3D-ready TV set and 3D glasses.

The ESPN 3D channel is available on channel 1610 to U-verse TV HD customers (with the U100 package or above) who subscribe to the 3-D Technology Package for $10 a month. Customers can call 1-800-ATT-2020 or visit an AT&T retail location to add the 3-D Technology Package in time for the opening 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match on June 11.

In addition to 3D coverage, AT&T and ESPN are also offering U-verse TV customers an innovative 2010 FIFA World Cup™ app which includes a Multiview that lets you watch up to four ESPN channels at one time and also brings athlete bios, groupings and the latest team standings straight from South Africa to your U-verse TV screen. The app is available to every U-verse TV customer at no extra charge on channel 618 and 1618. AT&T and ESPN are also delivering live coverage to mobile phones with AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV, and coverage of all matches and exclusive bonus content is available for AT&T High Speed Internet customers.

AT&T U-verse offers many features that help fans wanting to catch every exciting FIFA World Cup™ moment. AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR lets you record up to four shows at once and play them back on any connected TV in the house. If you're not at home for a match, U-verse TV customers can record ESPN 3D coverage with their U-verse DVR and play it back in 3D at any time. U-verse TV also offers an extensive HD channel lineup with more than 130 HD channels. And with fast channel change and picture-in-picture browse, you can channel surf between FIFA World Cup™ matches without the delay experienced on other digital TV services and preview matches on other channels.

AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. AT&T U-verse TV ranked "Highest in Residential Television Service Satisfaction in the South and West Regions Two Years in a Row," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies(SM). For additional information on AT&T U-verse - or to find out if it's available in your area - visit www.att.com/u-verse.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

AT&T U-verse services are provided by AT&T local telephone companies. Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to www.uverse.att.com to see if you qualify. Customizing options require AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet Service. Wireless phone with Internet access required and standard data charges may apply. Full Total Home DVR functionality requires a receiver for each additional TV at $7 per month each. HD Service. A monthly $10 HD Technology Fee applies for access to HD service. Subscription to an AT&T U-verse programming package and an HDTV required. HD channel availability varies by package selected. HD Premium Tier available for an additional $5 per month. Multiview: Channels/content available for viewing in Multiview are based on TV package and additional programming purchased. 3D: Requires 3DTV and 3D glasses.

[Ricbed Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:17PM]

Ahhhh, AT&T...always charging an extra fee for everything....

[John H Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:27PM]

@Ricbed

Seriously, like charging a fee just to tether even though the extra fee doesn't give you any additional data allotment above what your phone's data plan provides. I'm not saying companies' prices always have to reflect their costs, but sometimes it's just a bald-faced money-grubbing move.

[Jobeleca Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:29PM]

@Ricbed of course, though only with people with lots of extra money to waste will have 3D capable TVs in the first place so why not?

[MaX PL Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:41PM]

hey Engadget, can you guys find out if Cablevision will offer ESPN 3D for the world cup?

they havent really been helpful in answering so perhaps you guys can do a better job.

thanks.

[z0phi3l Posted Jun 9th 2010 2:34PM]

@MaX PL I work for Cablevision phone and internet, I've heard nothing of any 3D channel at the moment

From what I gather there isn't that much of a demand for it yet

[magallanes Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:25PM]

Just in time for the World Cup.
but $10 x month for a single gimmick... :-/

[Jodosh Posted Jun 11th 2010 9:11AM]

@magallanes

The way I read it. Since uverse has no contract, it is $10 to watch the world cup in 3D. Once it is over cancel the service. When espn 3d has another event in 3d ads the service a couple of days before and cancel it after the event for whatever the prorated fee will be.

[hodedofome Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:38PM]

Already paying $10/month more for my Evo, plus the extra $$ Netflix started charging for blu-ray last year. I'm not taking anymore rate hikes people!!! :)

[Jobeleca Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:47PM]

@hodedofome who's raking hikes? Noone, they're just charging for an additional product. If you're gonna whine then do it properly.

[Jobeleca Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:48PM]

@Jobeleca bleh, screwed that one up. Riking Hates

[Meekermoloko Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:46PM]

Hey, U-Verse, instead of using up more bandwidth for crappy 3D that we don't really need right now ... why don't you work on ...

the occasional freezing problem
the poor contrast ratio
having more than one HD stream in more areas
a working 5.1 Dolby surround sound
smarter DVR functionality
the high pitch squeal I hear occasionally from the box

??

[JClay Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:49PM]

I wonder how much bandwidth that a 3D channel needs over a standard HD channel.

[Ecran Posted Jun 9th 2010 1:49PM]

Glad to have DirecTV. Although they did require me to upgrade my HR-20 to a 21 series or higher for 3D to work. But with enough complaining, I got a free upgrade to a HR-24. Loving it.

[recharged95 Posted Jun 9th 2010 2:26PM]

Will probably work 1/2 the time.

U-verse was a great alternative to a media center PC, it was fast, well priced and the DVR was good, but since the last 2 updates it's now bloated, SLOW, screws up recorded media nor records on time, disorganized, pulls bandwidth from the home network, periodically loses connection (freezes) and HD quality is ok. The 2wire box loses your settings when they update, and it outputs a weak WiFi signal. Ugh.

[Sherifftruman Posted Jun 9th 2010 2:30PM]

Wow, takes some balls to charge $10 when there is only one 3D channel. I am sure they want to make sure that people understand it is not going to be free (which sucks, but what do you expect from ATT) but how about maybe charging only a buck or two until they get a few more.

ATT (all business groups) is going to hurt themselves in the long run by making these add on fees so arbitrary and capricious), when if they just did it a touch more what the average joe would percieve as fair, they might make a few less millions right now, but keep themselves out of a bunch of crosshairs for years to come and make many more millions over those years.

[BuzzMega Posted Jun 9th 2010 2:45PM]

I can NOT believe it!

3D being used as an excuse to jack up prices? I am scandalized!

[mac Posted Jun 9th 2010 3:21PM]

If its anything like the last soccer game I watched on u-verse, the 3d artifacting will look great!

Seriously, I wish the U-verse would concentrate on perfecting their HD lineup and technologies (like adding Fox Soccer Channel HD, AMC HD, and BBC America HD to name a few) before they start moving on to 3D.

[cdheer Posted Jun 9th 2010 3:31PM]

@mac I wasn't aware they were mutually exclusive. Why do you think that getting ESPN 3D on board somehow blocked getting BBCA HD?

I hate it when people act like it's just one guy there who can only do one thing at a time.

[mac Posted Jun 9th 2010 4:02PM]

@cdheer All I'm saying is that it is annoying that these channels are only available in SD on u-verse and in HD on other providers. Why don't they carry them? I have no idea. If it is a capacity issue, I would rather see more HD channels added than 3D ones. Either way something is preventing those channels from being added while this one will be available on launch day.

I understand that they aren't mutually exclusive, and AT&T has many people working on many problems. Its just frustrating to hear news about them adding services, like one channel in 3D, that only benefit a limited number of customers, when there is clearly work to be done elsewhere. I feel that whatever amount of resources they allocated in getting 3D ready for the World Cup would have been better spent on improving their 2D experience.

[cdheer Posted Jun 9th 2010 4:10PM]

@mac I very much doubt it's a capacity issue. It's far more likely a question of getting the agreements in place -- such agreements are always complex. There are generally arguments about which tier the channel goes into (channel provider wants their channels in the lowest tier so as to get the widest distribution, but the carrier wants to put highly-desired channels into higher tiers to encourage upgrades), what other channels must be carried (channel providers often insist on bundles -- hey, you want this channel, then you have to carry this other crappy one), and so on.

In the case of at least one you mentioned (BBCA HD), well, there are a lot of providers that don't have it yet. Maybe they're asking for a lot of money.

Remember, lawyers are involved, so nothing happens quickly.

[StalkyTheFish Posted Jun 9th 2010 6:37PM]

What?! A cable company passing the cost of an ESPN channel on to just ESPN-watchers instead of the entire customer base?!

ESPN will not stand for such a justice!

[Amusednow Posted Jun 10th 2010 1:44AM]

Now you can watch paint dry in 3d as that is as what soccer is as exciting as.
Riots and fights happen because the idiots in the stands are bored that nothing is happening on the field, sorry pitch.