Norway’s Viasat to deliver 8 hours of 3D Olympics coverage per day

Norwegian fans of the Olympics will have a chance to watch 8 hours of live 3D coverage a day as Modern Times Group’s (MTG) Viasat Broadcasting in Norway and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) have entered into an agreement regarding the sublicensing of the rights to broadcast live 3D coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Viasat will broadcast more than 100 hours of live coverage from the London 2012 Olympic Games on its Viasat 3D channel, which will be the only Norwegian pay-TV channel showing 3D coverage. NRK will broadcast coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games in high definition (HD) on its NRK1 and NRK2 channels, which are also available on the Viasat satellite platform in Norway.

The Viasat 3D channel will broadcast live coverage from the London 2012 Olympic Games eight hours a day, as well as four hours of daily highlights. The events to be produced in 3D and broadcast on the channel include the men’s 100 meters, swimming and gymnastics, as well as the full opening and closing ceremonies on 27 July and 12 August, respectively. The 3D content from the London 2012 Olympic Games will be produced by Olympic Broadcasting Services.

3D technology is becoming a standard feature for the majority of new TV sets bought in Norway. According to Norway’s Consumer Electronics Trade Foundation, 175,000 3D television sets were sold in 2010 and 2011 combined, while 250,000 3D sets are expected to be sold in 2012 alone.

Viasat and NRK previously cooperated during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, with Viasat broadcasting HD coverage of the Games in Norway for the first time. Viasat has previously broadcast live golf, ice hockey and football matches in 3D, including last weekend’s UEFA Champions League Final.

“London 2012 is a massive event for all sports enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to be able to show some of the most exciting events live in 3D for Viasat customers,” says Erik Z Børresen, CEO of Viasat Norway. “We already offer a wide range of movies and live sport in 3D, and London 2012 is the perfect showcase for the amazing live 3D TV experience.”

Viasat’s live 3D satellite broadcasts are made in co-operation with SES-Astra.