Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 21, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Leading European 3D pioneer Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Tübingen-based BEWEGTE BILDER Medien AG are bringing the World Cup blockbuster live in 3D to more than 30 cinemas in Germany on Wednesday, June 23, including 12 UCI KINOWELT venues. In addition, seven more World Cup fixtures are planned, from the quarter-finals through the two semi-finals and finals.
During the first World Cup weekend, successful tests with live 3D broadcasts of the opening match, South Africa–Mexico, and Germany’s opener against Australia had already taken place in seven cinemas in Germany and Switzerland. Specially produced live 3D signals from the stadiums were shown. The spectators felt as though they were in the middle of the match and were thrilled. The results were ultimately so convincing that UCI KINOWELT has now also decided at short notice to show further live 3D World Cup matches involving Germany in 12 cinemas in the chain across Germany.
The following World Cup fixtures are planned:
June 23 Ghana v. Germany
July 2 Quarter-final 1 vs 3 (A)
July 3 Quarter-final 2 vs 4 (B)
July 3 Quarter-final 6 vs 8 (D)
July 6 Semi-final A vs C (I)
July 7 Semi-final B vs D (II)
July 10 Third-place play-off
July 11 Final
Partners Eutelsat and BEWEGTE BILDER Medien AG are building a satellite-supported digital cinema network in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Through this network, they provide connected cinemas with live events in high-definition 2D and 3D as well as Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs, i.e. digitised content). Corresponding agreements have already been concluded with almost 100 cinemas in the three countries, including all 27 UCI KINOWELT venues in Germany and Austria. Numerous cinemas have already been equipped and are holding screenings with the new technology. Leading European 3D pioneer Eutelsat has been building similar networks with partners in France and Italy for some time.
The task is handled by the “Atlantic Bird 3” satellite. It currently supplies around 100 cinemas in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with live images from the 2010 World Cup. Numerous cinemas from the UCI Kinowelt chain have also joined the contract partners. The division of responsibilities is clearly separated: while Eutelsat remains responsible as usual for providing the signals by satellite, “Bewegte Bilder” installs and maintains the technology directly on site in the cinemas.
