The American National Basketball Association (NBA) was the first major American sports association to use high-definition 3D production and display technology. Yesterday the NBA announced that it will broadcast 3D coverage of the 2009 NBA All-Star Saturday Night competition on Feb. 14. The game will be shot in live HD 3D and will broadcast to 80 digitally-equipped theaters across the United States.

3D projection company Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp will present the 3D HD broadcast, which will be shown on up to 160 screens. Theatres include Carmike Cinemas, Celebration Cinemas, Cinema West, Emagine, Galaxy Theatres, Marquee Cinemas, MJR, NCG, Rave Motion Pictures, Showcase and UltraStar Cinema locations (35 U.S. states will participate).

Last year’s (2D) broadcast of the same game was the most watched in the event’s 23 year history, so the NBA must see this as the perfect game to showcase 3D.

David Levy, President of Turner Broadcasting Sales said..

“Turner Sports is excited to work with Cinedigm to extend our brand, as well as that of NBA All-Star Weekend, into a new arena through this creative and innovative viewing opportunity. We are proud to once again be on the cutting edge in providing NBA fans with a truly unique and comprehensive 3D viewing experience during NBA All-Star Weekend. This partnership demonstrates that Turner continues to provide new and innovative concepts for NBA fans to enhance the viewing experience.”

The NBA announcement is the third big 3D TV sports development in recent weeks. Last week, the NFL hosted a live 3D HD broadcast of a game between the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders to 3D equipped theaters in New York, Los Angeles and Boston.  Earlier last week, Fox Sports Chairman David Hill announced that Fox plans to broadcast the college football BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8 to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and a number of 3D equipped theaters across the country.

For our US based fans: Tickets are on sale now for $20 each.

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