ESPN 3D launching in Osceola County

   ESPN announced Thursday the launch of the ESPN 3D Development Complex in Osceola County, the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World."
    ESPN has designated the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort as the hub for developing the new ESPN 3D network, which will be launched June 11. ESPN will invite various technology companies to utilize the site for emerging technology enhancements focused on 3D television. In addition to the resources at the ESPN Innovation Lab at the sports complex, ESPN will bring online a new production center that can be used for producing live sporting events for multiple ESPN platforms.
   “This is fantastic news,” Osceola County Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. said. “Being able to marry our assets as the amateur sports capitol with the resources of ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, is a win for our community and the hundreds of thousands of youth and amateur athletes that come here every year to compete.”
   The new production center will also serve as a laboratory for production personnel to gain experience in telecasting 3D events. This facility houses eight edit rooms which feed highlights into the main server system based in Bristol, Conn. Also, the production center controls 42 robotic cameras and 40 high-definition video screens scattered throughout the complex which capture highlights from the various playing venues. The facility also has 10 ENG cameras and four EFP cameras. The production control room has 16 channels of bi-directional video along with audio ingest, play out capabilities, graphics building and more.
    “The ESPN Innovation Lab and the new production center based at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex gives ESPN a designated testing ground to continue creating a robust ESPN 3D network,” said Chuck Pagano, executive vice president, technology, ESPN. “This complex provides ESPN access to more than 300 annual sporting events which means 3D production testing can occur throughout the year. The research ESPN gathers through these facilities will set the pace for innovation and provide fans the best 3D on-air coverage of sporting events.”
    “We maintain a strong relationship with Disney and are pleased that this initiative will increase awareness of the high tech innovation happening in Osceola County." said Commissioner Michael Harford, whose district includes the Wide World of Sports complex.
    ESPN 3D, the industry’s first 3D television network, will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11 featuring South Africa vs. Mexico. Other events to be produced in 3D include up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, NBA games, X Games 16, college basketball, and college football, which will include the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., January 10, 2011. Additional events will be announced at a later date.