They're Coming To Your City - In 3D!

I've got to take a second and tell you about my weekend. I went over to a friend's house Saturday afternoon to watch Miami vs. Ohio State - on ESPN 3D. This technology more than lives up to the hype. We watched the game on a 55-inch Samsung widescreen. It was quite a site to see a group of middle-aged guys sitting around drinking beer with 3D glasses attached to their heads.

In a word, the experience was amazing. The move to 3D is just as spectacular as going from standard definition to high definition on your television. Footballs were being thrown through the television screen at a fast pace; and on more than a few occasions, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was standing inches from my chair. At one point, I put my hand over my beer to keep him from taking a swallow.

While Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor looked tough to defend on regular television, let me tell you, I was exhausted keeping up with him in the Miami secondary. His speed is much faster when he's three dimensional.

Bringing this technology to your home is not cheap. In addition to the required mammoth big screen, you also need glasses and DirectTV. It's the only cable or satellite provider currently carrying ESPN 3D.

Programming is still in its infancy. The network carried Boise State-Virginia Tech last week and will be in Auburn this weekend for the Clemson contest. Right now, ESPN 3D plans to carry only one college football game a week. This will increase over time.

The 3D telecast even has its own set of announcers. Joe Tessitore and former Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown call the action for the fortunate few. During the telecast they react to what the viewers are seeing, making comments about the ball landing under the couch in the living room. It's a nice touch.

So how much does it cost for this setup in your man cave? You are looking at close to $3,000 for everything. Is it worth it? Right now, I'd have to say no because of the lack of programming, but that's changing fast. However, if you have the cash lying around, don't hesitate to make the move now. It will blow you away.