On a week when TV manufacturers are making announcements about the availability of 3D HDTVs and Blu-ray players in Canada, a significant event is taking place south of the border: the first-network hockey telecast in 3D. MSG will show the March 24 game between the Rangers and Islanders in 3D at the Theatre at Madison Square Gardens; and the game will also be carried in 3D by Cablevision, a U.S. cable-TV provider.

Cablevision will reportedly have a 3D-ready version of its Scientific Atlanta HDTV cable box in time for the game. That's interesting news for Canadians, because Scientific Atlanta terminals are used by many cable providers in this country, including Rogers. That means a platform is ready for cable-TV companies to deliver live 3D content in this country.

Of course, viewers will also need a 3D-cable TV and suitable glasses. Samsung and Panasonic are already selling 3D HDTVs in the U.S.

Comcast, another U.S. cable giant, has announced that it will carry the Masters golf tournament in 3D in early April. ESPN plans to have a 3D channel in time for the FIFA World Cup of Soccer in June.

Article Tags:  3d, HDTV, Comcast, Cablevision, MSG, rangers, islanders, panasonic, samsung, soccer, hockey, NHL, masters, golf, espn, fifa, soccer