Would You Leave Your HDTV for 3-D?

Mark Cuban loves HDTV, which is why he founded all-high-def network HDNet. But he also loves NBA basketball, which is why he owns the Dallas Mavericks. Why, then, is he pitting his two loves against each other by urging people in Dallas to leave their HDTVs behind and watch live basketball in a theater in 3-D?

Its because he's on a crusade to save his third love. Cuban also owns part of the Landmark Theater chain.

On Tuesday night in Dallas, fans can watch a 3-D broadcast of the Mavericks/Clippers game in 3-D at the Magnolia Theater. Granted, the setup will be slick: a Pace Fusion 3-D camera system, two Sony SXRD 4K 10,000 lumen digital projectors, and a 40-foot screen. Of course, viewers will also have to wear 3-D glasses. The 3-D footage of the game will be broadcast over satellite on FSN Southwest.

"I think 3-D will play a huge role in out-of-home entertainment for the next few years," Cuban told the Hollywood Reporter. "It will be a unique experience for watching sports, concerts and special events that only theaters will be able to offer."

That sounds great, and we'd probably go to a live HD sports broadcast or two because of the social nature of watching games, but that experience could never replace the one at home where our DVR lets us bypass commercials and lengthy halftime reports.

Still, Cuban's not thinking far enough ahead. What's he going to do when HDTVs come with built-in 3D functionality? -Rachel Rosmarin

Reuters

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