QUEBEC CITY – In a ground-breaking trial, the final four games of the 2008 IIHF World Championship will be covered live in 3D HDTV.

There will be 3D trial coverage of the semi-finals on May 16, the bronze medal game on May 17, and the gold medal game on May 18, all at the Quebec Colisée. This marks the first time that a major ice hockey tournament will have been covered in 3D.

This 3D production is incorporated into the overall host broadcast, which is being carried out under the supervision of Infront Production and Host Broadcast Services (HBS), and helps establish 3D sports coverage as a future distribution option for major sports events. Infront and HBS have chosen to work with The3DFirm, based in London, to implement this innovative production based on their leading-edge work with 3D relating to sports.

All games taking place in Quebec are being produced in HD, with more than 20 cameras for each game. In addition, four specialist 3D rigs comprising dual HD cameras will capture the action on the ice in 3D. The special rigs have been designed to not only cope with the intricacies of 3D filming but also to work seamlessly with existing HDTV broadcast equipment. The 3D signal will be generated “as live” for recording, paving the way for future full production possibilities.

IIHF President René Fasel said: “We are excited with the prospects that this innovative 3D technology can create for the sport of ice hockey. This will bring the excitement of our sport - almost literally - to fans who can’t attend in person. We're pleased to be working with Infront on this project.”

The IIHF and its exclusive commercial partner for the annual IIHF World Championship, Infront Sports & Media, are determined to maintain their innovative approach toward media coverage of ice hockey, and this is another step forward.