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Masters will be broadcast in 3D. Watch out for shanks!

The 2010 Masters will be broadcast in 3D. I can't figure out why Augusta National and Comcast are teaming up on this beyond the obvious cool factor and the thought that "Hey, it meant billions for Avatar." Two problems: 

1) Nobody has a 3D TV or computer monitor. Personally, the best I can hope for is that Best Buy or Abt Electronics will have 3D demo days during Masters week. (Get there early for the best recliner seats!)
2) Golf, unlike Avatar, is not an action-adventure featuring wild flying dragons zooming through canyons. The most impressive effect at the Masters would be in the extremely unlikely event that a pro (ideally Tiger Woods) shanks a line drive directly into a 3D camera lens. Hit the deck!
So...why do it? Because the tech sponsors (Sony, Comcast, IBM) can, and because Augusta National wants to do it (and the green jackets get what they want). The official word from Masters.com:

"Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Billy Payne announced today that the 2010 Masters will be produced and broadcast live in 3D. This innovative step forward, the first of its kind in golf, will include multiple 3D cameras placed strategically throughout the course resulting in perspectives never before seen of Augusta National.

"In a first in sports broadcasting, the 3D production, which will primarily focus on the second nine, will be distributed live to those in the United States with 3D-capable television sets and 3D-capable computers.

"'Innovation has always been part of Masters tradition,' said (Masters Tournament Chairman, Billy) Payne. 'Utilizing this technology marks another important milestone in allowing our at-home patrons to better experience the beauty of our course and excitement of our Tournament.'"


I give these Masters guys credit for being ahead of the curve...so way ahead that hardly anybody can even see them. I wish I could be one of the fortunate "at-home patrons" who'll get the "better experience" but that's not going to happen. I also won't have Apple newest sensation, the iPad - which arrives on April 3 (just in time for the Masters!) But even the iPad for all its hyped hipness, isn't capable of delivering the 3D Masters. Come April, I'll have to make due with old high-def, 2D Amen Corner and getting ancient text updates on my iPhone.

But I'm telling you, they'll sell a lot more 3D TVs next year if they can luck into just one, perfect, direct hit shank. Now THAT I do possess.

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