3D TVs destined for pubs

It looks as though 3D sports games could be with the general public sooner than anticipated, after a deal between satellite TV firm Sky and electronics manufacturer LG was announced.

Sky has ordered 15,000 3D TVs with the intention of giving them to pubs, clubs and bars in order to get the 3D revolution going with live sporting events popping out of the screen at punters.

Sky 3D will be available for public display from April 2010 and it is the 47 inch versions of LG’s LD920 televisions that are under order at the moment. Over the next few weeks these could therefore be winging their way to one of your local drinking establishments.

The first 3D broadcast took place in February and the journalists and fans present were in two minds as to how well the technology worked in real life. However, Sky has obviously been given confidence by this test run and 3D TV is being geared up for a full launch next month.

LG will not be selling its first batch of 3D TVs to UK consumers until May, but with Sky supporting its technology it will soon become the brand most closely associated with 3D sport by football fans everywhere.

Anyone looking to get 3D television in their own homes could have to wait until 2011 if some pessimistic observers are to be believed, although Sky thinks that it can push through its first few 3D channels by the autumn. Anyone interested in 3D TV may want to start saving up now.

How Might Goal Line Technology Work

There has been a lot of talk of football foul paly this week, this includes goal line technology. A huge number of football mathces have been ruined by a freak goal or by a disallowed goal. However, it is not for us to debate whether this technolgy is needed but only to show that it can be done.  So we have decided to take a look at proposed methods and gadgets that could be used to make goal line referees a reality.

The most accurate and most probable method of implementing goal line technology involves three main components: 1. A ball,  2. a signalling unit for the referee and 3. a goal equipped to sense when the ball crosses the line. Here is how each part would work:

1. The ball

Obviously the ball would have to be modified and Adidas have already come up with the answer. They have inserted multiple micro chips and sensors into a ball that can accurately identify where it is on the pitch when used with magnetic sensors strategically placed on the by line or goal line. They say that this will not affect the weight of the ball or how it moves through the air, it would be as if the footballers were using a standard football.

2. Referee signal

Obviously this sort of technology would be pretty useless if the referee had no way of using it, duh! Radio and audio links to the referee have been ruled out in the past so the unit would probably have to be sensory. Suggestions have included a wrist band with either a visual, audio or even vibrating alert when the ball has crossed the goal line.

3. The goal

This is the most important part of the whole scenario, it has to be accurateand foolproof. Thankfully the gadgets needed are very simple, the goal would need to be wired all the way around the frame. This would provide a magnetic field that would work with sensors when the ball crosses the line. The information would be sent to a central computer which would then be relayed to the referee. It is said that this type of system would be resistant to any weather conditions and wireless interference.

It has been rumoured that this type of technology will be trialed in the near future but whose to know? It is possible but does open a whole can of worms.

Instances where goal line technolgy could have been used:

Fill Yer Boots With These RC Boots

Combining desktop radio controlled devices with football seems like a no brainer to me and yet its not something you see everyday. Miniature football boots zip around the pitch (or your desk, depending on the extent of your imagination) and the set includes two sets of goals, two boots, two controllers shaped like stadium, and a couple of clips to make sure you can dribble like Ronaldo (it’s like the ball’s glued to his feet).

Each controller requires a 9v battery and the little boots need 2 AAA batteries. The only other thing you need is somebody to play against and a clear area of desk. Of course, if your desk is against the wall then you can even play wallie too. Alternatively, get all of your work mates together and start a work tournament (although, obviously only during lunch and other allotted free time in the working day – after all, you need to save actual working hours for YouTube and pointless Googling right?)

Next season’s still some way off, so you’ve got to get your football fill from somewhere once Euro 08 is finished with. So, fill yer boots with these miniature radio controlled boots.

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