Sony to show World Cup matches in 3D

Sony has already said that 3D will be at the centre of its home electronics marketing next year, as it launches 3D products including television sets, Blu-ray Disc players, Sony VAIO computers and 3D gaming on PlayStation 3. It has a target revenue from 3D-related products of more than one trillion yen by 2013.

The games filmed by Sony will be screened in seven cities, including London, Paris and Berlin at events Sony is called Fan Fests, hosted by Fifa. Sony will also be showcasing the technology in Sony stores.

Fujio Nishida, president of Sony Europe, said: "3D will undoubtedly transform the way we enjoy content in the living room."

Industry analysts Screen Digest is so convinced that Sony's move will drive sales that it has increased its forecast for European take-up of 3D technology, estimating that 13.6 million 3D television sets will be installed by 2013.

Sony's 3D television uses "shutter" technology, darkening one lens while the other remains transparent, rather than the polarisation technique more familiar to viewers of 3D films.

In the UK, Sky is planning to launch a 3D channel next year.