Verizon Communications, taking another baby step into 3DTV, is giving FiOS TV subscribers on-demand access a 3D episode of classic cars from lifestyle programmer WealthTV.
The 3D episode of its series on classic cars, Wealth on Wheels Classic, is available exclusively to FiOS TV subscribers, the companies said. Produced by WealthTV, the show highlights more than a dozen classic automobiles and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, on display at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, Calif.
"As we progress with 3D on FiOS TV, programming like this from WealthTV gives our customers a chance to see what 3D on FiOS is really all about," Tricia Lynch, Verizon's director of content strategy and acquisition, said in a statement.
The companies said FiOS TV will offer additional 3D programming from WealthTV, including travel, adventure, culinary and documentary programs, in the near future.
Verizon carries standard- and HD feeds of WealthTV, which also has distribution deals with AT&T, Charter Communications, and small and midsize cable and telco operators. WealthTV, whose linear network is available in about 10 million homes, has some 50 hours of 3D programming already produced or in production.
WealthTV president Charles Herring said other distributors will be carrying 3D programming from the company in the near future. He added that multiple operators have asked WealthTV to launch a 24/7 3D channel but "we haven't made any final decisions" on that.
Currently, WealthTV is solely focused on native 3D and avoiding 2D-to-3D conversion because "the conversion units commercially available aren't meeting our internal standards," Herring said.
Separately, last weekend Verizon was among the affiliates that carried YES Network's 3D telecasts of a pair of New York Yankees-Seattle Mariners games July 10 and 11 from Safeco Field in Seattle.
DirecTV has been the most aggressive distributor on 3D. Earlier this month the satellite operator launched the 24-hour n3D channel sponsored by Panasonic, plus pay-per-view and VOD channels with 3D content.
