Herring Broadcasting's WealthTV is delving into the lifestyles of the rich and stereoscopic with the launch of a 24-hour linear 3D entertainment channel that initially is available free to users of the Internet-connected Roku set-top box.
WealthTV 3D is currently available to Roku's 2.5 million connected boxes throughout the U.S.; users must have a compatible 3DTV that uses the side-by-side delivery format. Herring said it plans additional launches on connected devices soon.
For now, the 3D channel is free to Roku users. Wealth TV's regular HD channel is 99 cents per month on Roku.
"With every major TV manufacturer leading its lineup with 3D televisions and consumers clamoring for quality 3D programming, WealthTV is extremely pleased to answer the call by delivering WealthTV 3D," WealthTV CEO Robert Herring said in announcing the launch.
The launch of WealthTV 3D is the culmination a two-year 3D production ramp-up, according to Herring. The network first offered 3D VOD programming in 2010, which Verizon FiOS TV offered to subscribers.
The high-end programming on WealthTV 3D includes shows about luxury autos, food and adventure travel -- shot in locales ranging from Machu Picchu to the Louvre and from the Seychelles to Dubai -- as well as documentaries and live events. WealthTV 3D also will carry sports programs including off-road racing and championship boxing, produced with Don King Productions.
The regular WealthTV network is distributed to about 15 million homes via deals with more than 150 affiliates including Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse. WealthTV recently renewed its National Cable Television Cooperative affiliation agreement.
