Arqiva is providing teleport, multiplexing and distribution services for in-store demonstrations of 3D TV via Eurosport and Freesat

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, is distributing the live 3D TV broadcast of the 2011 French Tennis Open to up to 650 retail stores in the UK and Ireland.  Working on behalf of Panasonic and Freesat, Arqiva is providing teleport, multiplexing and distribution services to downlink the live 3D feed from Eurosport and turn it around onto Freesat's satellite capacity giving a number of stores access to the live feed.  This is enabling live demonstrations of Panasonic's Full HD 3D TVs in participating stores.

The live 3D feed will be made available throughout the French Tennis Open which is being held at Roland Garros in Paris from 22 May to 5 June 2011.  The tournament, the second grand slam of the 2011 season, features the top names in tennis including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Caroline Wozniacki.

Barrie Woolston, Commercial Sales Director at Arqiva Broadcast & Media, said: "Arqiva is at the cutting edge of broadcast expertise and we are always keen to promote innovative new technology.  3D TV opens up exciting new options for broadcasters and audiences and is set to reinvigorate the way we watch television - including major sports events.  Having had considerable experience in successfully delivering live 3D broadcasts Arqiva was pleased to be chosen to deploy our robust communications infrastructure to distribute this exciting demonstration around the UK and Ireland."

Laurent Abadie, Chairman and CEO, Panasonic Europe, added: "In the year in which we believe 3D technology will become mainstream it's crucial that consumers experience first-hand the added value 3D TV brings to the viewing experience.  Arqiva's live distribution of this 3D broadcast to retail outlets is helping to deliver the thrill of 3D TV direct to potential customers - driving interest in and understanding of this exciting and innovative new technology."