EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DIRECTV and WNET, New York’s prestigious public media provider, have partnered to offer the exclusive U.S. broadcast of Treasure Houses of Britain in 3D, available on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D™, powered by Panasonic. Premiering Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the 3D series will offer five, one-hour episodes that will explore some of Britain’s most cherished, historical estates.
“Treasure Houses of Britain will take our viewers on an amazing 3D tour through some of the world’s finest architectural structures and the historical artifacts that are housed within their walls,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV. “We are thrilled to be working with WNET to offer this unique 3D experience and we look forward to continue delivering exclusive, cutting-edge 3D programming.”
“This is the first time that WNET has collaborated on a project shot in 3D, which showcases public media’s continued journey toward the future of television programming which our viewers have come to expect,” said Neal Shapiro, President & CEO of WNET. “We are excited to work with our friends at DIRECTV, who will provide viewers an opportunity to experience this great series.”
The five historical properties featured in the 3D series, include:
- Burghley House, Lincolnshire - Built by William Cecil starting in 1555 to impress Queen Elizabeth I with his country house. This house took nearly 32 years to build and is home to 17th century Italian masterpieces, Oriental and European ceramics, and fine furniture.
- Chatsworth, Derbyshire - Home to the Dukes of Devonshire. The first house was built in 1552 and is now famous for its 18th century attractions and library containing 30,000 volumes.
- Blenheim, Oxfordshire – Gifted to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1705. Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim and is buried in the park at the tiny church of Bladon.
- Holkham Hall, Norfolk – Construction began in 1718 by Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, to house his collection of art, statues and books. It was finished 30 years later.
- Boughton - Home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury. It has become a storehouse of treasures from tapestries to works by Van Dyck and the grand Louis XV dinner service.
DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D™, powered by Panasonic (Ch. 103), the nation’s first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to exclusive 3D coverage of special events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the n3D channel also gives customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV’s award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions and Guy’s Big Bite in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA are all powered by Panasonic. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform.
DIRECTV HD customers, who received a free software upgrade that enabled them to access 3D channels on DIRECTV, will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view the programming on DIRECTV. For more information on n3D™, powered by Panasonic, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D.
Producer/Director of the series is Alastair Layzell of Colonial Pictures, who specializes in historical programming and travel and art documentaries, such as Peter Ackroyd's Venice. With WNET New York Public Media, he produced the last two documentaries that Walter Cronkite reported, for PBS and ITV London. Treasure Houses of Britain is the first original travel and history series produced in 3D for Britain's Sky3D channel and Sky Arts, in a co-production with WNET New York Public Media. The Cinematographer/Editor is Richard Hall; Historical Advisor is Marcus Binney CBE, and executives in charge for WNET New York Public Media are Gillian Rose and Stephen Segaller.
About DIRECTV:
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world’s largest pay TV provider delivering the premiere video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.2 million customers access to more than 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, award winning technology like its DIRECTV® DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for ten years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 9 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com
About WNET New York Public Media
WNET New York Public Media is a pioneering provider of television and web content. The parent of THIRTEEN, WLIW21 and Creative News Group, WNET brings such acclaimed broadcast series and websites as Tavis Smiley, Need To Know, Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Charlie Rose, Secrets of the Dead, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Visions, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps and Cyberchase to national and international audiences. Through its wide range of channels and platforms, WNET serves the entire New York City metro area with unique local productions, broadcasts and innovative educational and cultural projects. In all that it does, WNET pursues a single, overarching goal — to create media experiences of lasting significance for New York, America and the world. For more information, visit www.wnet.org.