Darts set for 3d debut

The latter stages of the 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championships will be screened live into the home for the first time in 3D.

It has been confirmed that the semi-finals and final of the event – which are set to take place on January 2 and 3 respectively – will be broadcast on Sky’s new in-home 3D channel.

The new broadcasting format has become increasingly popular in pubs across the country and now Sky have developed 3D technology for the home environment too.

The semi-finals and final of the World Matchplay over the summer were screened in 3D in around 1,000 venues in the UK and Ireland but the forthcoming World Championship is set to break new ground by broadcasting 3D darts live into living rooms for the first time.

3D differs from standard High Definition broadcasts because it uses an extra 10 3D cameras to get the required coverage. This is in addition to the standard 22 cameras which are used.

The massive technical innovation is the two matchbox size cameras which are placed on top of the dartboard so viewers can observe darts travelling towards them.

Speaking about the innovation, Sky Sports commentator Sid Waddell said: "At the World Matchplay I was ducking and diving when those darts were coming at me in 3D.

"The players were transformed like character from the movie Avatar, and now everyone can see that at home."

It is hoped that 3D technology will increase the popularity of darts, which has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late.

Phil Taylor is 4/7 favourite with Ladbrokes to pick up his 16th World Championship by successfully defending the title he won last year.

He has dominated the sport in recent years, whilst 2010 has been one of his most successful periods ever. As well as winning the World darts Championship, he also won the World Matchplay and the Premier League of Darts.

This dominance has led Ladbrokes to quote a price of 50/1 for him to win the 2011 World Championship without dropping a single set.