Back in January, ESPN announced it would be taking its 3D channel full-time on Valentine's Day, offering up replays of past 3D events between new broadcasts. Well, that day has come and gone and ESPN is now offering 3D programming 24-7, but it seems those on DirecTV aren't invited to the party.

Our very own 3D Couch Critic has been one of the many 3D equipped DirecTV subscribers trying to tune into to ESPN 3D since February 14th, only to find that listings still aren't available (not even on ESPN's website) and the channel is only available during scheduled live events. That's certainly better than nothing, but hardly the all-day 3D experience ESPN mentioned in their press release.

Unforutnately, our suspicions have been confirmed. According to a representative at ESPN, DirecTV has chosen not to take ESPN 3D to 24 hours a day. Instead, the satellite provider claiming to be at the forefront of 3D television will only offer ESPN 3D part-time for live events.

Even though DirecTV isn't offering it, ESPN 3D is available 24-7 on AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable. ESPN has also confirmed Verizon still intends to launch ESPN 3D full-time on FiOS this year.

So why would DirecTV take a pass?

Only they know for sure, but maybe DirecTV would rather push 3D viewers to the recently launched 3net and their own n3D channel, which (strangely enough) has been offering some replays of ESPN 3D events. It's also possible they don't see the value in picking up the channel full time merely to serve as a demo channel for 3DTV owners, especially while n3D serves the same purpose.

Still, it's unfortuate to see a legitimate source of 3D content being pushed to the wayside. Hopefully DirecTV will reconsider based on subscriber feedback and pick up ESPN 3D full time later this year.

What about the nation's second largest satellite provider, Dish Network? (crickets...)

[Source: ESPN]

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