Sky announced that it will launch Sky 3D, Europe’s first 3D TV channel, with the Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea on Saturday April 3rd, 2010.

According to the statement, following the channel’s launch this April, Sky will then show at least a further five Premier League games (to be announced) before the end of the current season (Sunday May 9th) and the Coca-Cola Football League Play-Off Finals from Wembley Stadium at the end of May, all live and in 3D.

Over a thousand pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland have already signed up for Sky 3D, meaning that from Saturday 3rd April, hundreds of thousands of fans will be able to watch live 3D Premier League matches this season. More pubs and clubs are expected to sign up in the days and weeks ahead.

Outside of the live games, a showreel showcasing the best of Sky 3D – which will cover a wide range of different programming – will run on Sky 3D during selected hours of the day. This programming, which will run from launch, will also be available to residential customers who subscribe to Sky’s top channels and HD pack.

Brian Lenz, Sky’s Director of Product Design and TV Product Development, said: “It’s fitting that one of the biggest games of the season will be the launch pad for our pioneering Sky 3D service. With 3D, seeing really is believing, so it’s great news that over a thousand pubs across country will be able to show the magic of 3D to their customers.”

Last week Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic all confirmed plans to have 3D TVs on sale soon, some as early as this month. Sky 3D is compatible with all of the product ranges being introduced by these manufacturers and works with both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ 3D formats.

Later in the year, Sky 3D will offer a range of movies, sport, documentaries, entertainment and arts content. The channel will initially be introduced at no extra cost for customers who subscribe to Sky’s top channels and HD pack.

For more information visit: www.sky.com