Today we get a few more details regarding the launch of ESPN 3D and DirecTV’s role in the new 3D boom.

The satellite broadcasting company and the sports entertainment giant announced that the ESPN 3D launch will be on June 11 with the arrival of soccer’s World Cup, which we already knew, and that DirecTV will carry the channel at no additional charge to subscribers of its HD service who receive ESPN.

The ESPN channel is part of DirecTV’s 3D lineup that currently stands at three dedicated channels—the other two being “N3D powered by Panasonic” that was hinted at during CES and now has a name, and a 24/7 on-demand pay-per-view movie channel.

ESPN 3D will carry at least 85 live sporting events in the third dimension this year, including college football and hoops, and X Games 16.

DirecTV adds that it will provide the free software upgrade to customers so they can access all of that 3D goodness. The satellite also notes the other reminder—you’ll need to provide the new 3D TV and glasses, however. Maybe there will be some attractive sales surrounding ESPN’s launch in June.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.