Never again will Arséne Wenger be able to claim that he “did not see the incident”, after an Islington pub this week became the first in North London to install 3D television.
The Royal Oak in Archway has signed up to Sky’s new 3D football channel so that local Gunners fans can watch their team in style.
The pub invested in the 3D technology after successful trials of the service in a selection of venues earlier this year. John Lally, landlord of the Royal Oak pub, said:
“We’re trying to offer something unique that you can’t get elsewhere. All the flats around here have Sky already so it’s been more difficult to fill the pub, but very few people have 3D. I’m hoping for a big crowd to sell all the extra beer we’ve brought in.
“We’re excited about the league games but this summer should be great. I think the only other places offering 3D in the world cup will be cinemas, but then you’re looking at £10 a head and you can’t have a pint.”
Tragically, however, Sky has not chosen an Arsenal game to give the technology its first run. Manchester United’s title-deciding game against Chelsea this weekend was deemed the bigger fixture, and Arsenal fans will once again have to settle for second best.
Mr Lally, 69, said: “The locals would have preferred it to be an Arsenal game I’m sure, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
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.”
The 3D technology, pioneered in films such as James Cameron blockbuster Avatar, has been adapted for use on the small screen. The first 3D television sets are already available, some costing as much as £10,000.
