MUMBAI: Sony has selected Arqiva as their technology partner for the live global 3D distribution of the 2011 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to worldwide cinemas.

This will be the first time this famous tournament has been transmitted live to cinemas or seen in stunning high-definition 3D, and so it represents an innovative and unique viewing opportunity for tennis enthusiasts all around the world. Four key matches will be transmitted – the men’s semi-finals, the women’s final and the men’s final.

Working closely with Sony and their theatrical distribution partners Supervision Media, Arqiva will provide the complete global transmission chain via Arqiva’s Digital Cinema Satellite Distribution System including SNG, teleport services and satellite capacity. Arqiva’s Digital Cinema platform on IS-905 will electronically distribute Sony’s feed to European cinemas with multiple international satellites used to reach 3D capable cinemas around the globe.

Arqiva Broadcast & Media head of digital cinema George Eyles said, "We have an excellent working relationship with both Sony and Supervision and are delighted that they have asked us to distribute this famous sporting event in such an innovative and high-tech medium. We will provide considerable input into the many technical aspects of the transmissions, drawing on our previous experience of delivering 3D cinema events including the 2010 Rugby Six Nations, 2010 Football World Cup and the world’s first live 3D Opera. Our digital cinema platform on IS-905 is well established for European HD and 3D cinema distribution while our integrated international network delivers the necessary global reach for a truly international sporting event."