Frequently Asked Questions

The Masters in 3D Details

Comcast customers have a great opportunity to take advantage of this exciting, new 3D technology. 3D TVs (and glasses) have just been made available in retail in the last several weeks, from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and other manufacturers.

Watch the 2010 Masters Tournament April 7 - 11 with Comcast. See below for channel details and times.

3D Viewing Requirements

To view the Masters in 3D (or any stereoscopic 3D content on the Comcast network) you must have the following equipment:

A new “Full HD 3D” television
The Television Manufacturer’s Specified Stereoscopic 3D Glasses (for each viewer)
Comcast Digital TV with HD service
Comcast HD capable set-top box
HDMI cable connection from set-top box to TV

And don't forget!

Remember to set your HD 3D TV to “3D mode” (check your TV's manual)
When in 3D mode, the guide will not render properly
Your 3D glasses may have batteries in them. Please make sure they're good and your glasses are turned on

3D Viewing FAQs | Comcast and Masters Tournament FAQs

Comcast and The Masters Tournament - FAQS

Q. Why am I seeing a side-by-side picture?
A. If you see a side-by-side picture, you may not have a 3D TV or your 3D TV is not in 3D mode. To view the Masters in 3D (or any stereoscopic 3D content on the Comcast network) you must have the following equipment:

A new “Full HD 3D” television
The Television Manufacturer’s Specified Stereoscopic 3D Glasses (for each viewer)
Comcast Digital TV with HD service
Comcast HD capable set-top box
HDMI cable connection from set-top box to TV

Q. What channel is the 3D Masters coverage on?
A. In most markets, Comcast will be airing approximately 2 hours of live 3D content from the Masters. Each participating market is identifying a channel to use for the 3D content. Depending on your area, this channel will be either channel 897, or channel 986.

Channel 897: In areas including but not limited to San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Twin Cities

Channel 986: In areas including but not limited to Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and Indianapolis

The temporary channel will be called "3DTV" on the interactive program guide.

Q. What time of day will the 3D Masters coverage be live?
A. Comcast will air approximately 2 hours of live 3D coverage April 7th - 11th. The coverage schedule is listed below. Please note that all 3D live coverage start times are approximate and are subject to change.

Wednesday, April 7th 3-5pm EST: Live 3D coverage during the Par 3 Contest
Thursday, April 8th 4-6pm EST: Live 3D tournament coverage
Friday, April 9th 4-6pm EST: Live 3D tournament coverage
Saturday April 10th 5-7pm EST: Live 3D tournament coverage (extended coverage if needed)
Sunday April 11th 5-7pm EST: Live 3D Final Round coverage (extended coverage if needed)

Q. What level of Comcast service do I need to receive the Masters in 3D?
A. Comcast customers with an HD capable set top box, will have access to the Masters in 3D channel. However, to view the Masters in stereoscopic 3D, customers must also have a 3D stereoscopic HD television, and stereoscopic 3D glasses from the TV manufacturer, an HD cable box (or an HD capable CableCard device such as TiVo), and utilize the HDMI cable connection from the cable box to the TV.

Q. Will I need a new cable box to view 3D programming?
A. If you have an HD capable set top box with HDMI output, or CableCard with an HD capable device (Moxi or TiVo) you will not need a new set top box to view Masters 3D content. As Comcast makes additional 3D content available on future events and 3D channels, we will advise on whether customers may need to upgrade their current equipment.

Q. Do I need an HD television to view the Masters in 3D?
A. The 3DTV required to watch this broadcast is a High-Definition (HD) television. Models from manufacturers include Sony 3D TV, Panasonic Full HD 3D TV and Samsung Full HD 3D TV. A standard HD television will not be able to display the 3D effects broadcast using this new technology. In addition to the 3D TV, every person watching will need 3D glasses from the TV manufacturer.

Q. Why do I have to set my TV to 3D mode manually?
A. The Masters is being filmed and broadcast using precise HD 3D equipment. The program is transmitted to your HD set top box and 3D television as two side-by-side HD images. However, your TV doesn't automatically interpret the images as 3D. You must manually switch the TV display to "3D mode". When set to "3D mode", your television and 3D glasses communicate wirelessly and create the illusion of a stunning HD 3D picture on your television screen.

Comcast is working on technology that will allow your set top box to automatically switch from "2D" to "3D mode", however, that technology is unavailable at this time.

Q. Why doesn't my guide look right when my TV is in 3D mode?
A. While the Masters is filmed and broadcast in HD 3D, the Comcast interactive channel guide is not.

When set in "3D mode", a Full HD 3D TV will attempt to convert the 2D interactive channel guide into a 3D picture, resulting in a blurred image of the channel guide. Comcast is currently developing technology that will allow the channel guide to be displayed in 3D for future 3D HD programming.

Q. Can I schedule a DVR recording of the 3D Masters coverage?
A. Yes. Customers with a DVR can schedule a recording of the event from the guide. If the recording is scheduled from within the guide, the DVR will record a 3 hour block of time, even if the actual live 3D coverage is less. You may also manually set a recording for a shorter period of time if you wish, or direct record the program on your DVR using the remote control Record button.

Q. Will Comcast offer any of the Masters in 3D On Demand?
A. Comcast will offer a 20 minute highlight film On Demand in HD 3D from each day of tournament coverage. Various 2D programming, including past Masters Tournament highlights, will also be available to customers via the On Demand library.

Q. Will I be able to watch the Masters in 3D online at Xfinity.com/TV?
A. Xfinity.com/TV may air limited live 2D coverage of the Masters through ESPN3.com, as well as past Masters highlights and programs. At this time, Xfinity.com/TV will not air 3D coverage of the event.

However, www.masters.com is expected to stream 3D video online. Customers must have a 3D capable computer and glasses to view this stream. For more details, customers should visit www.masters.com.

General 3D Technology - FAQS

Q. What is 3D TV?
A. 3D TV is a term for a video technology that lets viewers experience TV programs, movies, games, and other video content in a stereoscopic 3 Dimensional (3D) effect. It adds the illusion of depth to current TV and HDTV programs, which is typically limited to only height and width (2 Dimensions).

Q. How is the new 3D TV technology different from older 3D?
A. Older 3D used the anaglyph method, using a pair of 3D glasses with two color lenses to separate the images to your two eyes. The result seen by the viewer is 3D, but the 3D effect with anaglyph is lower quality than can be experienced without equipment specifically designed for viewing 3D content.

Newer technology, such as the stereoscopic technology used to broadcast the Masters in 3D uses HD picture and full color images with superior depth effects. New 3D TVs require 3D glasses specific to the type of 3D television (typically polarized lenses or battery powered, “active shutter” glasses), which work with the TV to create the illusion of 3D on the screen.

Q. Does everyone watching a 3D TV need to wear the glasses?
A. Yes. Everyone that wishes to view the 3D broadcast must have 3D glasses that work with their particular television. Viewers with prescription glasses should wear the 3D glasses over top of their prescription pair. Most new 3D TVs will come with a pair (or more) of glasses. Additional glasses can be purchased - check with the electronics retailer to see where to purchase additional glasses and pricing information.