In another CES special event illustrating the industry’s drive toward 3D, Sony Electronics and FOX Sports delivered a live 3D presentation of the BCS Championship Game between the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners.

We joined several hundred attendees at the Paris Hotel to watch some of Thursday’s FedEx Bowl shot using 3ality Digital’s image-capture technology and transmitted live from Miami via Cinedigm’s CineLive satellite network.

If the number of broadcasters, studio reps and international execs in attendance is any indication, there is clearly an enthusiastic, universal interest in live 3D broadcasting technologies.

Sony providing its 4K projection technology for the screening, teamed with co-sponsor RealD’s 3D system. 3ality Digital used Sony HD cameras modified for stereoscopic production and transmission. Cinedigm also broadcast the game to 80 digitally outfitted theaters in the U.S.

Results were mixed. The broadcast truly was an immersive 3D-enhanced experience, yet not without some flaws. The technology is getting much closer, although it seems as if the art is still attempting to catch up.

The take-away for many was that this was another good test and positive next step; however, there is more experimentation and learning to be done. The critical point is that creative and technical forces will need to continue to work together in order to foster 3D’s development and to train the 3D filmmakers and artists of the future.

According to Perry Hoberman of USC: “There is an ever-growing need for professional filmmakers with experience and training in stereoscopic 3D, and no one is better poised than the USC School of Cinematic Arts to take a leadership role in the development of this new medium, which is exactly why we are currently establishing a new Center for Stereoscopic Imaging.”