3DTV retailers & manufacturers have started a price war.  This is so that they can attract buyers ahead of the FIFA World Cup next month.

Sharp, Sony and Toshiba (together with Currys) are offering cash-back deals.

The previous World Cup in 2006 was when plasmas and LCDs becoming affordable. This time it is 3D and LED TVs that are providing the big discounts. You can buy a 50inch Samsung 3D TV for just under £1,600 and a 46in Samsung 3D TV for under £1,300.

It has been announced that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be filmed in 3D for the first time ever.

FIFA, the football's world governing body has signed a media rights agreement with Sony to record the games in South Africa.

FIFA has said that it will decide whether to offer the rights "in the coming months". After the event, Sony Pictures Entertainment will act as official producer and distributer of all World Cup 3D films.

"This propels the football fan into a whole new viewing dimension and marks the dawning of a new era in the broadcasting of sport," said FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke.

"We are proud that the FIFA World Cup can serve as a platform for advancing technology and the viewing experience and are truly fortunate to have Sony as a partner in this endeavour."

Sony chairman and chief executive Sir Howard Stringer added: "The transition to 3D is underway, and we, at Sony, intend to be leaders in every aspect.

"Our sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup allows us to leverage our cutting-edge 3D technology and premier products with dazzling content to produce a unique and totally compelling viewing experience. 3D viewers around the world will feel as though they are inside the stadiums in South Africa, watching the games in person."

There are 2 different types of technology that could be used...

Sky have used 2 independent camera to record its 3D sport footage.  The different camera record images for the left and right eye to create the required depth.

Sony have unveiled a new prototype single-lens 3D camera earlier in the year, which it said was specifically suited for capturing sport footage.  This camera works by taking a single image and then splitting it with mirrors to record on two separate sensors.