With one of the biggest events in sports history every four years coming up this summer, the FIFA World Cup, it would only make sense that one of the biggest advances in television history is to accompany it.

            According to FIFA.com, on December 3 FIFA announced that it had signed a media rights agreement with Sony, an official FIFA Partner, to deliver 3D images from up to 25 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

            Sony is one of the forerunners in the field of 3D technology and knowledge.

            The point of the 3D technology is to have viewers use Sony’s technology to make viewers think they are actually on the pitch while the game is going on.

            To FIFA.com, FIFA secretary General Jérôme Valcke said, “This propels the football fan into a whole new viewing dimension and marks the dawning of a new era in the broadcasting of sport. 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 endeavor.”

            A springboard for this idea could possibly be the recent success of 3D movies in theatres.

            Last year a combination of the two Toy Story movies were re-released in 3D for a brief period and was a success.

            But more of a success recently is the wildly popular Avatar movie. It was released in IMAX theatres, as 3D in movie theatres, and regular as well. The 3D version has been described by gizmodo.com as “the most visually fantastic film I have ever seen.”

            Hoping for major success, Sony also plans on releasing a film after the World Cup containing the 3D footage.

            “3D viewers around the world will feel as though they are inside the stadiums in South Africa, watching the games in person,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President of Sony Corporation, to FIFA.com.