Followers of high definition and 3D TV have known for some time that Sony is just one of the companies looking towards a three-dimensional future for a range of its TVs, Blu-ray players, laptops and other gear.

Now, thanks to a deal with FIFA, the governing body of world football, up to 25 games from next year’s World Cup in South Africa will be filmed using professional 3D cameras.

Given that HDTV itself is only starting to catch on in a big way (in comparison to regular TV, and bearing in mind that some people think they’re watching high definition when they’re not), I can’t see adoption of 3DTV being particularly quick.

That is, people might be prepared to wear those silly 3D glasses in front of a regular HDTV, but when it comes to “proper” 3D TV I think it will be a while before they’re commonplace in the living room.

Panasonic told us that this year would be 3D’s year, while an analyst for Screen Digest said major sporting events like the World Cup would help drive new technology. The last one (in 2006) was a major test for high definition TV.

So, as you are unlikely to have a 3D TV by next summer, and even if you did you’d be hard pressed to find anyone broadcasting in 3D, here’s how you can grab a piece of three-dimensional football heaven.

Live public viewing events in Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome, and Sydney

Promo trailers for the Official 3D Film at Sony stores

After the event, a Blu-ray disc of the Official 3D Film.

Bear in mind that the official specification for 3D on Blu-ray, originally put forward by Panasonic, is still under review. Given how long the HD DVD versus Blu-ray battle took, getting this standard ratified might take until the 2014 World Cup.

(Photo credit vramak)