ESPN to Shutter 3D Network by End of Year

ESPN is shuttering its 3D television network, ESPN 3D, by the end of the year, a spokesperson for ESPN confirmed, citing that 3D TVs simply aren't as popular as they had hoped.

"Due to limited viewer adoption of 3D services to the home, ESPN is discontinuing ESPN 3D," an ESPN spokesperson wrote in an e-mail to Mashable, adding that ESPN "will be ready to provide the service to fans if or when 3D does take off."

Although global sales of 3D TVs have been strong, especially in western Europe and China, demand for 3D TVs in North America has been softer. Indeed, the lack of 3D TVs at consumer electronics shows like the one held in Las Vegas last year indicates that manufacturers are shifting their focus to "smart" TVs with high-resolution and OLED displays.