As if we need to see Scott Van Pelt in 3D

ESPN officially bellowed this AM that it willl launch the industry's first 3D television network in time for the 2010 World Cup on June 11.

The channel -- ESPN 3D -- will debut with a South Africa-Mexico contest. Other events that will be shot, produced and televised in 3D fro the channel are the L.A.-based Summer X Games, college basketball and college football, including the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., on January 10, 2011.

ESPN has been testing 3D telecasts for the last year years, and last September did the USC-Ohio State regular-season game from Columbus, Ohio -- where 6,000 were able to watch it at USC's Galen Center.

The boss says:

"ESPN's commitment to 3D is a win for fans and our business partners," said George Bodenheimer. "ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan's viewing experience and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing."

Next big project: How to get 3D glasses (likely in the shape of Mickey Mouse) into the homes of millions of sports fans.

Also Tuesday, Discovery Communications, which owns Discovery, TLC and other channels, said it will have a 3D channel.

Major electronics makers such as Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp. are planning to market 3D-capable TVs this year.