(December 28, 2009) DirecTV intends to launch the first US 3D HDTV channel early next year. The satellite TV provider plans to make the announcement at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 7th.

Tonight, DirecTV is scheduled to blast its latest satellite into orbit. The new bird gives DirecTV the capacity to add an all HD 3D channel, along with additional HD channels, though the technical specs of the broadcast are not yet clear. The new satellite goes fully operational in March 2010. The new DirecTV 3D channel will feature an assortment of movies, sports and programs in 3D. All programs are in HD 3D and meet the new 3D standards the major TV manufacturers support, according to sources.

Sources tell HD Guru DirecTV’s current HDTV boxes will receive a firmware upgrade to allow its existing subscriber base to receive HD 3D programming. The shows will then be compatible with the new 3D capable HDTVs expected to debut at CES by Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG and other TV makers, as well as existing Mitsubishi DLP models that are accompanied by a forthcoming 3D converter box. Viewers will need one of these new 3D HDTVs to view DirecTV 3D programming, along with compatible 3D glasses.