HD Guru is reporting that DirecTV is going to launch the first 3D HDTV channel in the US next year. Great! Now all we need are 3D displays, content, and a goofy pair of glasses.

The 3D HD channel will apparently be officially announced next week at CES, and will come compliments of a DirecTV satellite that's scheduled to launch today. The report says that the channel will offer a line-up of movies, sports and other programs all in 3D, but at this point it's hard to see where that much content will be coming from. Some sports events are getting the 3D treatment next year, and there are certainly more and more big-name movies taking advantage of the technology, but there's not nearly enough out there to fill a whole schedule.

Existing DirecTV HDTV users will get a firmware upgrade that will allow them to receive the special programming, provided they have an appropriate display. That should be less of a concern than content availability, with both LG and Sony, among others, making a big push for 3D LCD televisions over the next few years.

A dedicated 3D HD channel will be a big step forward, but a lot more pieces need to fall into place before I'm standing shoulder to shoulder with Joy Behar during my daily dose of "The View." [HD Guru]

A dedicated 3D HD channel will be a big step forward, but a lot more pieces need to fall into place before I'm standing shoulder to shoulder with Joy Behar during my daily dose of "The View." [HD Guru]

As the DIRECTV 12 satellite soars into space following its successful launch today, DIRECTV customers will soon see a stellar lineup of new HD channels and movie choices.

When the satellite begins operations in the early second quarter of next year, it will be among a fleet of five powerful, HD satellites delivering an unprecedented array of programming and other services to households across America.

The new satellite will boost DIRECTV's HD capacity by 50 percent, to more than 200 HD channels, increase the number of local HD markets DIRECTV will serve and significantly expand movie choices on the DIRECTV Cinema and DIRECTV on Demand services. DIRECTV offers more than 130 HD channels today and delivers local HD programming to 138 markets, representing 92 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV 12, a Boeing 702 model satellite, lifted off on an International Launch Services Proton Breeze M vehicle at 4:22 p.m. PT yesterday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Controllers at the ground station in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa have made contact with the satellite and confirmed that all systems are functioning properly. Video replays of the launch are available on directv.com.

"With the successful launch of our DIRECTV 12 satellite, we will have the capacity to dramatically expand HD and movie choices for our customers and further extend our content and technology leadership," said Romulo Pontual, DIRECTV's chief technology officer. "With a robust fleet of 11 satellites, including five spacecraft delivering HD programming, advanced transmission and set-top box technology, we are able to provide our customers with an unparalleled viewing experience and maintain a significant competitive advantage for many years to come."

DIRECTV 12, the eleventh owned-and-operated satellite in the DIRECTV fleet, will be maneuvered into a circular orbit at 102.8 degrees West longitude and when tests are completed, it is expected to begin operations early in the second quarter of next year.

A recent survey conducted by Quixel Research found that while consumer interest in 3D Blu-ray discs and DVDs was high, what they really wanted was 3D from their cable provider.

The survey took answers from a thousand current HDTV owners. Those taking it were asked about the quantity and quality of their experiences with 3D technology, as well as a few forward looking questions about the delivery of the technology.

According to the survey, customers don’t mind shelling out for a new TV, but they’d prefer not to have to buy discs. “Consumers are very familiar with recent 3D technology” said Tamaryn Pratt, Quixel research principal. “Consumers not only prefer to receive 3D content from their cable or satellite provider, but they are willing to pay more for a 3D movie channel.”

The survey also revealed some interesting, if vague revelations as to what the future looks like to the general public. A third of those that were surveyed expect 3D TV in the next 12 months. They don’t mind the glasses though, according to Pratt. “Those who have seen a 3D movie in the 12 months are interested in owning a 3D TV even if it requires glasses,” she reports.

The survey also questioned what consumers' most trusted brands for delivery of 3D content were, and there aren’t a lot of surprises. The top three were Comcast, Samsung, and Sony.