3D glasses - hot or not?

Twenty years ago they said computers made you look silly and that the technology wouldn't catch on.

Now critics are repeating the same phrases for 3D glasses after two Litherland pubs were among the first in Merseyside to pioneer next generation 3D football this week.

Both The Priory and The Netherton pulled pints for up to a hundred people wearing the required glasses on Saturday to watch Manchester United's defeat to Chelsea.

One local resident at The Netherton summed it up when he said: “I've only had 2 bevies but with these glasses on I feel like I've had twelve not to mention the fact I look like Roy Orbison!”

Pubs that screen the exclusive Sky 3D football matches have to fork out a cost of around £2,500 for the initial system set-up.

The huge cost helps fund the separate special camera that is required for 3D viewing in the stadium and currently the only one set-up is stationed at Old Trafford.

But the landlords of both pubs believe the technology to be popular amongst customers despite the lack of Merseyside 3D coverage.

Ray Pennington landlord of The Priory said: “It is definitely something unique and different but I think it will catch on.

”People were saying there is not much difference at first but the closer the camera is to the pitch the more impact it has. Like when the camera zooms in for throw-ins and replays it really is impressive.

“I think to feel the full impact of it though we would need to see more Merseyside games being covered.”

Gary Butcher landlord of The Netherton added: “We wouldn't have been that busy without it. People liked it and it was a big hit with the customers. I feel it has rekindled a lot of interest in going the pub to watch football as it brings a new experience.”

The top of the table clash was broadcast live by Sky in 3D to more than 1,000 pubs.

Sky will be showing another five Premiership games before the end of the season starting with Manchester United against Blackburn this weekend before the Manchester derby.

The company will find out the true popularity of the 'Roy Orbison glasses' when Sky 3D is rolled out to UK home TVs later this year.

In the meantime I think i'll sit back and wait until they invent 3D contact lenses or 3D laser eye treatment.