OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks playoff games to be broadcast in 3D

“The ultra slow motion in 3D is always an eyecatching experience,” Orlins said. “We usually have that in one of the corners or slash type positions. The handhelds, being really close to the action down low, are really spectacular.”

Orlines said the above-the-rim shots can create “a feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see a ball coming toward the camera.”

Although ESPN 3D is available in nearly 70 million homes, the network's audience is small because few homes have 3D-capable sets. But that number is expected to rise dramatically in the next few years. DisplaySearch projects that by 2014 more than 40 percent of HDTVs sold will include 3D.

Orlins said ESPN 3D has televised nearly 100 events since its launch on June 11, 2011, for a World Cup game. The network has covered the Home Run Derby, college football, college basketball, NBA, Masters golf tournament, boxing, Winter X Games and Summer X Games.

“We're pushing toward an incredible selection of different types of events,” he said.

Besides sports programming, Orlins said 3D movies and video games will help drive 3D TV sales.

“When ‘Avatar' does $2.8 billion in business, It's hard to deny that's an impact on the 3D TV model as well,” he said.