Comcast to launch 24-hour, 3D TV channel

LOS ANGELES Feb 17 (Reuters) - Leading U.S. cable company Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O) said on Thursday it was launching a 24-hour 3D television channel next week focusing on music, sports, movies and original programming.

Called Xfinity 3D, the new channel will kick off on Feb. 20 with the broadcast of the NHL match-up between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames, followed by a concert by Grammy-winning rock band Kings of Leon from Hamburg, Germany.

Comcast, the largest U.S. cable provider, said that Xfinity 3D would also bring customers movies documenting African safaris, haunted castles and dinosaurs, among others.

Original programming will include topics such as Chinese dragon dancing and rhythmic gymnastics.

"Whether it is a concert, sporting event or movie, Xfinity 3D brings the best seats in the house right to customers' living rooms," said Marcien Jenckes, senior vice president and general manager of video services for Comcast, said in a statement.

The launch of Xfinity 3D is the latest in a series of 3D programming offered by Comcast and other TV providers such as cable sports channel ESPN, and 3net a joint venture from Discovery Communications, Sony and Imax.

Last month, Comcast launched HBO 3D On Demand providing customers access to movies such as "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" and "Monsters vs. Aliens"

It has also brought customers 3D coverage of the 2010 Masters Golf Tournament and the World Cup soccer finals.

Comcast is also the majority owner of NBC Universal under a deal completed in January.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)