Subscription television provider Foxtel has announced it would launch a series of new channels later this year. The launch is said to include a dedicated 3D offering.

As first reported last month, the new offering will include five high-definition channels and four so-called "+2" channels.

The company hinted that, initially, Foxtel 3D would broadcast sports content from Fox Sports and 3D content from ESPN. ESPN earlier launched its 3D channel at the FIFA World Cup.

Kim Williams, Foxtel's chief executive, touted the 3D channel as a "ground-breaking first" in spite of indications that its content would come from elsewhere. Williams said that his company would negotiate with external providers for 3D content "across sport, general entertainment, factual and movie programming".

Discovery announced earlier that it would work with Sony and IMAX in creating a 3D channel that delivers content such as general entertainment, children's shows and documentaries.

Other channels that are slated for launch launched are MTV Hits, MTVN Live (which is also available in high definition), Speed, BBC Knowledge HD, and Nat Geo Wild HD.

"We now have over 200 channels on the Foxtel platform providing premium programming across all genres, both in standard and an ever-expanding high-definition range," Williams added.

The new channels will air starting November 1.