Britney to launch 3-D DVD

Watch it: Britney is the first to use the technology

Britney Spears will become the first artists to use new "immersive" technology that lets fans watch footage of her concerts from any angle they like.

The technology means users can watch a live show from any position, pan around the action, focus on any part of the stage and even go backstage using their computer game console controller.

The DVDs will work on a range of consoles, and will also include Britney games.

It will add to the numerous Britney tie-ins - she has already published a novel, there are Britney dolls, she is promoting Pepsi and is currently shooting a film.

It's a great new way of watching a concert

Britney Spears

Footage from Britney's latest world has been used by Enroute, who devised the technology and says it can place a user "within the image".

Paul Cha, Enroute's co-founder, has said that if a fan was interested in the drummer, they could focus the camera on that person.

"The immersive video category is starting to realise its full potential," he said.

"Until now, immersive video has mostly been used as an internet application, and consumers have had to watch it at a low resolution and frame rate."

'Excited'

He said the DVD pictures would be television-quality, and that the technology could be used for a number of things in the future - from watching sports events to going on a virtual safari.

Fans will be able to watch the action from any angle

Spears said in a statement that she is "really excited" to be the first artist to use the technology. "It's a great new way of watching a concert."

Johnny Wright, Spears's co-manager, said: "We've certainly had several opportunities to bring Britney into the world of interactive entertainment and electronic gaming."

"But we chose this opportunity because of Enroute's immersive video technology, which is giving Britney the chance to lead the way into a new era of home entertainment."

The launch was announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

The DVD is expected to go on sale before the end of the year.