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Big Ten Network adds 'League of Legends' to its tournament lineup
The Big Ten Network announced on Thursday that it's adding a less conventional sport to its conference title coverage. Now, in addition to everything from baseball and basketball to football and field hockey, subscribers will be able to see their favorite schools compete against one another in League of Legends. Yeah, the video game.
Big Ten Network carriage agreements may be motivating conference expansion
It's no secret that college football is big business and that a major contributing factor is revenue from television. The influential reach of that revenue is a hot debate in organizations that are supposed to put more ideal values above capitalistic ones -- the two are not always at odds, though. So when a collegiate organization like the Big Ten Conference is motivated to expand, most would like to think it's a school's academic, or even athletic, merits that put said institution at the top of the want list. However, Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports believes the reason the Big Ten courted the University of Maryland and Rutgers University really just comes down to finding a way to sell an additional 14.6 million residents the Big Ten Network. The economics of sports networks on cable television is well documented -- the majority pay so that the vocal minority may watch -- but sculpting an amateur sports league to ensure your cable TV channel gets carriage in America's largest media markets might be a new twist.
Shaw launches Big Ten Network HD / Golf HD in Canada
It's a few days behind schedule, but Shaw Cable customers in Canada are now getting not one, but two new sports-related HD channels. Effective immediately, subscribers in the Great North can tune to Big Ten Network HD and Golf HD, both of which are available in free preview form until January 31, 2009. Both networks are falling into the carrier's HD Plus service, which goes for an extra $9 per month.
Star Choice launches Big Ten Network HD December 16
Some would say it's too late for football, but with plenty of time left on college hockey & basketball schedules, the Big Ten Network is headed to Canada's Star Choice. The SD version should be available now, with the high definition feed scheduled to launch December 16. No word what package you'll need to get the channel full time, but a free preview is promised all this month on channel 265.
Broadstripe adds Big Ten Network in Michigan, HD feed to follow shortly
Michigan & Michigan State fans on Broadstripe should be pleased, with Big Ten Network securing carriage on yet another provider in its home territory. The SD feed is already up and running on Channel 55, with the HDTV version due on channel 412 September 30, in plenty of time before the big football game October 25. Broadstripe also plans to serve up any additional BTN football feeds on another channel if necessary, with VOD service due later this year. Any more questions?
Big Ten Network coming to TWC in the Carolinas, Raleigh / Durham included
It's with a heart full of enthusiasm and a mind full of frustration that we share with you Time Warner Cable's latest addition to its Carolinas lineup. After landing a deal with Big Ten Network late last month, the carrier has announced that it will soon be launching BTN in Raleigh / Durham, Greensboro, Charlotte, Statesville / Iredell, Wilmington and South Carolina. The station will be available in both SD and HD flavors on different slots based on location (details are in the read link), and we're told to expect it on the air this Thursday. Sure, we'll take any high-def station we can get here in the Tar Heel Wolfpack state, but we still feel the operator owes us a few more given the absurd prices it feels fine with charging. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Justin]
TWC adds ESPNU HD, about to add Big Ten Network in Columbia, SC
Not that many (any?) Gamecock games are relegated to ESPNU or anything, but folks in the Columbia region of South Carolina can now tune into ESPNU HD on slot 952. The channel is being arranged beside ESPN HD (950), ESPN2 HD (951) and ESPNews HD (953). Also of note, Dan Santelle, Time Warner vice-president of programming and product development for the Carolina region, has suggested that his company is finalizing an agreement that will bring Big Ten Network to the system, which ought to make the scads of transplants and legions of sports fans in general quite pleased. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Bright House snags Big Ten Network, ESPNU HD and CNN HD
Bright House Networks subscribers in Michigan already noticed Big Ten Network on the EPG, but now the carrier has fessed up and confirmed that it will soon be landing in other markets. Additionally, ESPNU HD and CNN HD will be coming along for the ride, though there's no indication of when. Thanks, BHN -- we'll just twiddle our thumbs and hope they show up.[Thanks, Jamie]
Big Ten Networks lands on Bright House Michigan
Comcast, Charter and Time Warner Cable already wrapped up deals in at least some locales to get Big Ten Network out to its subscribers. Now, we've got Bright House Networks in Michigan doing the same. You all know the details by now -- more Big 10 in high-def -- but we're wondering if any other BHN markets got gifted as well. Chime in either way, will you?[Thanks, Dean]
Charter reaches agreement with Big Ten Network just in time to see Ohio State be totally awesome
Charter's next on the block to add the Big Ten Network and "related programming" in time for Saturday's football openers. No word whether or not this will include the HD version of the network, or if it will be in time for the start of the season, but it is definitely on the way. In a minor footnote, Charter mentioned that in addition to carrying the BTN across its systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Northern Illinois it's also reupping Jim Tressel's snazzy sweatervest collection, teaching Terrelle Pryor the correct name of "the University of Ohio State University" and teaching Ohio State how to defend against the spread offense. Good times all around.
Time Warner Cable gets Big Ten Network in time for Ohio State's next BCS Championship blowout
Proud Buckeyes (& other fans in Big Ten country) served by Time Warner Cable can expect a new addition to their channel lineup ahead of Saturday's season opener against Youngstown State. On the way is the Big Ten Network's HD feed and video on-demand programming, so you don't have to worry about missing a snap as Ohio State looks forward to it's weak non-conference schedule (aside from USC) and the tantalizing future of yet another BCS Championship defeat at the hands of SEC speed. Cox customers take heart, word is they are also close to an agreement, not surprising now that TWC and Comcast have worked out their differences with BTN. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Mike & Paul]Update: Unfortunately not everyone will have the HD & VOD packages in time for the August 30 game, but if you can stomach just one 480i game against punching bag Youngstown State, they're promised to be added "later" (Go Wolverines!). [Thanks Paul!]
Comcast adds 9 HD channels in Vermont, 10 in Pennsylvania
Vermont and some Pennsylvania Comcast subscribers should have a few additional HD choices on their sets in short order. Harrisburg and Hershey, PA subscribers can expect 10 new high definition channels Friday, with AMC HD, Animal Planet HD, Big Ten Network HD, CNN HD, Fox New Channel HD, FX HD, The History Channel HD, NHL Network HD, Speed Channel HD and The Weather Channel HD. Vermont launched nine new networks today, including Disney HD, ABC Family HD, TLC HD, AMC HD, Science Channel HD, Animal Planet HD, Sci-Fi HD, The Movie Channel HD and Showtime 2 HD. Go forth, and feed your HDTV the episodes of Mad Men and Battlestar Galactica it's been wanting.Read - VermontRead - Pennsylvania
Big Ten Network goes live on Comcast tomorrow
After what felt like an endless battle, Comcast and the Big Ten Network were finally able to hammer out broadcast details earlier this year. Right on schedule, the channel is expected to go live in the Big Ten region tomorrow, August 15th, on its expanded basic level of service. Of course, the HD feed will be included as well, and fanatics in the footprint can get set as the action begins with Indiana taking on Western Kentucky on August 30th. Are you ready for some football?
Comcast bringing Big Ten Network and more to Adrian, MI
For fans of HD in Adrian, Michigan that haven't already signed up with DISH Network or DirecTV (yeah, all five of you), help is on the way. Comcast will finally be bringing high-definition to Lenawee County later this month after years of pleading from locals. Aside from seeing a number of channels find new homes as many of its analog signals are replaced with digital alternatives, high-definition will apparently be introduced for the first time -- or at least in a substantial capacity. All we know thus far is that Big Ten Network will land just in time for the college football season, though we'll have to wait until August 18th to see what other changes are in store.
Verizon makes extra sure you know it's netting Big Ten Network
Ahem, Verizon? Yeah -- pretty sure we're well aware of your intentions to carry Big Ten Network on FiOS TV. You know, considering it was in the tagline of your release last week affirming the addition of 22 new channels. Nevertheless, things seem to be more official than ever now, with both Verizon and the BTN jointly announcing that it will soon be available in both SD and HD flavors. Currently, the channel is only live in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, but it's scheduled to roll out to other areas during the next few months. Thanks for the reminder Verizon, now, could you launch it any sooner maybe?
Comcast and Big Ten Network finally reach agreement
Whoa, Nelly! After what seems like eons, Comcast and the Big Ten Network have finally put their problems aside and reached an agreement. Of course, we heard yesterday that the deal was close, but we didn't exactly predict that it was this close. Under the terms of the deal, Comcast will "initially launch BTN as part of its expanded basic level of service to promote it to the majority of its customers residing in states with Big Ten universities on August 15th. Next Spring, the carrier reserves the right to "move the network to a broadly distributed digital level of service in most of its systems in these states." As expected, users will have access to all high-definition feeds as well, which is sure to bring a smile to Big Ten fanatics across Comcast's footprint.
Big Ten Network and Comcast nearing a deal
Could it finally be happening? The bigwigs at Comcast and Big Ten Network are actually closing in on a deal? According to a recent writeup originating in the Chicago Tribune, a long-awaited partnership between the carrier and station is expected to become official at any moment. A BTN spokesperson told the Star Tribune that "while the deal between the sides is close, there is nothing to report at this point." However, the individual did admit that the two parties "remain close to reaching an agreement." Needless to say, quite a few individuals (hundreds of thousands, actually) in the Big Ten footprint would be elated to have their upcoming football season around and in HD, but considering just how long this bickering has been going on, we aren't jotting this one in stone quite yet.
Nebraska Cornhusker baseball seeing lots of HD this season
For fans of Big Red and baseball alike, get ready for quite the baseball season -- from the comfort of your couch. Reportedly, a minimum of eight Cornhusker baseball games will be televised this year, with the vast majority in HD. The team's first TV appearance will be a showing on FSN on March 29th, while five others will be carried across the state on NET-1 and NET-HD (Nebraska Educational Television). Nationally, supporters of the team can catch their April 8th tilt with Iowa on the Big Ten Network, and we wouldn't be surprised to see more games added in the future.[Image courtesy of CollegePublisher]
BTN to air 2008 Big Ten Championships
Sure, college football season is still a good ways away, but Big Ten fans can get their minds off of said dilemma by focusing on the 2008 Big Ten Championships on the Big Ten Network. Reportedly, the station will broadcast men's and women's gymnastics, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's indoor track and field and wrestling during a six-week span from February 29th through April 5th, and every minute of every event will be aired in high-definition. Things get kicked off at 8:00PM EST on the last day of February when the Women's Swimming and Diving Championships take place from Ohio State's campus -- 'tis a shame you Charter and Comcast folks will (still) be left in the dark, huh?[Image courtesy of OSU]
Comcast and Big Ten Network still can't come to terms
Don't worry -- that feeling of déjà vu actually isn't just in your head. Going back as far as last June, you'll find disagreements between Comcast and Big Ten Network, and for whatever reason, those conflicts still exist today. Just days after we heard that BTN remained anxious to land a deal with Charter, a new report out of the Chicago Tribune asserts that wheels are still spinning between the network and Comcast. Reportedly, BTN President Mark Silverman was "optimistic" about inking an agreement last month, but here we are a month later without any sort of deal in place. Granted, Mr. Silverman still suggests that talks are continuing, but we're beginning to wonder how long it'll be before these friendly conversations lead to a bona fide business transaction.
