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Microsoft planning ESPN-branded Xbox 360? Update: Nope!
Well, well, what's this? We were just sent this obvious mockup of an ESPN Xbox 360, which our tipster found just hanging out on a Microsoft PR server. Now, this could just be a branding exercise or the remnants of a failed idea, but now that ESPN 3 is live on the Xbox 360 Fall 2010 Dashboard Update, it makes sense for the two companies to explore a branded console -- we know a lot of college students (and Engadget editors) who'd love to ditch their cable and still get ESPN through their 360s. We'll see what comes to pass -- and if Microsoft wisens up and tones down that red. Update: Microsoft's PR team just pinged to say that this was indeed just a promotional mockup. Sad faces all around, sports fans. Here's the statement: The custom ESPN console was an asset designed to celebrate the launch of ESPN on Xbox LIVE. There are no plans to manufacture an ESPN-branded console for sale at retail.
ESPN3 comes exclusively to Xbox 360
The recently relaunched ESPN3 online portal is coming to Xbox 360 , as just announced during Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference. Trey Wingo and Josh Elliott from SportsCenter are on stage demonstrating with footage from a USC / Ohio State game, and of course it has built in Kinect controller support. 3,500 live sporting events, instant replays, highlights, polls all at your fingertips or by the sound of your voice. The PiP stuff will be familiar to fans who have already indulged online, but with the new control aspects (and of course, HD streaming) it could give a reasonable alternative to the existing channels. The usual requirement of Xbox Live Gold just like Netflix, Facebook, etc. is present, but beyond having a TV provider / ISP that's signed up for the package, there's no additional charge. Update: Wondering if you'll have access? Check the list of ESPN3 affiliates to see if your ISP is playing ball.
ESPN360.com turns into ESPN3 tomorrow - more HD, DVR, social networking features on the way
Get ready for a shift in ESPN's online offerings, tomorrow the video streaming arm of its empire changes names from ESPN360.com to ESPN3.com. New features immediately available on The Tres include new viewing modes for events including split-screen and picture-in-picture, updated scoreboards, Facebook and Twitter tie-ins and live chat with other viewers, while it also plans to launch more HD-quality video streams during the NBA Playoffs, World Cup and U.S. Open Tennis events later this year. It should be available to customers on AT&T, Verizon, Cox Communications, Comcast, RCN and many other networks, a quick revamp and positioning next to the two top dog channels may be just what it needs for us to consistently see what's available on the desktop and not just the television. Check after the break for a few of the TV spots that will be promoting the change.
ESPN streaming coming to Xbox 360?
As if you needed another impetus to abandon cable and satellite TV, The New York Times is reporting behind closed door dealings are afoot between Microsoft and Walt Disney Company, with order of business being ESPN streaming via Xbox 360. According to the anonymous source, live streams of sporting events à la the now aptly-titled ESPN360 could come to the console on a per-subscriber fee, along with related interactive games. The thing with secret meetings, of course, is that they can never be confirmed and, should talks fall through, amount to nothing in the future -- just keep that in mind before you get too excited and cancel Comcast a bit prematurely.
HD channel expansion roundup
Once upon a time, a smattering of new HD channels in one major metropolitan area was a huge deal. Nowadays, it's almost expected that one area or another will experience some HD expansion each week. In order to keep things nice and tidy around here, we deliver high-def expansions, market expansions and anything else dealing with HD channel growth right here. If we missed an area that you're familiar with, drop us a line in comments so everyone can catch up. The more the merrier, we say!Read - Cablevision Adds High-Definition Titles From Starz/Encore To iO TV(R) Video On Demand Service Read - DIRECTV TO OFFER ESPNU IN ITS CHOICE™ PACKAGE Read - DIRECTV Delivers Local HD Programming to Customers in Odessa-Midland, Texas Read - Time Warner adding 5 channels, dropping 2 Read - 21 Additional HD Channels Added to Cox Line-Up in Hampton Read - COMCAST ADDS ESPNU AND ESPN360.COM TO LINE UP WITH CONTENT ON TELEVISION, ON DEMAND AND ONLINE
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 11, 2009
This week Verizon's taken some time off from its expansionist FiOS TV policies, instead highlighting the upcoming UEFA Champions League playoffs subscribers can catch on ESPN 360, and a new multiyear deal making it the first distributor to offer Yankees games on-demand from the YES Network. Otherwise, we've got the obligatory response to the FCC's national broadband plans, we'll be back next week to see if there's any new rollouts to speak of. Read - Verizon and ESPN360.com Bring High-Powered European Soccer League Playoffs to American Online Audience Read - Verizon Statement on FCC Broadband Plan Read - YES Network and Verizon Reach Multiyear Video-on-Demand Agreement
2009 WNBA Draft will be the first in HD
With the women's NCAA basketball season concluded it's time for the WNBA Draft, and we might have found a reason for you to watch, since this is the first time it will be broadcast on high definition. Covered as usual on ESPN, things get started with the first round on ESPN2 HD at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, followed by the second and third rounds on ESPNU HD and NBA TV. No word on any 720p regular season games, we'll tune in for the Atlanta Dream's #1 pick, but with very little dunking and HD on the schedule we make no promises after that.
ESPN's HD plans for 2008 Masters Tournament coverage
Golf's Masters Tournament starts April 10, and (along with DirecTV's enhanced coverage) ESPN has big plans for its first year covering the two opening days of competition. Live coverage each day from 4-7 p.m. on ESPN HD is in the works, as well as re-airs from 8-11 p.m., and live HD streaming on ESPN360.com of all Masters telecasts. Live streaming from the "Amen Corner" (holes 11, 12, and 13 for the uninitiated), Holes 15 and 16, and Masters Extra will be up on Masters.org. Finally, for those who can't wait until Thursday for their green jacket fix - the never-before-televised Par 3 Contest on Wednesday April 9 featuring players, retired past champs and honorary invitees will be on ESPN HD and ESPN360.com from 3-5 p.m.
