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Super Bowl XL HDTV technology
We all know that the big game is in high-def, but did you know about all of the cutting edge tech involved? We've griped in the past about the lack of HDTV cameras coverage at a sporting event due to the cabling requirements. ABC will have one roving high-def RF camera to get shots in the crowd, behind the benches and anywhere else a tethered HD camera cant go (like the men's room). Camera lenses will also feature Canon's built in Optical Image Stabilization for long HD shots. How about super slow-motion in high-def so we can all through the red towel for a controversial call? Yup, you'll have that too since ABC is trying out a Sony prototype that captures 180 fps in either 720p or 1080i. With all of this high-tech high-def, don't ask us about the game on Super Bowl Monday. We wont be able to tell you who won, but we'll be certain to identify which camera snapped the best pics.
Comcast, NFL Network-HD team up in Detroit
Everybody is getting ready for Superbowl XL, and for those of us in the Detroit area that includes Comcast and the NFL Network. The NFL Network isn't normally available full-time in HD here, but it has shown up in the last few days. According to Multichannel News, the two are working together to provide access to residents and those just in town for the game. Up until February 7th, you'll be able to view NFL Network on analog cable as well as NFL Network HD on digital cable.Hopefully this leads to NFL Network always being in high definition on Comcast, the NFL has one of the largest libaries with all their NFL Films content.
ESPNZone HD
Ok, so you might not be able to get the Super Bowl in HD via your cable provider, but if you live near an ESPNZone you are in luck. The ESPNZone's in New York, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are all going to be fully high definition in time for the big game February 5th. Now word on the exact equipment or resolutions, but ESPN is going with Philips LCD's, plasmas and projectors.The upgrade is more than just screens however, as each location is equipped with HD-compatible satellite and cable receivers, not to mention all the cabling and switching equipment that had to be upgraded. Chicago, Anaheim, Atlanta and Denver ESPNZone's won't be ready in time for the Super Bowl, but will be upgraded later this year. I've never been to one of these, but I've driven past the Las Vegas location so many times in PGR3 I feel like I have. Any HDBeat readers planning on getting their 720p fix at ESPNZone?
Comcast making a killin' off Seahawks success
There is nothing better then letting someone else do the work for ya. Look at Comcast. They are doing nothin' special to promote their high definition service but are gaining tons of new digital subscribers in Washington thanks to the Seahawks run for the Super Bowl. Comcast's V.P of Marketing and Sales indicated that the 'Hawks are in fact the number one reason for the 35 percent increase of HDTV subscribers.Next year, those of us here in Detroit will be sayin' this. You just watch and see.
No HD Super Bowl if your local affiliate and cable company can't agree
We've seen it noted in a few of the comments here, some HDTV cable subscribers having to go antenna or not at all if they want to watch the Super Bowl in high definition while their provider and the owners of local stations squabble. We know a lot of HDTV owners are sports fanatics, and so do advertisers and television companies who are determined to get every dollar they can.This article notes a typical battle currently going on in North Carolina and other areas. We recently posted about the owner of this affiliate, Sinclair, reaching a deal in Columbus, Ohio for HDTV broadcasts. Unless someone bends unexpectedly it doesn't look like Greensboro residents can expect the same. Is there anything customers can do when stuck like this? Switching to satellite or using an antenna isn't always feasible or desirable. I think local sports bars are at the bottom of a massive conspiracy, you heard it here first.
Super Bowl XL ads.....in high definition!
We know you're getting ready for the big game.......and so do advertisers. Particularly due to the trend of people going over to a friends house (one who has high definition TV) to watch the game, more than half of the advertisements scheduled to be run will be shot in high definition. The one downside is they cost up to 15% more to produce, not just due to equipment, but makeup and set attention to detail increases because viewers can see more. We've been telling people about the power of high definition advertising, it looks like someone is listening.
World Cup? Super Bowl? Cheap prices? What is it?
What are you waiting for? We talk about HD and you read it. Are you part of the statistic that states people take about 16 months to buy a TV? I know what it is: Sports. You simply need more stations with more high definition sports on it. That has to do it for you. 2006 is going to be loaded with sports programming. Check this out.Early February, Detroit is going to host the Super Bowl and it is of course in high definition. Later that month the Olympics are set to take place in beautiful Italy. Question: do you think they will do a fly over of Detroit as they do during the Olympics to show off the hosting city/country?
