National exposure

Big Ten Network reaches deals with DirecTV, AT&T

Posted: Saturday May 5, 2007 6:28PM; Updated: Saturday May 5, 2007 6:28PM

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State football coach Joe Paterno might get a lot more face-time on television if the Big Ten Network has its way.

Mark Silverman, president of the new network, said Friday the 24-hour sports channel has been picked up by national cable providers DirecTV and AT&T.


But the network is still in talks with 30 regional providers, including Time Warner and Comcast, to become part of basic cable packages.

"We're looking to be within the footprint of the Big Ten, that eight-state region, but we're also looking to be nationwide," Silverman said during a visit to Penn State, his seventh stop on a tour through the 11 conference schools.

The network is expected to launch in August, and its programming schedule includes 35-plus football games, at least 105 men's basketball game and at least 55 women's basketball games. Olympic sporting events, coaches' shows and archived games are also part of the programming.

Silverman said the network's emergence shouldn't affect Big Ten programming on ESPN or ABC, adding the conference already has a 20-year deal with ABC.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/ncaa/05/05/bigten.network.ap/

Finer Points of the New Big Ten Network

By Jon Miller
Publisher
Posted May 3, 2007

Mark Silverman, President of the newly formed Big Ten Network, recently met with the Iowa media in Iowa City. There were still several questions that Iowa fans had about the new network after that press conference, and we hope to have a few more answers for you...

HawkeyeNation.com Publisher Jon Miller recently had a one on one interview with Mark Silverman, the President of the newly formed Big Ten Network (BTN). The interview aired on May 3rd on The Jon Miller Show on Des Moines Sports Station, 1460 KXNO.

Below are some of the highlights of that interview that we feel might be of greatest interest to Iowa fans around the nation, plus a synopsis that may be useful.

Q: Explain the ‘Big Ten Classic’ programming a little bit if you don’t mind.

Mark Silverman: So much of the Big Ten is about tradition and it’s been around longer than the NFL or NBA. What we are looking at doing is creating a regular night of the week where we will have a classic game featured. During football, it will be football, etc. During the summer, we will delve deeper and offer a complete view of the history of the league and original programs. We are kicking around ideas like Top 100 athletes in Big Ten history, counting them down each day in the summer, something like that. There is a rich tradition and amount of content, in addition to the live events. We want to get the classic things out there, but we want to have a game a week or so as we get through the live event season which is primarily September through April. Then really go into the library to a greater degree May through August.

Q: As far as Olympic sports, you talked briefly in Iowa City about that topic a few weeks back. What about wrestling? Will that be a part of the programming on the BTN?

Silverman: Iowa wrestling, yes. As we look at for the Olympic sports, we are guaranteed a minimum of 10 wrestling events on the network. What we will do on those Olympic sports where we have numbers like that, we can televise more if we would like to and if it generates interest. We anticipate several Iowa wrestling matches. We are not sure of the exact number as we are laying out our program schedule, but wrestling is a key winter Olympic sport on the network.

Q: Iowa fans around the nation have been able to watch every Iowa game since the Minnesota game in 2000. That was the last Iowa football game that was not televised. How does an Iowa fan in KC or California get these games if their local cable provider doesn’t have the BTN? Will they still be available on ESPN’s Gameplan package as they have in the past?

Silverman: The Gameplan package as you mentioned will no longer have the Iowa games. The important thing to understand is that every Iowa home game, and we have no control over away games, the deal the Big Ten Network has incorporates only home games. The second key piece is that games will either be part of the ESPN/ABC family of networks or the BTN. The first three weeks are selected during the summer, then they are done in a six to twelve day advance window. As we go forward, every game played in Iowa City will be owned if you will by ESPN/ABC or the BTN. If that game is aired as a part of the BTN, what I am pledging we will do, is that we will have one BTN game of the week. In addition to those games, we will have a regionalization. Where we can put the Iowa game on in Iowa. If you are not in Iowa, and the game of the week is say, Ohio State-Northwestern, and that is on the BTN, what we are offering to Direct TV, Comcast, Time Warner, Mediacom and everyone, are all of these games. So the BTN primary feed will be the game of the week, but in addition to that, we are making these games available as a part of carrying the network. So the cable provider or satellite operator will have the chance to air all of the games. So there will be a crawl on the main game, saying if you want to view another game, go to this channel.

Q: Will your live programming be in High Definition (HD)?

Silverman: Yeah, we are going to have over 1000 hours of original programming a year in HD. Our live events, our nightly studio shows will all be in HD. I feel very strongly about this. If you are launching a new network and it’s the best conference and the best schools, you have to deliver it in the best way you can. We quickly decided that everything had to be in HD.

Q: The fans seem to be in favor of keeping all of the Big Ten games on Saturday. Is that the plan?

Silverman: As far as I know, that is. The schedule that just came out, all the home games are on Saturdays. I don’t think anyone is looking to move football off of that day.

Q: Will there be staggered kickoff times?

Silverman: I think most of the games on our network will be the 11am games. The three primary windows for football games are 11, 2:30 and 7pm. Our windows are typically the early window. ABC more often than not will have that 2:30 window, exclusive to them. Then the prime time games, those will be on mostly every week on either ABC/ESPN or BTN. All three could have games going on the same time in that first window.

# # # # # # # #

SYNOPSIS & COMMENT

Mediacom, the largest cable provider in the state of Iowa, has not yet reached a carriage agreement with the BTN. It’s my opinion that this is a foregone conclusion and will be a matter of time before Mediacom, Comcast and Time Warner will announce an agreement with the BTN. It may not happen for a month or more, but it’s going to happen.

DirectTV has reached an agreement with the BTN, and it will be a part of their Total Choice package. Dish Network does not yet have an agreement with the BTN.

If you live in the state of Iowa, you are going to be able to watch the Iowa fans either on DirectTV, or when Mediacom picks up the BTN. I do not have any concerns, as an Iowa resident that subscribes to Mediacom, that we will not get those games come fall.

If you live out of the state of Iowa, and perhaps outside of Big Ten country, your local cable provider may not choose to carry the network. And if it does, it still might not also pick up all of the games that the BTN will offer, applying the Ohio State-Northwestern example from above. You will need to contact your local cable provider and tell them of your wishes. If you live out of state and have DirectTV, it’s my guess that they will make all of those games available.

All live events will be in HD.

http://iowa.scout.com/2/641440.html

Buckeye CableSystem, which serves more than 150,000 customers in Ohio and southeast Michigan, reached an agreement to carry the Big Ten Network when it launches this August.

Buckeye will carry the network in its expanded-basic level of service, and the operator will also carry its HD feed.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6442243.html

Mountain Mobile Television has three new HD capable broadcasts trucks whose primary use will be for the Big Ten Network.

July 2, 2007

Big Ten Network to Officially Launch August 30th

Prime Time Premiere of Big Ten Tonight Studio Show Marks Milestone
Network Surpasses 75th Distribution Commitment

CHICAGO – The new Big Ten Network officially launches in prime time at 7 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, Aug. 30, with the evening also marking the inaugural telecast of Big Ten Tonight, the network's signature studio-based news, information and highlight show. The announcement was made today by Big Ten Network President, Mark Silverman. In addition, the network today achieved distribution commitments for more than 75 local cable systems serving communities in the eight states where Big Ten institutions are located. These commitments, which demonstrate the network's broad appeal, account for hundreds of thousands of cable subscribers spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all of whom will receive Big Ten Network on an expanded basic level of service.

The official launch comes two days before the kick-off of the 2007 Big Ten college football season. Big Ten Tonight, hosted by Dave Revsine, will preview the upcoming season and closely examine all of the weekend's conference teams in action. Big Ten Network's first-ever game coverage begins at 11 a.m. Central Time Sept. 1, with regional coverage of Appalachian State at Michigan; Youngstown State visiting BCS championship runner-up Ohio State; Florida International at Penn State; and Northeastern University at Northwestern. In prime time, the network will air Bowling Green at Minnesota and Indiana State at Indiana. Most of these football games, and the vast majority of Big Ten Network football throughout the season, will be produced in state-of the-art high definition (HD). All games will be made available to distributors who carry the network so that fans everywhere can see the games that matter to them most.

"With these commitments, we're well on our way toward ensuring that roughly half the subscribers to smaller cable systems across the Midwest have better access to their favorite Big Ten schools and teams than anytime in history," Silverman said. "As we continue discussions with the largest national cable system operators, we're pleased to know that so many of these Midwestern communities will have the network available to them on expanded basic."

Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany agreed. "The Big Ten is more than a series of isolated athletic events. It's a collection of premier institutions and devotion to excellence that unites this entire region," he said. "Big Ten Network reflects those values, and we appreciate these community-based cable systems' shared commitment to the network."

Some of the local systems planning to carry Big Ten Network as part of their expanded basic level of service include Altatec Alta Municipal Utility, Cedar Falls Utilities, Celect Communications, Consolidated Communications Network Services, City of Wadsworth Cable TV, Dixon Telephone Company, Grundy Center Municipal, Harlan Municipal Utilities, Hiawatha Broadband, Horizon Telecom, Independence Communications, Iowa Network Services, Mid-Century Communications, Moultrie Telecommunications, Muscatine Power & Water, Oneida Cablevision, Spencer Municipal Utilities, The Community Agency and USA Communications. In addition, Big Ten Network has national distribution agreements with DirectTV and the new AT&T U-verseSM service, as well as a major regional agreement with Buckeye Cable.

In addition to its 24-hour standard and HD channels, the Big Ten Network will also offer distributors a dynamic video-on-demand programming service and a rich broadband video package for their high-speed Internet customers. All of these offerings are available at a combined fee that is 2/3 less than what Comcast charges for Comcast SportsNet Chicago and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

Big Ten Network will produce the Big Ten Tonight nightly studio show and more live events (and more women's athletics events) in HD than any other new network in television history. Big Ten Network recently announced a commitment to gender equality by 2010, when all Big Ten Network-controlled television, Internet and mobile media will provide equal men's and women's athletic coverage.

The Big Ten Conference is the majority owner of Big Ten Network, with its proceeds divided equally among the 11 conference member universities. These proceeds will assist Big Ten Conference member institutions in operating their respective athletic programs in a self-sustaining manner, without university subsidy or allocation of state funding, enabling additional revenue to flow to research, the arts and other scholastic endeavors.

Shortly after its Aug. 30 premiere, and throughout the new 2007-2008 academic year, Big Ten Network will begin working with Big Ten institutions to become part of the curriculum and incorporate student production from Big Ten Network-sponsored campus facilities into its core operations. Big Ten Network and its partners have similarly committed to professional internships for Big Ten students and career placement services in their own major media operations.

About the Big Ten Network: Launching this August, the Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network will provide unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming will include live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks.

For more information regarding the Big Ten Network, visit www.BigTenNetwork.com.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/index.asp?ArticleSource=26

Very glad that D* picked up Big10 Network. I wonder if the channel will be a 24 hour channel HD channel with stretch-o-vision for non-HD games or shows considering Fox's 480p widescreen use. In fact I aways wonder why FSN does not do the same for games that an RSN does not broadcast in HD.

Very glad that D* picked up Big10 Network. I wonder if the channel will be a 24 hour channel HD channel with stretch-o-vision for non-HD games or shows considering Fox's 480p widescreen use. In fact I aways wonder why FSN does not do the same for games that an RSN does not broadcast in HD.

I believe the 480p signals would still have to go through Houston's control center that is stretched to its limits as it is. That's the reason that every RSN game is not done in HD. Hopefully over the next two years as FSN opens their new facility and technology continues to advance on transmission and costs come down, we'll get every pro sporting event in HD

I'm still waiting for the deal with Comcast and still fear that it won't happen. MSU is gonna have a bunch of football games there this year cause they aren't that good. While ESPN Plus coverage sucked, at least I got to watch the games.

I've written to both the Big Ten Network and Comcast about adding the channel in a sports tier and the cost and about paying for the extra service.

Its of no use, its just a pissing match between giants, waiting to see who blinks first.

Do we have any update on DirecTV's plans for HD carriage of the BTN?

As a Ohio State fan that just ordered D*, this excites me. Does anyone know what programming package this channel will be added to?

Do we have any update on DirecTV's plans for HD carriage of the BTN?

Won't be until D10 is active and I believe it was in HotP that a tentative date of Sept 15th was given

D* has been silent about whether or not they will definitively carry BTN-HD on it's launch date of August 30th, or more importantly by September 1st in which they are scheduled (http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/index.asp?ArticleSource=24) to start broadcasting live games. This worries me as my Buckeyes will be featured on BTN-HD the first two weeks of the season and would hate to miss out.

August 30th just also happens to be my birthday. So D*, if you are listening, it would be really nice to wake up on that day and see BTN-HD up and running! :D

Yeah - I'm curious what package D* puts it in. I'm assuming the sports package since that's where ESPNU and CSTV are.

OT, but you brought up an interesting point Red Dog. I am debating on switching to D*. In addition to the possibility of BTN-HD I noticed that two of my other local RSN's (FSN-OH and STO-HD) are listed in the D*'s Sport's Pack. I guess I just assumed that by subscribing to the Plus HD package that I would get my local RSN's in HD. Can anyone confirm that I would have to additionally subscribe to the Sport's Pack for an additional ($12?) a month fee on top of the standard package fee?

From what I understand it will not be part of the sport package and has already been assigned channel 220

Yeah - I'm curious what package D* puts it in. I'm assuming the sports package since that's where ESPNU and CSTV are.

Total Choice for D*

That's surprising. I wonder what the rationale is for putting it in that tier, but not doing the same for the other college sports channels. I wonder whether D* will do the same thing when all the other big conferences form their own networks, which is probably inevitable.

What is not clear to me is if Big Ten Teams will be included in the ESPN Game Plan. If not, I want to cancel that $110.00 automatic renewal while I still can.

As an Ohio State grad now living in Florida I am only interested when OSU plays. Otherwise I can always watch the local telecasts.

What I fear is that decisions will only be made the week of the game.

You won't find Big Ten games on Gameplan - the ESPN+ syndicated games that were part of GP previously will be part of the BTN package.

When there is a Big Ten game in the ABC regional 3:30 slot, you are guaranteed to get it either on your local ABC affiliate or ESPN/2.

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070808_CollegeFootballSchedule.htm
Eight Saturday afternoon windows will feature innovative coverage in which ESPN or ESPN2 will regionalize two games on ABC to markets not receiving the telecast. For example, on September 1, ABC will televise Washington State at Wisconsin and Wake Forest at Boston College at 3:30 p.m. ET. ESPN will “reverse mirror” ABC’s coverage, televising Washington State at Wisconsin in markets receiving Wake Forest at Boston College (on ABC) and Wake Forest at Boston College to the part of the country receiving Washington State at Wisconsin (on ABC).

That's surprising. I wonder what the rationale is for putting it in that tier, but not doing the same for the other college sports channels. I wonder whether D* will do the same thing when all the other big conferences form their own networks, which is probably inevitable.It is because BTN is mandating that the network be provided in the basic tier on any cable/sat/etc system that picks up the channel. That is one of the major reasons publicly given by the major cable companies as to why they have refused to pick up the network so far. BTN is saying that they will not budge on this issue, which is going to lead to some new D* subscribers in the Big Ten states next month IMHO.

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/204084
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/SPORTS/70801029/1001/NEWS

it would be really nice to wake up on that day and see BTN-HD up and running!
Unless you're planning on waking up after 7pm, you'll be disappointed no matter what. :)

Yeah - I'm curious what package D* puts it in. I'm assuming the sports package since that's where ESPNU and CSTV are.

CSTV is in total choice plus or whatever its called these days. I don't have the sports pak, and I have it.

CBS has the leverage to force these things (they own CSTV). Next time D* and ESPN need to sign carriage agreements, I'm pretty sure they'll force D* to put ESPNU in the basic tier.

It is because BTN is mandating that the network be provided in the basic tier on any cable/sat/etc system that picks up the channel. That is one of the major reasons publicly given by the major cable companies as to why they have refused to pick up the network so far. BTN is saying that they will not budge on this issue, which is going to lead to some new D* subscribers in the Big Ten states next month IMHO.

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/204084
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/SPORTS/70801029/1001/NEWS


Yeah, I know, but ESPN makes that same demand out of Comcast and other cable carriers for ESPNU yet have allowed D* to put it on their highest tier (or sports pack).

CSTV is in total choice plus or whatever its called these days. I don't have the sports pak, and I have it.

CBS has the leverage to force these things (they own CSTV). Next time D* and ESPN need to sign carriage agreements, I'm pretty sure they'll force D* to put ESPNU in the basic tier.


That contradicts their channel lineup.
http://www.directv.com/see/pdf/chnllineup.pdf

That contradicts their channel lineup.
http://www.directv.com/see/pdf/chnllineup.pdf
CSTV was in Total Choice Plus, but when they re-named the packages, CSTV moved to the Sports Pack. Any grandfathered subs on the old packages still get CSTV.

You won't find Big Ten games on Gameplan - the ESPN+ syndicated games that were part of GP previously will be part of the BTN package.

When there is a Big Ten game in the ABC regional 3:30 slot, you are guaranteed to get it either on your local ABC affiliate or ESPN/2.

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070808_CollegeFootballSchedule.htm


So you are telling me I can safely cancel the renewal of my GP without fear of missing an Ohio State game here in Florida? :confused:

So you are telling me I can safely cancel the renewal of my GP without fear of missing an Ohio State game here in Florida? :confused:

You may need GP for their road, out of conference games but not for any conference games.

You may need GP for their road, out of conference games but not for any conference games.


Their only road non-conference game is at Washington and that's slated for ESPN.

So you are telling me I can safely cancel the renewal of my GP without fear of missing an Ohio State game here in Florida? :confused:


The cupcakes they play in the first couple weeks are BTN games. The Washington game is on ESPN. The game vs. Kent State will likely be a BTN game. The rest of their games are conference games (no way they can be on GP), so yes, I think you can safely cancel.

The value of GP overall has been greatly diminished with the creation of the BTN and the ABC/ESPN regional split/mirror coverage. I won't be ordering it this year.

The cupcakes they play in the first couple weeks are BTN games. The Washington game is on ESPN. The game vs. Kent State will likely be a BTN game. The rest of their games are conference games (no way they can be on GP), so yes, I think you can safely cancel.

The value of GP overall has been greatly diminished with the creation of the BTN and the ABC/ESPN regional split/mirror coverage. I won't be ordering it this year.

Thanks alot for the info guys. I'm going to cancel GP.

Whoa.

Some Ohio State conference games could well be televised regionally by ABC, and thus would only be available to you on GP.

My Dad, a big-time Buckeye fanatic, lives north of Tampa and saw a handful of OSU games on GP last season. He is looking forward to seeing all 12 with the addition this year of BTN.

He is a bit steamed, however, that it appears there will be no GP HD games this year. But that could (hopefully) change.

Your dad is a good man. Actually, if memory serves, I think I saw all Buckeye games last year either on GP or a national feed on local TV.

Now, I'm not sure what to do. I am leaning toward still cancelling. I can always pay the extra for GP if I have to. At one time I think you could purchase individual games on DISH.

I believe you can still purchase individual weeks, Mikey -- although, as I recall, it was $19.95 per week last season. But I could be wrong.

Whoa.

Some Ohio State conference games could well be televised regionally by ABC, and thus would only be available to you on GP.



Any such game would be mirrored on ESPN or ESPN2 if you get a different game (mirrored coverage) on your local ABC affiliate. See the link I posted before.

Game Plan/Full Court are worthless for games on BTN. Only thing that this would get you would be non regional games on ESPN/ABC

Q: In the past, I was able watch Big Ten games produced by ESPN Regional via pay-per-view on ESPN GamePlan or ESPN Full Court. Will Big Ten Network-produced football and men's basketball games be available on ESPN GamePlan or ESPN Full Court?

A: Big Ten Network games will not be part of the GamePlan or Full Court packages, but the BTN is making all of the games it produces available to cable and satellite operators as part of their agreements to carry the Big Ten Network. Whenever the Big Ten Network is producing more than one game at a time, cable and satellite providers that have agreed to carry the Big Ten Network will be offered the chance to carry the additional games via "overflow" channels. For example, let's assume that at noon ET one Saturday the Big Ten Network is producing two games (Penn State vs. Illinois and Michigan vs. Northwestern). If the Penn State-Illinois game is airing on the Big Ten Network, your cable or satellite system will be given the rights to carry the Michigan-Northwestern game on an "overflow" channel. Overall, the Big Ten Network will be producing significantly more football and men's basketball games than have aired regionally in recent years, and these games will be made available to all cable and satellite systems as part of their contracts to carry the Big Ten Network.

D* has stated that they will be carrying all the feeds.

Game Plan/Full Court are worthless for games on BTN. Only thing that this would get you would be non regional games on ESPN/ABC

Q: In the past, I was able watch Big Ten games produced by ESPN Regional via pay-per-view on ESPN GamePlan or ESPN Full Court. Will Big Ten Network-produced football and men's basketball games be available on ESPN GamePlan or ESPN Full Court?

A: Big Ten Network games will not be part of the GamePlan or Full Court packages, but the BTN is making all of the games it produces available to cable and satellite operators as part of their agreements to carry the Big Ten Network. Whenever the Big Ten Network is producing more than one game at a time, cable and satellite providers that have agreed to carry the Big Ten Network will be offered the chance to carry the additional games via "overflow" channels. For example, let's assume that at noon ET one Saturday the Big Ten Network is producing two games (Penn State vs. Illinois and Michigan vs. Northwestern). If the Penn State-Illinois game is airing on the Big Ten Network, your cable or satellite system will be given the rights to carry the Michigan-Northwestern game on an "overflow" channel. Overall, the Big Ten Network will be producing significantly more football and men's basketball games than have aired regionally in recent years, and these games will be made available to all cable and satellite systems as part of their contracts to carry the Big Ten Network.

D* has stated that they will be carrying all the feeds.

There will be no BT games on GP this year unless the BT is the away team in a non conference game and the feed of that game is picked up by GP. Those games would be few and far between. As a UM fan I saw every game the last 8 years in SC except one. This year it seems to be about 4 or 5 if all goes well. There still is a question about the split regional broadcasts on ABC and what happens to the BT game in the south.

You need Direct TV if you want every game. I cannot have a dish where I live and TW has no interest in carrying the BTN in our area -- so they have told me.

I see this as a giant step back and hope it fails big Time!

There will be no BT games on GP this year unless the BT is the away team in a non conference game and the feed of that game is picked up by GP. Those games would be few and far between. As a UM fan I saw every game the last 8 years in SC except one. This year it seems to be about 4 or 5 if all goes well. There still is a question about the split regional broadcasts on ABC and what happens to the BT game in the south.

You need Direct TV if you want every game. I cannot have a dish where I live and TW has no interest in carrying the BTN in our area -- so they have told me.

I see this as a giant step back and hope it fails big Time!

The Big10 regional ABC game will be on ESPN/2 in areas where it is not on ABC. That is a guarantee.

Gameplan will not have any Big10 games unless, as stated, it is a Big10 road non-conference game. Those games, though, are being picked up in other formats (like ESPNU) and chances are close to 0 that any end up on Gameplan..

Another problem with the BTN if you cannot get it in your area, the coaches shows, full college highlight shows (Woliverne Magazine for example) will only be shown on the BTN.

I have gotten those for several years on the Fox Regional Sports network package that I buy. I even got Michigan Replay before it was shown in most of Michigan! The Fox Regional showed it at 9:00 AM on Sunday. These are going to be gone.

I figure along about Oct 1st all hell will break lose with BT fans all over the country! In our area, the southeast, the BT will really cease to exist. It will be another Versus, nobody can find it nobody cares. (I am a huge hockey fan -- even buy the hockey package)

Ain't progress great!

By the way, BTN gets second choice (after ABC/ESPN) of games on three weeks this season, and third choice a number of other weeks.

So clearly there will be a number of very watchable games not available except via BTN.

And BTN says 35 of the 38 football games it will televise this year will be in HD.

The Big10 regional ABC game will be on ESPN/2 in areas where it is not on ABC. That is a guarantee.

Gameplan will not have any Big10 games unless, as stated, it is a Big10 road non-conference game. Those games, though, are being picked up in other formats (like ESPNU) and chances are close to 0 that any end up on Gameplan..

This may not ALWAYS be true. I believe only 3:30 ET ABC games will be mirrored on ESPN/2. Thus, if a big ten game is a split-national night game (ie., 8pm), outside the coverage area will probably be available on gameplan (assuming they don't mirror the night games as well). I do believe some of ABC's night games are split national games.

This may not ALWAYS be true. I believe only 3:30 ET ABC games will be mirrored on ESPN/2. Thus, if a big ten game is a split-national night game (ie., 8pm), outside the coverage area will probably be available on gameplan (assuming they don't mirror the night games as well). I do believe some of ABC's night games are split national games.


Looking at the ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 schedule, it looks like the only time this may happen (not counting the last couple weeks where much of the schedule is TBD) is on 9/22 when they have Washington State at USC and Iowa at Wisconsin listed at 8 pm. However, the 7:45 ESPN slot is still listed as TBD, so they could conceivably still mirror this one.

Ugh...Decided to look at the Big Ten Network site and the men's basketball schedule is up.

Come on Comcast, make a freakin deal or I'm going to D*

In its first year, the Big Ten Network will carry 64 of the conference's 99 regular season men's basketball games plus three Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament games from Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis next March. Indiana will play at least six conference games; Ohio State, which finished second in the final USA Today poll last season, will play at least seven conference games; and Michigan State will play at least eight conference games on the Big Ten Network. Every other university will play at least half of their 18-game conference schedule on the network. Six additional late-season games will be selected as the season unfolds.

BIG TEN NETWORK CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday January 2 Wisconsin @ Michigan 7 EST
Wednesday January 2 Indiana @ Iowa 9 EST
Saturday January 5 Iowa @ Wisconsin 12 EST
Saturday January 5 Minnesota @ Michigan State 8 EST
Sunday January 6 Northwestern @ Ohio State 12 EST
Sunday January 6 Penn State @ Illinois 2 EST
Tuesday January 8 Purdue @ Michigan State 9 EST
Wednesday January 9 Iowa @ Ohio State 7 EST
Wednesday January 9 Northwestern @ Minnesota 9 EST
Saturday January 12 Minnesota @ Penn State 2 EST
Saturday January 12 Ohio State @ Purdue 4 EST
Saturday January 12 Michigan @ Northwestern 6:30 EST
Saturday January 12 Michigan State @ Iowa 8:30 EST
Tuesday January 15 Wisconsin @ Penn State 9 EST
Wednesday January 16 Purdue @ Iowa 7 EST
Wednesday January 16 Michigan @ Illinois 9 EST
Saturday January 19 Iowa @ Michigan 7 EST
Saturday January 19 Northwestern @ Wisconsin 9 EST
Sunday January 20 Penn State @ Indiana 2 EST
Sunday January 20 Michigan State @ Minnesota 4 EST
Tuesday January 22 Illinois @ Ohio State 9 EST
Wednesday January 23 Purdue @ Penn State 7 EST
Wednesday January 23 Iowa @ Indiana 9 EST
Saturday January 26 Penn State @ Iowa 6 EST
Saturday January 26 Minnesota @ Ohio State 8 EST
Sunday January 27 Northwestern @ Illinois 8 EST
Wednesday January 30 Iowa @ Purdue 7 EST
Wednesday January 30 Illinois @ Michigan State 9 EST
Thursday January 31 Minnesota @ Michigan 7 EST
Saturday February 2 Purdue @ Illinois 3:30 EST
Saturday February 2 Ohio State @ Iowa 6 EST
Saturday February 2 Michigan State @ Penn State 8 EST
Sunday February 3 Northwestern @ Indiana 12 EST
Sunday February 3 Wisconsin @ Minnesota 2 EST
Tuesday February 5 Penn State @ Purdue 9 EST
Wednesday February 6 Minnesota @ Northwestern 7 EST
Wednesday February 6 Wisconsin @ Iowa 9 EST
Saturday February 9 Penn State @ Michigan 4 EST
Saturday February 9 Northwestern @ Michigan State 7 EST
Saturday February 9 Purdue @ Wisconsin 9 EST
Tuesday February 12 Illinois @ Minnesota 9 EST
Wednesday February 13 Wisconsin @ Indiana 7 EST
Wednesday February 13 Ohio State @ Northwestern 9 EST
Saturday February 16 Minnesota @ Wisconsin 2 EST
Saturday February 16 Purdue @ Northwestern 4 EST
Saturday February 16 Illinois @ Penn State 7 EST
Tuesday February 19 Northwestern @ Iowa 9 EST
Wednesday February 20 Penn State @ Michigan State 7 EST
Wednesday February 20 Wisconsin @ Illinois 9 EST
Saturday February 23 TBD @ TBD 2 or 4 EST
Saturday February 23 Indiana @ Northwestern 8 EST
Sunday February 24 Penn State @ Minnesota 2 EST
Tuesday February 26 Northwestern @ Michigan 9 EST
Wednesday February 27 Iowa @ Penn State 7 EST
Wednesday February 27 Minnesota @ Purdue 9 EST
Saturday March 1 Northwestern @ Purdue 2 EST
Saturday March 1 TBD @ TBD 4 or 6 EST
Saturday March 1 Michigan @ Penn State 8 EST
Tues. / Thurs. March 4 or 6 TBD @ TBD 9 EST
Wednesday March 5 TBD @ TBD 7 EST
Wednesday March 5 TBD @ TBD 9 EST
Saturday March 8 Minnesota @ Illinois 1 EST
Saturday March 8 Purdue @ Michigan, or 3 EST
Saturday March 8 Indiana @ Penn State 3 EST
Saturday March 8 Wisconsin @ Northwestern, or 5 EST
Sunday March 9 Wisconsin @ Northwestern 12 EST

BIG TEN NETWORK CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Thursday March 13 #9-seed vs. #8-seed 12 EST
Friday March 14 #7-seed or #10-seed vs. #2-seed 6:40 EST
Friday March 14 #6-seed or #11-seed vs. #3-seed 9:10 EST

Yeah - basketball is where it is really going to hurt since BTN will probably have more priority picks for weekday games over ESPN.

[QUOTE=jefbal99]Ugh...Decided to look at the Big Ten Network site and the men's basketball schedule is up.

Come on Comcast, make a freakin deal or I'm going to D*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Unless BTN agrees to Tier carriage, it ain't happening. IF BTN would agree to that, it would already be on. Price isn't the issue.

While I'm with you on wanting the games (IU grad) I hope Comcast holds firm on this.

GoIrish

Unless BTN agrees to Tier carriage, it ain't happening. IF BTN would agree to that, it would already be on. Price isn't the issue.

While I'm with you on wanting the games (IU grad) I hope Comcast holds firm on this.

GoIrish

I don't give a flying rats ass how they make a deal or where its at. I can see both sides of the agrument, i just wish that Comcast was a bit more truthful and honest about their tactics.

Expanded Basic, Digital Classic, Digital Plus, Sports, I don't care; just come to a freakin agreement or my $150/month is going elsewhere

I saw somewhere the BTN will be on D10 for d*, does this mean BTN may not be available until mid-sept (unless D10 comes on earlier)? The earliest is Sept 1 for D10 (FCC permit). Do you know if D* has a backup plan if D10 is not ready on Sept 1?

Comcast has added channel 255 to their sports tier in the Big Ten Region. The channel is unlabeled and every 30 mins is TBA.

However, when you select this channel, there is a constant screen in happy colors that says:

"This channel has been reserved for the Big Ten Network pending permission from the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. For more information about receiving the Big Ten Network on the Comcast Sports Entertainment Package, go to www.puttingfansfirst.com"

That website is a Comcast sponsored site and full of garbage

I saw somewhere the BTN will be on D10 for d*, does this mean BTN may not be available until mid-sept (unless D10 comes on earlier)? The earliest is Sept 1 for D10 (FCC permit). Do you know if D* has a backup plan if D10 is not ready on Sept 1?

the btn will be available at launch in sd but not on hd until d10 is ready.

My favorite thing on the puttingfansfirst webpage is that they cound ESPN games as previously "free."

Example: Penn State football had 13 "free" games last year? Um, about half were on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU. All pay channels.

Comcast has added channel 255 to their sports tier in the Big Ten Region. The channel is unlabeled and every 30 mins is TBA.


In Chicago, it's labeled "BTB", and the guide data says "Big Ten Network Placeholder". Same screen you described is displayed.

My favorite thing on the puttingfansfirst webpage is that they cound ESPN games as previously "free."

Example: Penn State football had 13 "free" games last year? Um, about half were on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU. All pay channels.

I completely missed that part

Comcast has added channel 255 to their sports tier in the Big Ten Region. The channel is unlabeled and every 30 mins is TBA.

However, when you select this channel, there is a constant screen in happy colors that says:

"This channel has been reserved for the Big Ten Network pending permission from the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. For more information about receiving the Big Ten Network on the Comcast Sports Entertainment Package, go to www.puttingfansfirst.com"

They've lost it.:eek:

They've lost it.:eek:

Yup, they have. and I have a feeling that I'll have a D* dish around the first week of September.

the btn will be available at launch in sd but not on hd until d10 is ready.

Thanks, thats good to hear.

I doubt comcast will pick up the BTN, unless BTN caves on the tier. I think comcast is still too bitter about the NFL network mess to make any concessions.

They've lost it.:eek:


Comcast is combating a fairly overt Big 10 campaign that includes taped messages from many of the Big 10 football coaches calling all fans in their respective areas and telling them to call Comcast, tell them you want the Big 10, don't care how much it costs and that you'll leave if you don't get it.

My brother in law, who lives in Indiana, got his recorded call from Purdue's head football coach telling him to do all of this yesterday. The coach even gave him Comcast's local number.

GoIrish

Thanks, thats good to hear.

I doubt comcast will pick up the BTN, unless BTN caves on the tier. I think comcast is still too bitter about the NFL network mess to make any concessions.

I think it's less about NFL than this is how they have treated niche sports channels in the recent past; CSTV, Fox College Sports, Tennis, NBA, etc.

I also think it is the logical position to take. So far, ESPNU and Big 10 (so far) have balked.

Hopefully Big 10 comes around and Comcast doesn't cave. ( I say this as an IU alum and pasionate college football fan)

GoIrish

the btn will be available at launch in sd but not on hd until d10 is ready.
That's what some experts are saying about no D* HD, but I don't think it's a given.

For example, the PSU/Fla. Int. game Sept. 1 will be available in HD according to HDSportsGuide.com. And as I posted elsewhere, I just don't see any percentage or any benefit in D* saying it's too much trouble to do it in HD, as the BTN announcers keep saying that day: Brought to you in glorious HD (as I keep switching fruitlessly from the SD feed on 221 to nothing on 94 or 95)! But only time will tell!

I wonder where Comcast will put the SEC network it is pitching to that conference? Does anyone really believe the SEC would sign on to a network which wouldn't be guaranteed to be carried on basic?

All this talk of any provider trying to help out its subscribers is just foolish rhetoric and is stuns me anyone ever buys any of it.

If they get an ownership stake, it goes to basic. If they don't own a piece of the pie or have a business relationship with whoever does -- good luck finding space.

Thanks, thats good to hear.

I doubt comcast will pick up the BTN, unless BTN caves on the tier. I think comcast is still too bitter about the NFL network mess to make any concessions.

I wonder where Comcast will put the SEC network it is pitching to that conference? Does anyone really believe the SEC would sign on to a network which wouldn't be guaranteed to be carried on basic?

All this talk of any provider trying to help out its subscribers is just foolish rhetoric and is stuns me anyone ever buys any of it.

If they get an ownership stake, it goes to basic. If they don't own a piece of the pie or have a business relationship with whoever does -- good luck finding space.

it would be such irony in 2 or 3 years to see Comcast launch the SEC Network as basic carriage.

From this week's Sports Business Journal:

"...Comcast and Charter have discussed transforming their regional sports network, Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast, into an SEC channel. The channel has expanded basic distribution and reaches 5.7 million subscribers in 12 states...."

From this week's Sports Business Journal:

"...Comcast and Charter have discussed transforming their regional sports network, Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast, into an SEC channel. The channel has expanded basic distribution and reaches 5.7 million subscribers in 12 states...."

That's bad news if you have D* or E*. You'll never see this station if you don't have cable.

I wonder where Comcast will put the SEC network it is pitching to that conference? Does anyone really believe the SEC would sign on to a network which wouldn't be guaranteed to be carried on basic?

All this talk of any provider trying to help out its subscribers is just foolish rhetoric and is stuns me anyone ever buys any of it.

If they get an ownership stake, it goes to basic. If they don't own a piece of the pie or have a business relationship with whoever does -- good luck finding space.

Fox Soccer Channel is wholly owned by Newscorp. On D* it's in the sports tier while on E* it's in AT250 and locally on TWC it's digital basic.

That is not a deal the SEC would agree to. To lose 31 million homes across the country would be unacceptable.

While money is the prime reason for a conference network, recruiting is a big pull, too.

Now, for example, the Big Ten can claim almost all its basketball and football games can be seen anywhere in the nation.

The SEC is not going to want to sign on for a network that only reaches homes in its home area.

Or if it for some reason it does, you can be sure the ACC, Big East, Big XII, Big Ten and Pac-10 will be very, very happy.

Being on TV is a mighty strong recruiting tool.

That's bad news if you have D* or E*. You'll never see this station if you don't have cable.

As apoint of interest. I talked to E* "Executive Offices" this evening and they don't have a clue if DISH will pick up the Big Ten Channel, or carry MLB in 2008.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-070823-bigtennetwork,1,3862302.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

Fox executive Bob Thompson said Thursday morning that he is "100 percent confident" that no deal will be struck with Comcast by Sept. 1, when the BTN will televise six football games.

:mad:

Just out of curiosity, is the channel going to be 720p or 1080i?

Just out of curiosity, is the channel going to be 720p or 1080i?
I haven't heard either way, but I would guess 720p since Fox is heavily involved.

I haven't heard either way, but I would guess 720p since Fox is heavily involved.

1080i according to hdsportsguide

You won't find Big Ten games on Gameplan - the ESPN+ syndicated games that were part of GP previously will be part of the BTN package.

When there is a Big Ten game in the ABC regional 3:30 slot, you are guaranteed to get it either on your local ABC affiliate or ESPN/2.

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070808_CollegeFootballSchedule.htm



Week 1 provides a good example of this.

Here is the Week 1 TV schedule:
http://mattsarz44017.tripod.com/2007/week1.html

Here is the ABC regional map for 330:
http://espnmediazone.com/program_info/9-1-07ESPNonABCCFB.swf?POPUP_ENABLED=true

The mirror coverage means:
The yellow areas areas get Wake/BC on local ABC and WSU/Wisc on ESPN.
The blues areas get WSU/Wisc on local ABC and Wake/BC on ESPN.

That leaves the green areas which get the Nev/Neb game on local ABC. I don't see the Wisconsin game on the Gameplan list, so in the green areas, you should get the Wisconsin game on ESPN, while the Wake/BC game will only be available on GP in these areas.

On U-Verse, BTN HD has been added to the guide as channel 1250 with a notice that it lights up on Aug 30.

On U-Verse, BTN HD has been added to the guide as channel 1250 with a notice that it lights up on Aug 30.

grr...

Fredfa has news that Insight Cable is finalizing a deal for the BTN

linky (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11460711&postcount=7734)

Bit OT-

Anyone, w/ D*, had 220 show up in the APG yet? I got 218/219/221, along with "Upcoming: 11a CST game on those channels", but no 220 yet.


[have a HR20-700S; that just got/activated yesterday, along with w/ 3LNB setup until I upgrade to the newer 5LNB/MS soon]

Nope, no 220 here yet.

Nope, no 220 here yet.

Still in Engineering Mode according to bschneider.

Should be added by early PM tomorrow, considering the channel goes live at 5 or 6p CST tomorrow night.

August 29, 2007

College Football Fans Cheer on DIRECTV as Only Major Pay TV Service to Offer National Coverage for Big Ten Network


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- As the first major multichannel video provider to cross the goal line with the Big Ten Network in its core programming lineup, DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is receiving a resounding cheer from fans who won't miss their favorite Big Ten team when the college football season begins Sept 1.

With no other major national pay TV provider carrying the network and the Big Ten football season opening this weekend, fans are lighting up the 1-800-DIRECTV switchboard and installers in Big Ten markets are working overtime to install DIRECTV service in time for the first game broadcast.

DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite TV service, will launch the Big Ten Network Aug. 30 on its base CHOICE programming package ($49.99/month) on channel 220 - making it available to its more than 16.3 million customers. Big Ten will also be available to bars and restaurants on an a la carte basis for $39.99/month and available to hotels as well.

Big Ten Network will be among the up to 100 national HD channels rolling out in the coming weeks as part of DIRECTV's widely anticipated HD capacity expansion. More information on DIRECTV's HD programming is available at DIRECTV.com.

Along with the games broadcast on the network, DIRECTV will make additional ("overflow") games airing at the same time available on neighboring channels when capacity permits so fans may have access to additional games offered by the network. DIRECTV has committed to air all the additional games this Saturday, and the "overflow" channels featuring those games this week are 218, 219 and 221.

"I think the people of Ohio are going to flock to this programming, and I'm glad it's available on DIRECTV," said Ohio State University Football Head Coach Jim Tressel. "Our fans are excited for it. Our people want access to the Buckeye games, and this is a great way to get Ohio State into their homes. As a coach, I view the Big Ten Network as a terrific recruiting tool for the entire Big Ten."

"DIRECTV has always been the sports fan's destination and it shouldn't be any different for Big Ten fans, who will now have the ability to watch all the Big Ten games wherever they are," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "We've provided a TV home for the Big Ten Network and we're inviting fans over to enjoy their games."

The network will air six games on Sept. 1, four simultaneously: The University of Michigan vs. Appalachian State University, Penn State University vs. Florida International University, Ohio State University vs. Youngstown State University, and Northwestern University vs. Northeastern University. In primetime, Indiana University plays Indiana State University and the University of Minnesota takes on Bowling Green State University.

When the Big Ten Network launches Aug. 30, two days before the kick-off of the 2007 Big Ten college football season, Big Ten Tonight, a nightly studio show hosted by Dave Revsine, will preview the upcoming season and closely examine all of the weekend's conference teams in action.

DIRECTV has launched an aggressive marketing campaign in Big Ten markets across the country with print and radio ads, mobile billboards and even plans to promote the network on stadium food trays in some markets. DIRECTV is targeting Big Ten alumni associations with ad placements in alumni magazines, newsletters and websites. DIRECTV has also set up an Alumni Association Donation Program that will generate a $100 contribution to the association for each subscription originating from ads appearing in the alumni magazine, Website or received from a dedicated toll-free hotline number.

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/08/29/2896851.htm

(smiley added by AVS software)

So it's official that there's NO HD for DirecTV tonight?
220 is showing up as 480i for me.
You would think they would find space somewhere.

So it's official that there's NO HD for DirecTV tonight?
220 is showing up as 480i for me.
You would think they would find space somewhere.

I agree but just think how great it will be in a couple of weeks

So it's official that there's NO HD for DirecTV tonight?
220 is showing up as 480i for me.
You would think they would find space somewhere.

One of the D* threads said that 92, 94, and 98 had TBAs in the slots at noon et and 8pm et on Saturday. Very well could see BTN games there.

One of the D* threads said that 92, 94, and 98 had TBAs in the slots at noon et and 8pm et on Saturday. Very well could see BTN games there.

My guess it is for BB but I hope I am wrong

My guess it is for BB but I hope I am wrong

after noon can't be MLB, Fox has an exclusive window until 7:00pm

after noon can't be MLB, Fox has an exclusive window until 7:00pm

You are right I thought you were talking about toninght sorry. Then I would say there is a good chance there might be some HD football.

I think there is a pre season NFL game in HD tonight on NFL Network and D* is using channel 94 for that. That's probably why we don't get tonight's game in HD on D*. But who knows what will magically pop up tonight?

Just finished listening to the BTN launch teleconference and the main point I got from all the questions are that the BTN is willing to negotiate with anybody and is open to any ideas and that the BTN is currently talking to everyone, but Comcast.

Could be 2008 before big 10 network games are shown in HD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was reading a message board on one of the Big Ten school websites. Someone posted this message there.
"Even though 90% of the football and basketball games will be broadcast in HD, Directv does not have the channel capacity to show the games in HD . they currently have 10 HD channels and use thier other HD capacity for Sunday ticket, MLB games etc. I spoke with an executive who told me they have launched 1 satellite that will be operational by late sept, and are about to launch another 1 that will be operational in early 2008, these sattelites will give them up to a 1000 channels of HD capacity. The bad news is that the BTN will not come online until the 2nd sat. is up and functioning. Apparently according to him there are alot of other channels, history, discovery and starz that will take precident over the BTN and they will take up the HD capacity of the Sat. thats about to come online." This may make sense since they are offering the BTN on 219 - 221 which are SD channels. Can anyone confirm that the games listed as HD by the BTN may in fact not be carried in HD by D*?

Could be 2008 before big 10 network games are shown in HD
That quote you posted is pure BS. BTN will be up in HD in September on D10.

Could be 2008 before big 10 network games are shown in HD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was reading a message board on one of the Big Ten school websites. Someone posted this message there.
"Even though 90% of the football and basketball games will be broadcast in HD, Directv does not have the channel capacity to show the games in HD . they currently have 10 HD channels and use thier other HD capacity for Sunday ticket, MLB games etc. I spoke with an executive who told me they have launched 1 satellite that will be operational by late sept, and are about to launch another 1 that will be operational in early 2008, these sattelites will give them up to a 1000 channels of HD capacity. The bad news is that the BTN will not come online until the 2nd sat. is up and functioning. Apparently according to him there are alot of other channels, history, discovery and starz that will take precident over the BTN and they will take up the HD capacity of the Sat. thats about to come online." This may make sense since they are offering the BTN on 219 - 221 which are SD channels. Can anyone confirm that the games listed as HD by the BTN may in fact not be carried in HD by D*?

If you read any of the D* threads here you will know that almost all of the information there is false and incorrect.

The BTN will be up on D10 and as D* wants as many HD channels as they can, will be putting this in the first wave.

Here I was not really holding out any hope for my cable company to pick up BTN and all the sudden I see this wonderful news of Insight striking a deal. Hooray...

...then I go check the Insight website to find out it's only in select areas and mine (Indianapolis) is not part of the deal. This makes no sense whatsoever to me. We're a pretty good-sized market geographically square in the middle of Big Ten country.

And then I read on the Insight web page that the areas not included are dependent upon what Comcast does. Oh that's great news...

Do I really have to switch to D*?

Here I was not really holding out any hope for my cable company to pick up BTN and all the sudden I see this wonderful news of Insight striking a deal. Hooray...

...then I go check the Insight website to find out it's only in select areas and mine (Indianapolis) is not part of the deal. This makes no sense whatsoever to me. We're a pretty good-sized market geographically square in the middle of Big Ten country.Maybe when Indiana gets a Big Ten football team?

Could be 2008 before big 10 network games are shown in HD Wrong.

Maybe when Indiana gets a Big Ten football team?

Oooh, Ken, that is COLD! :eek:

And I live in Big 12 Country with a kid at Colorado, and have no dog in that Big Ten hunt.
:D

So does anybody know if Verizon FiOS will carry the Big Ten Network? I don't want to miss my Buckeye games.:(

Only fitting that the first broadcast on the BTN was the series premiere of "The Big Ten's Greatest Games" and the 2006 Ohio State-Michigan "Game of the Century".

Go Bucks!

Maybe when Indiana gets a Big Ten football team?

Of course I get that kind of reply out of a guy from Michigan. This displaced OSU grad/fan doesn't think too much higher of the teams in your state, 5 out of the last 6??? Oh well, the odds say the Wolves might actually have a chance this year.

But back to my point, and you make it even more. It shouldn't be called the Big Ten Network (for football), it should be called the Indiana/Purdue/Northwestern/Illinois/Minnesota network because those are the teams that are going to be on every week after these first few games. So I would think the people here might be a little interested. And oh yeah, there's this other sport called basketball which will make up about 3 times as much programming on BTN as football. I think Indiana might have a couple of "basketball" teams in the Big Ten..

Just watched highlghts on the BTN website of Penn State hosting Texas in womens volleyball. Production was good, graphics were clean, the male announcer was crisp and good, the female seemed a bit lost for words during the highlights.

Come on Comcast, get off your high horse and make a freakin deal here.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/UserFiles/Image/coverage-maps/btn_week01_12n.gif
http://www.bigtennetwork.com/UserFiles/Image/coverage-maps/btn_week01_8p.gif

So does this mean that DirecTV will not carry overflow games in HD even after the D10 satellite is active? In other words, are we looking at one HD game (primary) and the rest SD each week?

So does this mean that DirecTV will not carry overflow games in HD even after the D10 satellite is active? In other words, are we looking at one HD game (primary) and the rest SD each week?

No one knows the answer to that question yet

Maybe when Indiana gets a Big Ten football team?

When is Michigan planning on rejoining the conference in basketball?

Insight deal incomplete

Big Ten Network viewers won't get HD, extra games

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/football/stories/2007/08/31/big_ten31.ART_ART_08-31-07_C3_367P1OG.html?sid=101

And to Insight for not carrying the games in HD, I say, what is that "Special Events HD" channel there for? It's just sitting there doing nothing, an HD football feed could be a special event, but I don't know what exactly that channel is supposed to be for.

But oh yeah, Comcast is handling the negotiations for my Insight district so I guess I shouldn't bother.

So is 220 on D* going to be in HD on Saturday morning or will the HD coverage be somewhere between channels 70-96?

So is 220 on D* going to be in HD on Saturday morning or will the HD coverage be somewhere between channels 70-96?
We don't even know if DirecTV will have any HD coverage of the Big Ten Network before D10 goes live.

So is 220 on D* going to be in HD on Saturday morning or will the HD coverage be somewhere between channels 70-96?

if anything it will prolly be on 92, 94, or 98

Buckey Cable will have BTN HD.

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/lineup/lineup-tol.html

So is anyone getting the BTN games in HD? They are not in HD on Directv channels 218-221 so if Directv wasn't capable of sending an HD signal why the big deal about 36 of the 39 games will be produced in HD if Directv subs can't see them? Is it bacause the new satellite is not ready yet? As usual, I'm confused!

if Directv wasn't capable of sending an HD signal why the big deal about 36 of the 39 games will be produced in HD if Directv subs can't see them? Is it bacause the new satellite is not ready yet? As usual, I'm confused!
Just because DirecTV can't broadcast them (because the new satellite isn't ready) doesn't mean that nobody else can.

The Michigan-Appy St game would have been a good one to watch or record in HD. It was only one of the biggest upsets in CFB history.

so far the highlights of big ten network games on espnhd look great.

JUST LIKE LAST YEAR...the BIG 10 sucks!

NO it was THE BIGGEST upset ever...hilarious after all of ESPN's sickening overhype of the conference last year!

Michigan fans who are Comcast subscribers ought to be glad they don't have the Big Ten Network after the biggest upset in college football history. They didn't have to watch the Disaster in Ann Arbor.

Go Appalachian State! It's Mountaineeer fever across the land!

I look forward to watching Lloyd Carr's incoherent rantings as an analyst for ESPN any day now. I still don't understand how the Small-10 has a network. If any conferences deserve a network, it would be the SEC and the Pac-10. Cal and Tennessee are playing a great football game in Berkeley tonight. I mean, come on, The Small-10 Network? You have got to be kidding me.

JUST LIKE LAST YEAR...the BIG 10 sucks!

NO it was THE BIGGEST upset ever...hilarious after all of ESPN's sickening overhype of the conference last year!

I don't think there was a worse conference than the Big 12 last year. Heck, I think the BEST team in that conference lost to a team from the WAC that plays on blue carpet for god sakes.

So is anyone getting the BTN games in HD? They are not in HD on Directv channels 218-221 so if Directv wasn't capable of sending an HD signal why the big deal about 36 of the 39 games will be produced in HD if Directv subs can't see them? Is it bacause the new satellite is not ready yet? As usual, I'm confused!

Yes Everything I watched today was in 720P HD. Michigan game looked pretty good for 720P. The studio shots were all HD and looked very very good. The network carried a variety of shows on college life last night and it was all in HD.

This looked much better than ESPNHD Monday night travesty in 720P and Fox's mess. The Michigan uniforms looked great in 720P despite losing.

Buckeye cablevision.

Perhaps if the Big Ten would lower their academic standards to that of the SEC they would be just as good, then again this is COLLEGE athletics and apparently the B10 schools feel that a quality education is still important.

Big reason the BTN will work better than an SEC version is number of TV sets and income levels...

Just watched highlghts on the BTN website of Penn State hosting Texas in womens volleyball. Production was good, graphics were clean, the male announcer was crisp and good, the female seemed a bit lost for words during the highlights.

Come on Comcast, get off your high horse and make a freakin deal here.

You're kidding right? The production was good??? This was a two camera show that was laughable at best. The low net hand held camera was particularly bad, and whip panned a lot.

At the very least they could have run out to The Home Depot and get some lights for the announcers on camera.

Please let BTN fail and go back to ESPN. This BTN is embarrassing, quit being greedy and bring the games back to free TV.

http://www.puttingfansfirst.org/

Please let BTN fail and go back to ESPN. This BTN is embarrassing, quit being greedy and bring the games back to free TV.
:confused: ESPN isn't any more free than BTN.

:confused: ESPN isn't any more free than BTN.

The basketball and football games that BTN are showing are the former ESPN Plus games. Most of those games were on local OTA stations across the Big Ten footprint. In all there will be less OTA Big Ten games this year.

You're kidding right? The production was good??? This was a two camera show that was laughable at best. The low net hand held camera was particularly bad, and whip panned a lot.

At the very least they could have run out to The Home Depot and get some lights for the announcers on camera.

Please let BTN fail and go back to ESPN. This BTN is embarrassing, quit being greedy and bring the games back to free TV.

http://www.puttingfansfirst.org/

Were would ESPN have broadcasted all the games yesterday? Last time I checked they show games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. Three of those channels you have to pay for and one, ESPNU, isn't available everywhere.

This network allows more games to be broadcasted and more HD games.

Take Indiana for example. If it were not for the Big Ten Network the IU- Indiana St. game would not have been broadcasted at all in Fort Wayne.

Usually only 2 or 3 IU football games are broadcasted a year in Fort Wayne.

Yes, right now the only way to receive that broadcast is to have Direct TV, but at least it was broadcasted.

Once basketball season starts, IU is supposed to be on for at least 6 games. That will be 6 games in HD that would have only been in SD if the BTN did not exist.

The basketball and football games that BTN are showing are the former ESPN Plus games. Most of those games were on local OTA stations across the Big Ten footprint. In all there will be less OTA Big Ten games this year.

But they were not in HD.

But they were not in HD.

While they may be produced in HD, if no one can see them in HD what does it really matter. I have a feeling more people saw BTN HD highlights on ESPN then actually saw the game in HD on BTN.

It's only the "biggest upset ever" because the sports networks want to promote a story. I'm sick to death of hearing about it already, and I'm an OSU grad.

In all honesty, Appalachian State (the best of the FCS) is probably at least as good as the bottom half of most major FBS conferences, and there are intra-conference upsets every single year.

Were would ESPN have broadcasted all the games yesterday? Last time I checked they show games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. Three of those channels you have to pay for and one, ESPNU, isn't available everywhere.

This network allows more games to be broadcasted and more HD games.

Take Indiana for example. If it were not for the Big Ten Network the IU- Indiana St. game would not have been broadcasted at all in Fort Wayne.

Usually only 2 or 3 IU football games are broadcasted a year in Fort Wayne.

Yes, right now the only way to receive that broadcast is to have Direct TV, but at least it was broadcasted.

Once basketball season starts, IU is supposed to be on for at least 6 games. That will be 6 games in HD that would have only been in SD if the BTN did not exist.


ESPN Plus games aired in syndication on free TV throughout the BigTen footprint. By going back to the ESPN family of networks we're allowed greater coverage, and in ESPN PLus syndication, "free" TV.

http://puttingfansfirst.org/

ESPN Plus games aired in syndication on free TV throughout the BigTen footprint. By going back to the ESPN family of networks we're allowed greater coverage, and in ESPN PLus syndication, "free" TV.

http://puttingfansfirst.org/

So, under the old system, the big ten sells the rights to espn, espn sells the rights to local OTA stations, OTA stations sell commercials. Each party along the way has its hand in the cookie jar.

Under the new system, the big ten airs the games and sells the commercials (w/ Fox as a minority stakeholder). The profits go to the schools who make up the big ten conference, benefiting the residents of each of the big ten states. Plus we get the games in HD and more games are aired.

So, under the old system, the big ten sells the rights to espn, espn sells the rights to local OTA stations, OTA stations sell commercials. Each party along the way has its hand in the cookie jar.

Under the new system, the big ten airs the games and sells the commercials (w/ Fox as a minority stakeholder). The profits go to the schools who make up the big ten conference, benefiting the residents of each of the big ten states. Plus we get the games in HD and more games are aired.

But joe six pack cant watch the games then. Hows that benifiting him?

I hope to see tuition drop at all Big 10 schools now that they have their own network. Yea, I'm sure that'll happen. :rolleyes:

But joe six pack cant watch the games then.Sure he can, just switch to DirecTV......


I hope to see tuition drop at all Big 10 schools now that they have their own network. Yea, I'm sure that'll happen. :rolleyes:Tuition won't drop, but additional revenue will allow schools to have programs that otherwise may be cut due to obvious financial issues.

Tuition won't drop, but additional revenue will allow schools to have programs that otherwise may be cut due to obvious financial issues.
While the revenue may allow schools to do this, that is rarely how the revenue is actually deployed.

As a faculty member at Div. I school I can assure you that virtually all of the additional revenue that schools generate from such contracts (e.g., TV contracts, Bowl appearances, etc.) goes back into the various sports programs at those schools and does not "trickle down" into academic programs. At my previous institution (an ACC school) the athletic department was considered generous when they provided $20,000 to the college of arts and sciences to sponsor a grand total of one, one-year dissertation fellowship for a graduate student.

While the revenue may allow schools to do this, that is rarely how the revenue is actually deployed.

As a faculty member at Div. I school I can assure you that virtually all of the additional revenue that schools generate from such contracts (e.g., TV contracts, Bowl appearances, etc.) goes back into the various sports programs at those schools and does not "trickle down" into academic programs.I didn't say academic programs. I said programs, and would assume since the revenue comes from sports, it would go to sports.

ESPN Plus games aired in syndication on free TV throughout the BigTen footprint. By going back to the ESPN family of networks we're allowed greater coverage, and in ESPN PLus syndication, "free" TV.

http://puttingfansfirst.org/

So, do you work for Comcast or another MSO?

The only people I've seen referencing that site are employees or Comcast or marketing firms hired by them.

The highligghts I saw of that volleyball game were just as good as anything I've seen from FSN or ESPN for a similar game.

ESPN Regional charged the local stations for those games and that cost was passed along to subs in rights fees.

If you want to be this blatant, you might as well tell us which company you are working for.

ESPN Regional charged the local stations for those games and that cost was passed along to subs in rights fees.

Most of that cost was covered by advertising, not subscribers. Also for the OTA stations that do charge cable companies, it is a much lower cost then a good number of cable stations.

All the HD highlights I caught from the BTN on ESPN were stellar.

So, do you work for Comcast or another MSO?

The only people I've seen referencing that site are employees or Comcast or marketing firms hired by them.
The site publishes a partial list here:

http://www.puttingfansfirst.org/pubs/members.cfm

They also acknowledge support from Comcast on the "Who We Are" page, but the list on the link above appears to go beyond that.

Incidentally, the Des Moines Register reported on the issue yesterday (9-3-07) since this week's Iowa vs. Syracuse game is on BTN and Mediacom is among the cable companies not carrying the network. Iowa's last game was in Chicago against Northern Illinois, and the Register reported that "an Iowa fan who emceed the Hawkeye Huddle [a pregame rally for the hordes of Iowa fans who travel to away games] announced to the thousands of fans that Big Ten Network cameras were at the event. The reaction? Very distinguishable booing."

But they're also reporting that DirecTV installers are bracing for action.

Here's that link: http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070903/SPORTS020502/709030333/1003/archive

I am an App State grad that was in the "Big House" on Saturday. What a great game. I recorded the SD version from D* but i would love to have the HD version. Does anyone think that BTN may re-run the game again once D* can send out the HD version?

Plus we get the games in HD and more games are aired.

You'll find more games aired in places like N. Illinois or Northwestern, that have programs that aren't a blip on the radar screen for TV viewers.

For folks at Ohio State for example, if anything they stand to lose games. Nearly every game they played for the last few seasons has had some television exposure.

BTN, so far, has only guaranteed four (4) games, on their schedule.

Further, I have yet to know of one person that has seen a BTN game in HD. I imagine their HD will come with DirecTV's MPEG4 rollout. Of the mom & pop cable providers in Ohio, I don't know of any that are allowing BTN on their HD tier.

Why should they??? BTN is offering garbage games anyway, because anything worth watching is already on network TV, and most likely in high def.

So, do you work for Comcast or another MSO?

The only people I've seen referencing that site are employees or Comcast or marketing firms hired by them.

The highligghts I saw of that volleyball game were just as good as anything I've seen from FSN or ESPN for a similar game.

ESPN Regional charged the local stations for those games and that cost was passed along to subs in rights fees.

If you want to be this blatant, you might as well tell us which company you are working for.

I work for myself...thank you very much.

I own multiple brands of car washes and VIP auto detailing throughout Ohio; before that I had my hand in hardware stores. Further, I'm just a huge Buckeyes fan that would like to see ESPN take back the games for the ESPN Plus package.

The site publishes a partial list here:

http://www.puttingfansfirst.org/pubs/members.cfm

They also acknowledge support from Comcast on the "Who We Are" page, but the list on the link above appears to go beyond that.

Incidentally, the Des Moines Register reported on the issue yesterday (9-3-07) since this week's Iowa vs. Syracuse game is on BTN and Mediacom is among the cable companies not carrying the network. Iowa's last game was in Chicago against Northern Illinois, and the Register reported that "an Iowa fan who emceed the Hawkeye Huddle [a pregame rally for the hordes of Iowa fans who travel to away games] announced to the thousands of fans that Big Ten Network cameras were at the event. The reaction? Very distinguishable booing."

But they're also reporting that DirecTV installers are bracing for action.

Here's that link: http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070903/SPORTS020502/709030333/1003/archive


That's surprising, noting that in Michigan, Comcast executive vice president David Cohen said in publish reports in the Detroit Free Press that demand for the new network has been, “Virtually nothing,” he said. “Consumers are tired of getting expensive channels they don’t want to watch. ... We don’t think that the vast majority of our customers who are not interested in it should pay to enrich 11 universities and Fox.”

So, under the old system, the big ten sells the rights to espn, espn sells the rights to local OTA stations, OTA stations sell commercials. Each party along the way has its hand in the cookie jar.

Under the new system, the big ten airs the games and sells the commercials (w/ Fox as a minority stakeholder). The profits go to the schools who make up the big ten conference, benefiting the residents of each of the big ten states. Plus we get the games in HD and more games are aired.

I think many will agree its inherently wrong that Big Ten is no longer a conference, but a business. Everything that's wrong with the business of professional sports trickling down to college level.

Most of these schools are already state taxpayer supported, why should state taxpayer's be expected to subsidize a start up network, so that they can make just under $300 million annual profit if all their carriage demands are met?

I don't have a problem with them starting their own network, but it's arrogant and insulting of BTN to DEMAND basic cable tiers and $1.10 per subscriber. Especially for a subpar product with garbage games.

I think many will agree its inherently wrong that Big Ten is no longer a conference, but a business. Everything that's wrong with the business of professional sports trickling down to college level.

Most of these schools are already state taxpayer supported, why should state taxpayer's be expected to subsidize a start up network, so that they can make just under $300 million annual profit if all their carriage demands are met?

The argument about college sports as businesses flew out the window years ago. Athletic departments at major university are merely marketing departments for their universities. Taxpayers should not be excepted to support the BTN or any other network, and they don't. Cable subscribers, however, do have a choice as to what tier of service they want or if they want any service what so ever. However, the BTN is a business, no matter if you like it or not and have every right to demand whatever carriage level they want, as does any other cable net. That is just the nature of the cable business as it is structured right now.

I don't have a problem with them starting their own network, but it's arrogant and insulting of BTN to DEMAND basic cable tiers and $1.10 per subscriber. Especially for a subpar product with garbage games.
Comcast, the BTN, and the Big Ten Universities are just trying to do what they feel is the best interest for their own brands. There is nothing insulting about that what so ever from any side of the argument.

As far as calling the games they show garbage, many fans of the schools they show would never consider those games as garbage.

Overall there has been way too much misinformation and disenguous arguments from Comcast and the BTN. Making this battle public has not helped either side, as it rarely does with such talks.

I think many will agree its inherently wrong that Big Ten is no longer a conference, but a business. Everything that's wrong with the business of professional sports trickling down to college level.

Most of these schools are already state taxpayer supported, why should state taxpayer's be expected to subsidize a start up network, so that they can make just under $300 million annual profit if all their carriage demands are met?


Taxpayers support the University NOT the athletic departments. They are run separately and generate their own revenue.

However, the BTN is a business, no matter if you like it or not and have every right to demand whatever carriage level they want, as does any other cable net.

A business that has a flawed business model. BTN is a business that has made serious mistakes in judgement relative to the demand for their programming and how much revenue they will earn.

An expensive niche sports channel belongs in a sports tier. BTN has made a serious mistake because if they end up in a sports tier on cable, they will not be able to pay out all the money to the universities they have promised. They may not earn the money to pay all those big salaries that have been hired on.

Most of these schools are already state taxpayer supported, why should state taxpayer's be expected to subsidize a start up network, so that they can make just under $300 million annual profit if all their carriage demands are met?

Taxpayers aren't subsidizing it. They are trying to soak every cable subscriber in 10 states whether they are interested in the Big 10 or not.

This is a great example for the argument to enable ala-carte choices. With the advent of all-digital cable, there is no reason to have a basic or basic-extended tier at all.

This is a great example for the argument to enable ala-carte choices. With the advent of all-digital cable, there is no reason to have a basic or basic-extended tier at all.

This is exactly what I've been thinking, although we know it will never happen. Why? Because those saintly cable companies HDTD refers to would stand to lose too much money.

I think the argument that it is unfair to force an extra charge on uninterested subscribers by putting it in basic is completely baseless. I pay roughly $75/mo for a digital cable/HD package where I get probably 200 or so channels I don't know. But I only watch 15-20 tops, with 5 of those being free OTA stations. So is it unfair that I'm paying for hundreds of stations that I could care less about? Fact of the matter is everybody likes to watch different things. To say the majority of subscribers aren't interested in the BTN could be true, but the majority of subscribers aren't interested in the majority of their programming choices anyways.

To be honest, I hate the fact that the BTN exists, but it does. So while I hold it against the Big Ten for starting this network, I hold just as much or more blame against the Comcast's of the world who say they're just looking to protect their subscribers. LOL! That's ridiculous. They could care less about what their subscribers have to pay. They just want what will bring them the most money, and getting a million or so Big Ten fans to jump on their $5.99/mo sports tier will do that for them.

We could split hairs forever on this one guys...let's just say both the greedy Big Ten and the greedy cable companies are equally at fault here and call it even.

A business that has a flawed business model. BTN is a business that has made serious mistakes in judgement relative to the demand for their programming and how much revenue they will earn.

An expensive niche sports channel belongs in a sports tier. BTN has made a serious mistake because if they end up in a sports tier on cable, they will not be able to pay out all the money to the universities they have promised. They may not earn the money to pay all those big salaries that have been hired on.

Is it still a flawed business model if they end up where they want to be? As far as the universities are concerned their money from the BTN is guaranteed. News Corp has deep enough pockets to support the network while the carriage agreements get worked out. Relative to many other cable nets on basic the BTN has a higher level of demand in the Big Ten footprint.

There was a report (http://www.uverseusers.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,2/topic,2708.0/) over on uverseusers.com that ATT's UVerse did not broadcast the Buckeyes game to their Ohio customers last week. Can anybody else confirm this ?

There was a report (http://www.uverseusers.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,2/topic,2708.0/) over on uverseusers.com that ATT's UVerse did not broadcast the Buckeyes game to their Ohio customers last week. Can anybody else confirm this ?

I am in Wisconsin and according to the coverage maps from last week I was supposed to get the Minnesota-Bowling Green game in the night cap. My guide even had this listed. But the Indiana-Indiana St. game was being shown instead. Apparently ATT is showing only what the Big Ten deems the primary game when multiple games on. That's a huge problem for fans in Big Ten states that tune in to watch there team and can't get them. It affected this guy last weekend and might effect me when Wisconsin finally plays on the BTN. It would be nice to have the overflow games on U-verse, and I don't see why they couldn't, but they have to be able to provide the local markets with its' teams games otherwise what's the point. Hopefully they get this stuff figured out fast. If I miss any Badger games this fall, I'll go to Direct TV before the Big Ten basketball season starts.

Tom

I am in Wisconsin and according to the coverage maps from last week I was supposed to get the Minnesota-Bowling Green game in the night cap. My guide even had this listed. But the Indiana-Indiana St. game was being shown instead. Apparently ATT is showing only what the Big Ten deems the primary game when multiple games on. That's a huge problem for fans in Big Ten states that tune in to watch there team and can't get them. It affected this guy last weekend and might effect me when Wisconsin finally plays on the BTN. It would be nice to have the overflow games on U-verse, and I don't see why they couldn't, but they have to be able to provide the local markets with its' teams games otherwise what's the point. Hopefully they get this stuff figured out fast. If I miss any Badger games this fall, I'll go to Direct TV before the Big Ten basketball season starts.

Tom

Call them and complain, ask for the overflow games. THe BTN has stated that they will make all the feeds available so a provider can show them on overflow channels

Now on Dish channel 439 with alternates on 440+. No HD available or uplinked. This show on Michigan right now isn't sports related.

Now on Dish channel 439 with alternates on 440+. No HD available or uplinked. This show on Michigan right now isn't sports related.

Two games will be in HD this weekend on 9467 and the HD channel will go live next week.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/corporate/PR090607.asp

The channel isn't all about sports. Each schools' journalism departments have the opportunity to produce newscasts for the station, also.

Can the thread title be changed?

Damn, thats another HD that D* insinuated that they would have first, yet E* has beat them to the HD punch.

D* may have had the games last weekend, but E* will have HD this weekend.

Charlie is doing something right

This just made my video decision a bit tougher, I gotta get off from Comcast, but who do I go to?

Damn, thats another HD that D* insinuated that they would have first, yet E* has beat them to the HD punch.

D* may have had the games last weekend, but E* will have HD this weekend.

Charlie is doing something right

This just made my video decision a bit tougher, I gotta get off from Comcast, but who do I go to?

FYI, based on the article in the Detroit Free Press, only the primary games will be carried by Dish.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS07/70906066&GID=MBE6S2qgGZ0lusaf0JjcJdQ44UAMAWIQQB+qZzitDvc%3D

FYI, based on the article in the Detroit Free Press, only the primary games will be carried by Dish.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS07/70906066&GID=MBE6S2qgGZ0lusaf0JjcJdQ44UAMAWIQQB+qZzitDvc%3D

Incorrect, E* will have the alternate channels just like D*, and will be showing 2 games in HD this weekend.

This just made my video decision a bit tougher, I gotta get off from Comcast, but who do I go to?

Just keep in mind E* has Fox Soccer in AT250 while D* makes you buy the sports pack. And La Liga HD on worldsport.

Incorrect, E* will have the alternate channels just like D*, and will be showing 2 games in HD this weekend.

Ya the alternate channels are already up.

Just keep in mind E* has Fox Soccer in AT250 while D* makes you buy the sports pack. And La Liga HD on worldsport.

Damn you Posty, damn you

A business that has a flawed business model. BTN is a business that has made serious mistakes in judgement relative to the demand for their programming and how much revenue they will earn.

An expensive niche sports channel belongs in a sports tier. BTN has made a serious mistake because if they end up in a sports tier on cable, they will not be able to pay out all the money to the universities they have promised. They may not earn the money to pay all those big salaries that have been hired on.

Looks like a terribly flawed business model. Originally found in the HOTP thread (Thanks Fredfa)

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003634099

here is the first paragraph of the article talking about exceeding expectations for advertising demand.

"After a tumultuous scrimmage with cable operators, the Big Ten Network kicked off last week in more than 17 million households throughout the Midwest, with ad sales surpassing early expectations."

Also, as announced Charlie Ergen just signed up Dish to add another good sized chunk of viewers (I won't say the whole E* sub base as I still can't dechipher exactly what the carriage plan really is after the first of the year).

Yes, a terribly flawed business model. ;)

Comcast and TWC may be able to limp through football season -- during which BTN only has three weeks of second choices of games -- but come hoops season things could change fast.

BTN will have lots of exclusives, including more than a dozen Ohio State and a similar number of Michigan games.

Just think of all the Big Ten basketball fans who get their shiny new HDTVs for Christmas. If the cable companies don't want their business, E* and D* certainly do.

Can the thread title be changed?

Why not start a new thread and stress the HD part of it?

Yes, a terribly flawed business model. ;)

We still don't know how badly BTN caved in on their demanded price :D

I noted from the BTN website that several games were listed as HD however on our channels we aren't seeing any HD. Is this what everyone else is also noting or are we being left out of the HD loop here?

I noted from the BTN website that several games were listed as HD however on our channels we aren't seeing any HD. Is this what everyone else is also noting or are we being left out of the HD loop here?

Dish is showing Syracuse v Iowa on 9467 at 8. They are not showing Illinois in HD. Directv is not showing any games in HD this weekend.

Comcast and TWC may be able to limp through football season -- during which BTN only has three weeks of second choices of games -- but come hoops season things could change fast.

BTN will have lots of exclusives, including more than a dozen Ohio State and a similar number of Michigan games.

Just think of all the Big Ten basketball fans who get their shiny new HDTVs for Christmas. If the cable companies don't want their business, E* and D* certainly do.

I am curious whether D* is seeing an increase in subscriptions in Big 10 areas.

I am curious whether D* is seeing an increase in subscriptions in Big 10 areas.
I don't know. But I do know that around here (Detroit), BTN runs ads that specifically say "NOT ON COMCAST." They don't mess around, they just flat out say it.

WOW! has added teh Big Ten Network

WOW! Launches Big Ten Network
WOW! is pleased to announce the launch of Big Ten Network on WOW! Cable, allowing sports fans to follow their favorite college teams throughout the year. Effective Saturday, September 29th, Big Ten Network will be available in all areas. Big Ten Network will be available in all areas that WOW! serves on the following channels:

Channel
Columbus, Ohio 87
Cleveland, Ohio 87
Southeast Michigan 87
Illinois 87
Evansville, Indiana 73

The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming.

That takes the steam out of switching to DBS around here. WOW! is available to the same customers that are served by TWC. Those who aren't get Insight which already carries BTN. Wow! offers a decent selection of HD channels too so hopefully they will add the hd feed soon.

That takes the steam out of switching to DBS around here.
They don't offer the alternate channels nor do they offer HD, and they haven't given any indications that this will change. So it takes some of the steam out, but not all of it.

They don't offer the alternate channels nor do they offer HD, and they haven't given any indications that this will change. So it takes some of the steam out, but not all of it.

But you should get whatever game is regionally relevant to your area

But you should get whatever game is regionally relevant to your area
Yes, but regionally relevant doesn't necessarily mean relevant to me.

But you should get whatever game is regionally relevant to your area

The problem is that some areas overlap and without alternate channels your screwed. Take next week for example when Michigan and Michigan State both play on BTN at the same time.

The problem is that some areas overlap and without alternate channels your screwed. Take next week for example when Michigan and Michigan State both play on BTN at the same time.

I agree, was just stating what you cable provider will state.

I really hope that in a case like MSU and U of M sharing a timeslot, that a cable provider would use something like FSN+ for the overlap. Similar to the Tigers, Pistons, and Red WIngs

They don't offer the alternate channels nor do they offer HD, and they haven't given any indications that this will change. So it takes some of the steam out, but not all of it.

Agreed about HD but most people down here only care about one team.

Agreed about HD but most people down here only care about one team.
Well up here, we've got a mix of Michigan and MSU fans. So I really don't know what WOW is going to do next week.

Jeremey, when you say no Alternative BTN....does that include DirecTV?

Jeremey, when you say no Alternative BTN....does that include DirecTV?

D* and E* both have all the games. It is yet to be seen if D* will have the alternate games in HD as well.

Jeremey, when you say no Alternative BTN....does that include DirecTV?
No, DirecTV always offers all of the alternate BTN channels. I was only talking about WOW.

It is yet to be seen if D* will have the alternate games in HD as well.
At least for this week, it's looking like they won't.

WOW cable still has not given us the High Definition feed of the Big Ten Network. Apparently they think that crappy analog channel 87 is good enough.

Lets pound them with channel requests for the BTN in HD.

Use their online channel request:

http://www1.wowway.com/customer/customer.aspx?ConIdent=25&RCView=CAREE

Please make sure to choose the channel request in the drop down box.

WOW cable still has not given us the High Definition feed of the Big Ten Network. Apparently they think that crappy analog channel 87 is good enough.

Lets pound them with channel requests for the BTN in HD.

Use their online channel request:

http://www1.wowway.com/customer/customer.aspx?ConIdent=25&RCView=CAREE

Please make sure to choose the channel request in the drop down box.

I've given up on WOW adding anything new in HD. I plan to cancel my WOW service and go full time with D* any day now.

At least they have the channel, unlike Comcast.

Local WOW users are reporting they have added BTN-HD here in Columbus.

http://www.hdcolumbus.net/vb-hdtv/showpost.php?p=8280&postcount=112

BTN-HD is on definately on WOW channel 219

I just got home and checked it out.

Thanks guys for pounding the customer service with channel requests!

For those interested in the ongoing feud between the BTN and some of the major cable companies, Michigan's athletic director Bill Martin has posted two lengthy letters to fans discussing the issues from the perspective of the Big Ten schools themselves. He also gives details of the BTN's relationships with ABC and ESPN, including how the decisions are made as to what games are carried. I found it interesting to view the situation from the other side of the table, given that Comcast has been pretty vocal about stating their opinions.

Here's the link to the first letter (http://www.mgoblue.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=25634) published on October 16.

Apparently, the University received so many email responses that he published a followup letter (http://www.mgoblue.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=25883) on October 31 to address the most common questions and concerns raised in those emails.

Rob

Deal getting closer with Comcast, Fall football looks good...

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/NEWS01/803110321

Comcast, Big Ten Network may be close to deal

Mark Snyder
Special to the State Journal

According to a source close to the negotiations, Comcast and the Big Ten Network have made significant progress toward a deal and only an unforeseen setback would prevent it from being on the cable system by football season.

Considering the animosity between the sides much of last fall and into the winter - Comcast ran negative ads, especially on radio, attacking the Big Ten Network - a finalized deal would be significant.

Currently, BTN is mostly available in Michigan on DirecTV, Dish Network and Wide Open West with small pockets of AT&T U-verse as well.
Advertisement

Sports Business Journal, which reported a deal was close in its Monday edition, said Comcast has agreed to place the network on expanded basic in most of the Big Ten footprint, but not all.

"We cannot comment specifically on the report in Sports Business Journal, other to say that the two sides continue to talk and continue to make progress. Beyond that, we cannot comment further," said Elizabeth Conlisk, vice president of communications for Big Ten Network.

While the cable company had previously insisted on placing the network on a sports tier, that demand appears to be relaxed.

"We continue to negotiate with the Big Ten for an agreement fair for all our customers," said Patrick Paterno, direct of communications for Comcast Michigan Region.

Comcast has nearly 5.8 million subscribers in the Big Ten footprint - the eight states home to Big Ten schools.

Other major cable companies, including Time Warner and Charter, have yet to sign deals, and there have been no reports of progress in those talks.

Contact Detroit Free Press writer Mark Snyder at (248) 351-3688 or msnyder@freep.com.

Deal getting closer with Comcast, Fall football looks good...


From what I've been told the proper pronounciation in Indiana is "fubaw".

It looks like the Big Ten Network and Comcast have worked out enough of their differences to be carried in some places:

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/06/big_ten_comcast_reach_carriage.php

Big Ten, Comcast Reach Carriage Agreement
By Jon Lafayette

After long, often acrimonious negotiations, Big Ten Network reached a long-term carriage agreement with Comcast that puts the channel on the expanded basic tier during the next football and basketball seasons in the eight states where the conference’s 11 colleges are located.

A joint venture of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks, Big Ten Network launched last August and has about 30 million subscribers.

“This agreement allows us to reach many more Big Ten fans with our programming because of the high concentration of Comcast subscribers in Big Ten states,” Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said. “With the Comcast deal now in place, the Big Ten Network will be available to more than two-thirds of all homes in Big Ten Country.”

Beginning Aug. 15, Big Ten Network will receive about 80 cents per subscriber in the conference’s eight-state footprint, where Comcast has almost 6 million subscribers, sources said. The footprint excludes the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, where Comcast is based.

Comcast subscribers in the footprint will also get access to games and other events in high definition, programming on video-on-demand, and other content on Comcast.net.

After the college basketball season ends next spring, Comcast may elect to move the networks to a broadly distributed digital level of service in most of its systems in those states.

The network will get almost 10 cents per sub outside the footprint, where the cable operator will have the choice of what tier to put the channel on, if any.

“We will be providing our customers with Big Ten programming through our signature video-on-demand service, and will have lots of highlights, replays, scores and more through Comcast.net so fans can keep pace with Big Ten action whenever they want to,” said Madison Bond, executive VP for content acquisition at Comcast Cable.

Comcast had resisted putting the channel on a broadly distributed tier, arguing that if all of its subscribers had to pay, it amounted to a Big Ten tax. The network argued that other sports networks owned by Comcast, including Golf Channel, Versus and some regional sports networks, are already carried on basic.

Comcast is having a similar dispute with the NFL Network, which it carries on a digital sports tier.

The deal was reportedly helped along by negotiations between Fox and Comcast when Fox was bidding against AT&T and EchoStar to get TV rights to Detroit Pistons basketball games for its FSN Detroit network.

Fox boxed out Comcast’s telco and satellite competitors and Comcast renewed its carriage agreement with the sports channel soon afterward.

Big Ten Network still has to reach carriage deals with some other big cable operators, led by Time Warner Cable.

Topic title changed.


Official Press Release

June 19, 2008


Comcast, Big Ten Network Reach Broad Multimedia Agreement for Big Ten Network Content

Comcast customers to receive Big Ten Network HD, Big Ten Network high-speed Internet content through Comcast.net, and condensed game replays and other programs through Comcast On Demand

Philadelphia and Chicago -- Comcast Corporation and the Big Ten Network announced today that they have reached a long-term multimedia agreement for Comcast to carry Big Ten Network programming across television, broadband and video-on-demand in time for the 2008 college football season.

Under the terms of the agreement, Comcast will initially launch the network 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 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, with the exception of the Philadelphia region which will launch on a broadly distributed digital level of service) starting August 15th. (Comcast does not have systems in Iowa, the eighth Big Ten state.) In Spring 2009, Comcast may elect to move the network to a broadly distributed digital level of service in most of its systems in these states. Comcast's digital customers in the Big Ten states will also have immediate access to live Big Ten games and events in high definition, Big Ten programming via Comcast's video-on-demand platform, and a wide array of conference-related content through Comcast.net.

Outside of the Big Ten states that Comcast serves, Comcast has the option to provide Big Ten Network programming on any level of service, including its Sports Entertainment Package.

Officials from Comcast and Big Ten Network said they look forward to utilizing both traditional and emerging media to bring more Big Ten programming to fans than was ever available to them before.

"We are very pleased with the agreement we have reached with the Big Ten Network to carry hundreds of live Big Ten events," said Madison Bond, Executive Vice President, Content Acquisition, Comcast Cable. "We will be providing our customers with Big Ten programming through our signature video-on-demand service, and will have lots of highlights, replays, scores and more through Comcast.net so fans can keep pace with Big Ten action whenever they want to."

Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said the network is thrilled to have Comcast as a distribution partner. "This agreement allows us to reach many more Big Ten fans with our programming because of the high concentration of Comcast subscribers in Big Ten states. With the Comcast deal now in place, the Big Ten Network will be available to more than two-thirds of all homes in Big Ten Country."

Big Ten Network already produces more high-definition television content than any new sports network in television history. Over the next year, more than 400 live Big Ten sporting events will be carried by the Big Ten Network in high definition, including football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and soccer, as well as other NCAA-sponsored sports.

Comcast's digital customers who receive the network will have On Demand access to programming such as weekly extended highlights and condensed game replays from around the conference, classic Big Ten sporting events, bowl game coverage and coaches' shows, plus original campus programming and nightly studio shows from Big Ten Network, most of which is available in high definition.

Comcast also has the ability to deliver much of that same content to its Comcast High Speed Internet customers via the company's Comcast.net portal. Additionally, Comcast has the rights to carry certain network content on Fancast.com.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com) is the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services. With 24.7 million cable customers, 14.1 million high-speed Internet customers, and 5.2 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten Comcast SportsNet networks and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet business. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

About the Big Ten Network
The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks.

Big Ten Net Scores Comcast Pact

Deal Could Establish Carriage Game Plan For Other Operators

By Mike Farrell -- Multichannel News, 6/21/2008 4:43:00 AM

The Big Ten Network bagged its biggest MSO carriage deal to date, reaching an agreement with Comcast last week after months of negotiations, a move that the college-sports network hopes will result in other carriage deals with other operators in the near future.

The Comcast deal comes after months of speculation that the two were close to an agreement — the first reports surfaced in March — and would appear to pave the way for other MSOs to sign deals with the network. With the Comcast pact, BTN should increase its carriage from 30 million homes to 35 million homes.

BTN has deals with satellite giants Dish Network and DirecTV, as well as several smaller MSOs like Insight Communications and overbuilders like RCN and WideOpenWest.

The network still has to reach agreements with Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and Mediacom Communications, who collectively represent between 6.5 million and 7 million homes in the eight-state Big Ten Conference footprint.

Representatives from Charter, Mediacom and TWC said that they were currently negotiating with BTN and were hopeful favorable deals could be reached.

According to the Comcast deal, the MSO will initially launch BTN as part of its expanded basic tier to promote the network in seven of the eight states in the Big Ten Conference (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania), beginning Aug. 15. Comcast does not have subscribers in the eighth Big Ten State, Iowa. The Philadelphia market will launch the promotional service on a broadly distributed digital tier.

In the spring of 2009, Comcast may elect to move the network to a broadly distributed digital tier in most of those systems. Those customers also will have access to live Big Ten games and events in high definition, Big Ten programming via the cable company's video on demand platform and conference-related content via Comcast.net.

Outside of the Big Ten states, Comcast has the option of not carrying the channel or putting it on any level of service, including a specialized sports tier.

While neither side would reveal financial terms of the deal, sources familiar with both parties said Comcast will pay about 70 cents per subscriber per month for the network, below the $1-per-sub price tag BTN was said to be looking for with other deals.

BTN president Mark Silverman said that the main reason for the lengthy negotiations was hammering out the VOD, HD and new media portions of the deal.

“There really wasn't any kind of specific hangup,” Silverman said. “It was just vetting through a lot of very detailed complex issues that in many circumstances, never had to be negotiated between a cable network and a provider before.”

BTN, owned by the conference's 11 member colleges and Fox National Cable Sports Networks, also appears to have made a big concession by allowing the MSO to carry the network on a digital or sports tier. That has been taboo with other networks — because it limits the number of homes where the network is available and in turns reduces advertising revenue — but was not a big concern for BTN.

Comcast has about 6 million total subscribers in the eight-state area, about 5 million of which subscribe to the digital tier. It was that type of high penetration rate that made BTN open to a deal that did not include basic-tier carriage.

For operators with lower digital penetration rates, that could be a different story, said Fox Sports Network president Bob Thompson.

“We're looking for broad distribution,” Thompson said.

But Thompson added that the Comcast deal shows that BTN is willing to bend a little to get a deal done, which should help it in its negotiations with other MSOs.

“Every deal is different because everyone's got a different size and everyone is in different phases of their various digital rollouts,” Thompson said. “By resolving the issue with Comcast, we certainly have an opportunity to go back and broaden the discussions with those MSOs we haven't signed.”

And while Comcast can move the service to digital after the promotional period, it can only do so to its most broadly distributed digital service.

“What that gives us is the knowledge that even if it is moved it's still before a significant majority of all of their customers,” Silverman said. “From our standpoint, if we're still able to reach a significant majority of people, were very comfortable with that.”

And Silverman hopes that willingness to be flexible will help it in negotiations with the other MSOs.

“We feel that there's enough there to work with to get these deals done,” Silverman said. “We think we've proven we're willing to be flexible and creative as a result of this deal and we look forward to talking to those guys and getting those deals done too.”

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6572200.html

Comcast will add the Big Ten Network on 8/15 in Baltimore, in the Sports and Entertainment pack. It will be on channel 257, between VS/Golf HD and HDPPV. But the message doesn't say it will be in HD.

Also being added here in the Twin Cities on the same date -- both an SD and HD channel.

Is it true that some people in other parts of the Country think the Big 10 football is all shown in SLO-MO?

I've heard this. :)

cant part of the new deal be that the big 10 makes their bcs championship game team be competitive in that game ?

Comcast will add the Big Ten Network on 8/15 in Baltimore, in the Sports and Entertainment pack. It will be on channel 257, between VS/Golf HD and HDPPV. But the message doesn't say it will be in HD.

Actually showed up last week. Probably SD.

Showed up as 297 about 10 days ago in Atlanta. Anybody have any ideas about HD carriage here?

Big Ten Network-Comcast Channels
(as of August 14, 2008)

Pennsylvania cities
Aliquippa: channel 72 (250 HD)
Beaver Falls: channel 72 (250 HD)
Bellefonte: channel 55 (191 HD)
Blairsville: channel 72 (769 HD)
Chambersburg: channel 61 (191 HD)
Dallas-Dunmore: channel 63 (191 HD)
DuBois: channel 72 (769 HD)
Gettysburg: channel 57 (no HD at this time)
Greensburg: channel 72 (250 HD)
Hanover: channel 64 (191 HD)
Hazleton: channel 63 (191 HD)
Harrisburg: channel 59 (191 HD)
Hershey: channel 60 (191 HD)
Huntingdon: channel 48 (191 HD)
Indiana: channel 72 (269 HD)
Kittaning: channel 72 (769 HD)
Lancaster: channel 58 (191 HD)
Latrobe: channel 72 (769 HD)
Lebanon: channel 67 (191 HD)
Lewistown: channel 55 (191 HD)
Lock Haven: channel 60 (191 HD)
Monroeville: channel 72 (250 HD)
Mount Union: channel 48 (191 HD)
Murrysville: channel 72 (769 HD)
New Castle: channel 72 (769 HD)
Philadelphia: channel 257 (Digital Classic-No HD)
Philipsburg: channel 55 (191 HD)
Pittsburgh: channel 72 (250 HD)
Pittsburgh-New Comcast (formerly Adelphia: channel 72 (769 HD)
Pottsville: channel 37 (191 HD)
Reading: channel 257 (Digital Classic-No HD)
Scranton: channel 63 (191 HD)
State College: channel 55 (257 Digital Classic; 191 HD)
Towanda: channel 70 (191 HD)
Uniontown: channel 72 (250 HD)
Washington: channel 72 (250 HD)
Williamsport: channel 51 (191 HD)
York: channel 64 (191 HD)

Selected Mid-Atlantic Areas
Baltimore: Sports Entertainment Package
Morgantown, W.Va.: channel 267-Digital Classic (769 HD)
South Jersey: channel 257 (Digital Classic-No HD)
Washington, D.C.: Sports Entertainment Package
Wheeling, W.Va: channel 192-Digital Classic (250 HD)
Wilmington, Del: channel 257 (Digital Classic-No HD)

Notes:

* To find the channel number for your Comcast system, go to the channel finder feature at www.bigtennetwork.com and type in your zip code at the arrow on the front page.
* Big Ten Network HD will launch on Friday, August 29 on most Comcast systems in western Pennsylvania.
* Many Comcast Digital Classic subscribers in central Pennsylvania also will receive the Big Ten Network on Channel 257. Please check local listings.
* In western Pennsylvania, Comcast Digital Classic subscribers who receive the Big Ten Network on HD channel 250, also will receive the Network on Channel 191. Digital Classic customers who receive the Big Ten Network on HD channel 769, also will receive the Network on Channel 267. Please check local listings.
* Big Ten Network HD will air on Channel 191 in most Comcast systems in central and eastern Pennsylvania with the exception of Philadelphia-Reading, where BTN HD is not available at this time. Please check local listings.

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/multimedia/btn-comcast-channels.html

Will BTN be avialable in Hd in Reading,Pa anytime soon? It better because that's pretty ridicoulous that it is not in the lineup right now.

Any word on if Comcast will accomodate the overflow BTN games? There are 5 games slated at the same time on 8/30. As per the BTN/Comcast FAQ:

All Big Ten Network football games are available to Comcast to place on "overflow" channels. Comcast determines how to offer those games. Check your on-screen program guide or visit www.BigTenNetwork.com throughout the season to get channel assignments for specific games. You may also call your local Comcast office.

Any word on if Comcast will accomodate the overflow BTN games? There are 5 games slated at the same time on 8/30. As per the BTN/Comcast FAQ:

This is definitely a YMMV type situation per Comcast system. For example, the Indianapolis, IN system appears to get 3 extra alternate feeds one of which is a 2nd HD to the main :eek:. But I live 10 miles north of that in a super crappy former Insight turned Comcast system and we just get the 1 SD/HD simulcast with no sign of any alternates. I'm sure we pay the same price. Talk about unfair.

If you don't have any alternates already, I wouldn't count on seeing any pop up. I would love to be wrong though.

Is it true that some people in other parts of the Country think the Big 10 football is all shown in SLO-MO?

I've heard this. :)

only lossers who cheer for a conference

Sorry I don't have a link but the Ohio State Athletic Dept is saying the prospects of TWC carrying BTN before football season are slim to none.

Sorry I don't have a link but the Ohio State Athletic Dept is saying the prospects of TWC carrying BTN before football season are slim to none.Link is here: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/08/18/daily45.html?ana=from_rss

US Cable (which covers a few small communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin) signed on yesterday. No agreements with Charter or Mediacom yet AFAIK.

http://www.madison.com/tct/business//301685

only lossers who cheer for a conference

What exactly is a "losser"?

Anyways, just joking around. Don't take life so seriously. :)

What exactly is a "losser"?



Losser is a municipality and a town in the eastern Netherlands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losser

:D

This is definitely a YMMV type situation per Comcast system. For example, the Indianapolis, IN system appears to get 3 extra alternate feeds one of which is a 2nd HD to the main :eek:. But I live 10 miles north of that in a super crappy former Insight turned Comcast system and we just get the 1 SD/HD simulcast with no sign of any alternates. I'm sure we pay the same price. Talk about unfair.

If you don't have any alternates already, I wouldn't count on seeing any pop up. I would love to be wrong though.

Update: I emailed Comcast about this very situation and to my surprise received a prompt response. Of course it was a canned response about all the possible reasons why my channel request couldn't be fulfilled. I responded quite angrily and actually got a real response - the CSR contacted marketing and found out that we will have 4 SD alternates. They are oddly sandwiched between all the Starz and HBO movie stations and labeled as Comcast Xtra right now.

So there it is - for anybody in the Fishers/Noblesville IN Comcast system, Big Ten alternates are on channels 692-695. :)

Link is here: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/08/18/daily45.html?ana=from_rss


I love how TWC spins it in your post and then by then end of the week is throwing hail marys. Now they want to offer Buckeye games pay per view.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/08/22/big10.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

I love how TWC spins it in your post and then by then end of the week is throwing hail marys. Now they want to offer Buckeye games pay per view.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/08/22/big10.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

Wow, that's desperation right there. That's a pretty big logistical undertaking since I'm sure literally tens of thousands, if not more, of people would take them up on that. There's no way they'd have enough boxes. I was ticked at Comcast for taking so long but now that I have BTN I absolutely love it. Their fall practice coverage at each school has been amazing.

BTN has already shot TWC down on the PPV idea.

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/08/22/story_time_warner.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=102

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/SPORTS/27671286/1001/NEWS

Sources close to the negotiations confirmed with The Gazette on Friday afternoon that the Big Ten Network and Mediacom have reached an agreement in principle. The cable company will air Iowa's game against the Maine Black Bears next Saturday

Add TWC to the mix. BTN is now available in more households than NFL Network.


http://www.bigtennetwork.com/corporate/Time-Warner-Cable-Statement.asp

Time Warner, Big 10 Network Strike Carriage Deal
College sports network gets placement on expanded basic cable tier.
By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable

Time Warner Cable and Big 10 Network struck a carriage deal late Monday that will see the college sports channel on Time Warner’s expanded basic tier throughout Big 10 territory, including Ohio and Wisconsin.

Time Warner and other carriers have been reluctant to add Big 10 to their expanded basic lineups, preferring instead to place the channel on their digital sports tiers.

The terms of the deal that will bring the network to expanded basic were not disclosed.

The deal includes carriage for Big 10 Network’s high definition channel and video on demand programming.

The agreement came just in time, as the Big 10 college football season begins Saturday

Although this was announced in July, I didn't see any mention of it in this topic:

Verizon's Rapidly Expanding FiOS TV to Carry Big Ten Network

Channel Already Launched in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Coming to Other FiOS TV Regions During the Next Few Months

NEW YORK and CHICAGO – Verizon, which has become the nation's ninth-largest video distributor in less than three years, and Big Ten Network today announced that Verizon will make Big Ten Network available in both standard definition and high definition. Big Ten Network has already joined Verizon's most widely available level of service in the Ft. Wayne, Ind., area and will launch during the next few months, region by region, in all additional areas where FiOS TV is available.

Since launching FiOS TV in September 2005, Verizon has signed up more than 1.2 million customers who enjoy hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition linear and on-demand programming, the nation's largest collection of video-on-demand content, a robust interactive media guide, and other advanced features. Verizon's FiOS TV, which is currently available to more than 6.5 million homes in 13 states, is delivered over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes and businesses.

Terry Denson, vice president – FiOS TV content and programming, says high-definition content – especially sports – is among the most attractive offering for current and potential FiOS TV subscribers.

"Verizon has placed a high priority on providing the best in both sports and high-definition content to our FiOS TV subscribers," said Denson. "Big Ten Network is an exciting addition to our channel lineup, giving customers a front seat to their favorite college football games. This is just one more illustration of our commitment to providing the very best channel offerings."

Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman agreed, adding that FiOS – and Verizon's major marketing support behind it – will prove another important means for millions of Big Ten universities' alumni and other fans around the country to get access to the year-old network.

"As FiOS continues to roll out across the country, Big Ten fans can connect with their universities as never before," Silverman said. "This is a tremendous way for both Big Ten Network and Verizon to attract more subscribers, and we look forward to a very long and productive relationship for many years to come."

Big Ten Network is one of several new channels Verizon is adding to the FiOS TV lineup in areas where the company is already offering video service, including Fort Wayne, home to many fans of both Indiana and Purdue universities. FiOS TV is also available in parts of Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University, as well as other key states like New York, California, Texas and Florida, where there are many Big Ten alumni. The Big Ten is the nation's oldest major athletic conference, and its universities boast more than 4 million alumni nationwide. Other FiOS TV states rolling out the network are New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, Delaware, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Big Ten Network produces more high-definition video content than any new sports network in television history, with more than 400 live events in its first year alone. Verizon and Big Ten Network are also expected to launch new video-on-demand and broadband content ventures together within the coming year, with subsequent details to be announced later.

The recent Comcast, TWC, Mediacom & FiOS agreements leaves three major cableco's in Big Ten states without carriage agreements; Charter Communications, Brighthouse, and Cox Communications:

- Charter entered into negotiations on 7/22/08.

- No recent news about Cox.

- According to the Indy Star, TWC was authorized to negotiate for Brighthouse, so I would expect to see some news soon.


Other large cableco's without Big Ten Network include Suddenlink, CableOne, Cablevision.

Any chance we will get the coverage maps noting what areas are getting what game as the primary this year?

Go to bigtennetwork.com/gamefinder/index.asp there's a map there that'll show you which game's the main one in your area.

Go to bigtennetwork.com/gamefinder/index.asp there's a map there that'll show you which game's the main one in your area.

Thanks, thats exactly what I was looking for

Go to bigtennetwork.com/gamefinder/index.asp there's a map there that'll show you which game's the main one in your area.

Sweet, Comcast in Indiana means the IU WKU game takes up our only HD feed and it's not even in HD. What a waste. I know it would be WAY too complicated to see something like that coming and offer one of the other games that are actually in HD on the HD channel. Instead we get the IU game in SD on 3 different channels.


12:00 PM (ET) / 11:00 AM (CT)
WESTERN KENTUCKY VS. INDIANA *: channel 65/552 (SD) or 958 (HD)
YOUNGSTOWN STATE VS. OHIO STATE: channel 692 (SD)
AKRON VS. WISCONSIN *: channel 693 (SD)
MAINE VS. IOWA: channel 694 (SD)
COASTAL CAROLINA VS. PENN STATE: channel 695 (SD)
7:00 PM (ET) / 6:00 PM (CT)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS VS. MINNESOTA: channel 65/552 (SD) or 958 (HD)

* Denotes game not televised in HD.

:mad:

BIG10 has popped up in the SF Bay Area on channel 403, SD only.

Marcus Carr posted that Charter now has BTN.

The recent Comcast, TWC, Mediacom, FiOS & Charter agreements leaves two major cableco's in Big Ten states without carriage agreements; Brighthouse, and Cox Communications:

- No recent news about Cox.

- According to the Indy Star, TWC was authorized to negotiate for Brighthouse, so I would expect to see some news soon.


Other large cableco's without Big Ten Network include Suddenlink, CableOne, Cablevision.

Cox to carry Big Ten Network:

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/08/big_ten_network_nails_mediacom.php

The recent Comcast, TWC, Mediacom, FiOS, Charter, & Cox agreements leaves one major cableco's in Big Ten states without carriage agreement; Brighthouse

- According to the Indy Star, TWC was authorized to negotiate for Brighthouse, so I would expect to see some news soon.


Other large cableco's without Big Ten Network include Suddenlink, CableOne, Cablevision.

Comcast has added four Big Ten Network overflow channels in Baltimore at 801-804. They are labeled XTRA1-XTRA4. The main channel is at 257. I can see the overflow channels but the main channel says Not Authorized. It's also now not labeled and the schedule says To Be Announced.

HD programs available on Comcast On Demand even though we don't have the HD channel here.

Blue Ridge Communications doesn't carry the Big Ten Network yet and we are in Penn State country. I really don't understand why they don't carry it, but it's been available for a year now. Blue Ridge is playing hardball, which is fine, but it's time to carry it

When I put in my zipcode at this website it lists Big Ten Network overflow channel 693 as HD.

www.whereishd.com

HD programs available on Comcast On Demand even though we don't have the HD channel here.

I get an error trying to watch any BTN content from On Demand, SD or HD here in MA.

Comcast here in East Central Illinois only gives us one BTN channel, but it is in HD. I wish Comcast would give us the channels for the other games on Saturday. Last week we were given the OSU vs. Youngstown and No. IL vs Minnesota games. I'm not sure how BTN determines which games we receive when U of Illinois is not on BTN on a particular week.

I'm not sure how BTN determines which games we receive when U of Illinois is not on BTN on a particular week.Either geographic area and/or ratings.

Comcast here in East Central Illinois only gives us one BTN channel, but it is in HD. I wish Comcast would give us the channels for the other games on Saturday. Last week we were given the OSU vs. Youngstown and No. IL vs Minnesota games. I'm not sure how BTN determines which games we receive when U of Illinois is not on BTN on a particular week.

Comcast in most areas in the Big Ten area have the extra BTN overflow channels (SD only). They might be hidden on some random channel numbers.

big 10 network showed up today on comcast in salt lake city utah. sd only unfortunately. channel 403. nice surprise because i was told that we wouldn't be getting the channel at all this season.

I get an error trying to watch any BTN content from On Demand, SD or HD here in MA.

If I go into HD On Demand>Sports there are some programs I can access. If I go into Sports and Fitness>Big Ten Network those same programs and others require a subscription.

If I go into HD On Demand>Sports there are some programs I can access. If I go into Sports and Fitness>Big Ten Network those same programs and others require a subscription.

If I try the first path there is no BTN category. I do subscribe to the sports tier, so I should have the required "subscription". Not sure if it's some logistics on Comcast's end or my DVR, which seems to have bit the dust this weekend. I guess I'll find out when I get it swapped out this week.

BTN HD on at least one Brighthouse system, in the Detroit area, ch 231.

BTN has announced recent carriage agreements with Comcast, TWC, Mediacom, FiOS, Charter, Cox, Brighthouse.

A number of smaller cableco's still do not carry BTN, including Blue Ridge Communications in PA.

Other large cableco's without Big Ten Network include Suddenlink, CableOne, Cablevision.

If I try the first path there is no BTN category. I do subscribe to the sports tier, so I should have the required "subscription". Not sure if it's some logistics on Comcast's end or my DVR, which seems to have bit the dust this weekend. I guess I'll find out when I get it swapped out this week.

I have also been getting the errors trying to watch BTN On Demand since they launched the channel. (Comcast Pittsburgh). I called Comcast last week and got the "we don't know of any problems, you should be able to watch those, we'll make a note of it" answer. Can anyone else with Comcast watch the on-demand programs in the BTN tree with or without the sports pack?

I have also been getting the errors trying to watch BTN On Demand since they launched the channel. (Comcast Pittsburgh). I called Comcast last week and got the "we don't know of any problems, you should be able to watch those, we'll make a note of it" answer. Can anyone else with Comcast watch the on-demand programs in the BTN tree with or without the sports pack?

Well I swapped out my DVR for a new one and still can't get this working. Actually I found I can't watch *any*& On Demand content, so looks like I'll have to give Comcast support a call. :(

I do now have the BTN listed under HD/Sports, though.

Star Choice to offer Big Ten Network in HD

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Star Choice, Canada's second largest direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television provider, announced today that, in addition to the launch of the Big Ten Network in Standard Definition on December 3rd, it will launch a High Definition version on December 16th.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/3206/279/