Big Ten Network (BTN)

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

Those evil corporations...they're....they're....well DAMN them, they're out to make MONEY! WTF is THAT all about...I thought they were supposed to be there to give me my MTV.

Honestly, every network and every entertainment venue, including our beloved Buckeyes, are out to make a buck... A LOT of them. I wonder if your employer thinks the same way about you when you get a paycheck. Damn him....he's just takin' our money...what a bastard!

Is Ruth's Chris scamming you because you have to buy the potato with the steak? Is itunes scamming you because you have to pay by the song?

That's ridiculous. Are you saying that no consumer should ever get upset when they are unhappy with the price of a product or service? If I start cash-grabbing my clients, I'd expect them to walk and find a better service. Unfortunately, Ohio State, in association with the Big Ten conference, have a monopoly on its product, so it's not as if consumers are going to walk away easily.

So it's going to get more and more jacked up. As I said before, Big Network 2 and ESPNU 2 are just around the corner - not because they are necessary, but because they know they can control the dissemination of the product. They can hold the cable companies hostage, who will cave eventually, and then pass off the cost onto the consumer. And then when the next cash-grab works, it's be Big Ten Network 3, and ESPNU 7. And if we're real lucky, all 12 Ohio States games a year will be on a different station that your cable company has to pick up. And you'll pay for it.

Pardon me if I walk at some point.

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

That's ridiculous. Are you saying that no consumer should ever get upset when they are unhappy with the price of a product or service? If I start cash-grabbing my clients, I'd expect them to walk and find a better service. Unfortunately, Ohio State, in association with the Big Ten conference, have a monopoly on its product, so it's not as if consumers are going to walk away easily.

So it's going to get more and more jacked up. As I said before, Big Network 2 and ESPNU 2 are just around the corner - not because they are necessary, but because they know they can control the dissemination of the product. They can hold the cable companies hostage, who will cave eventually, and then pass off the cost onto the consumer. And then when the next cash-grab works, it's be Big Ten Network 3, and ESPNU 7. And if we're real lucky, all 12 Ohio States games a year will be on a different station that your cable company has to pick up. And you'll pay for it.

Pardon me if I walk at some point.

No, what's ridiculous is that every time someone FEELS entitled to something and it changes, they are outraged. None of these channels are necessary, hell they could just put them all on ABC locally for free. But they don't and if you choose to walk, then be my guest, but it's silly to suggest that these companies are gouging when they're just trying to find more ways to offer more products and yes, get more money. That was the point all along, you just missed it.

The fact is that all this stuff costs money to produce, and they are producing a heck of a lot more of it. And the interest/demand is extremely high, so they are capitalizing on it. If you walk and millions like you do the same, then that'll change the paradigm. Until then, that's life. I have often thought about whether I would be willing to pay for all of this, but even if I decide I'm not willing to pay for it, I'm not about to portray some silly outrage because it's misplaced. Why SHOULD we get all these for free? Or for $100? Or for $200? Why?

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

No, what's ridiculous is that every time someone FEELS entitled to something and it changes, they are outraged. None of these channels are necessary, hell they could just put them all on ABC locally for free. But they don't and if you choose to walk, then be my guest, but it's silly to suggest that these companies are gouging when they're just trying to find more ways to offer more products and yes, get more money. That was the point all along, you just missed it.

Didn't miss it buddy. Saw it, and don't like having to pay more money. Perfectly legitimate.

The fact is that all this stuff costs money to produce, and they are producing a heck of a lot more of it. And the interest/demand is extremely high, so they are capitalizing on it. If you walk and millions like you do the same, then that'll change the paradigm. Until then, that's life. I have often thought about whether I would be willing to pay for all of this, but even if I decide I'm not willing to pay for it, I'm not about to portray some silly outrage because it's misplaced. Why SHOULD we get all these for free? Or for $100? Or for $200? Why?

I never suggested I "should or should not" get something for free. However, I'm entitled to convey my displeasure with the current situation. You apparently think I "should" shut up. I don't. I'm not. Live with it.

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

Didn't miss it buddy. Saw it, and don't like having to pay more money. Perfectly legitimate.



I never suggested I "should or should not" get something for free. However, I'm entitled to convey my displeasure with the current situation. You apparently think I "should" shut up. I don't. I'm not. Live with it.

You're displeasure with the situation is that you aren't getting sumthin' for nuttin'....you suggested that they are in a money grab...not me. You're incorrect though, I don't think you should shut up, I think you should re-evaluate your opinion. It's perfectly sensible to be unhappy with paying more and choose not to. It's another thing entirely to suggest that these companies are in a money-grab. That's just nonsense....and that's where the problem lies with this pervasive mentality.

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

You're displeasure with the situation is that you aren't getting sumthin' for nuttin'....you suggested that they are in a money grab...not me. You're incorrect though, I don't think you should shut up, I think you should re-evaluate your opinion. It's perfectly sensible to be unhappy with paying more and choose not to. It's another thing entirely to suggest that these companies are in a money-grab. That's just nonsense....and that's where the problem lies with this pervasive mentality.

Your problem appears to be the negative connotation attached to my phrase "money-grab." It is what it is - an unnecessary expansion designed to make more money. You put the positive spin on it, because it doesn't bother you to pay more money and you think that's it's simply good business to take advantage of the devotion of Big Ten fans. Perfectly reasonable position, and I'm not going to talk you down from that.

I take the position that the good-will of alumni such as my self is being taken for granted. And eventually, I would like to think that there are limits to how far we, as fans, are willing to go to view our favorite college sports team.

[OSU SPORTS]

Here is another little blurb about the Big Ten Network. Looks like Coach Matta was there to promote it. IF Directv gets this new sat up this year, there will be a lot of HD programs to view


http://buyinghdtv.blogspot.com/2007/...ut-its-hd.html

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

Your problem appears to be the negative connotation attached to my phrase "money-grab." It is what it is - an unnecessary expansion designed to make more money. You put the positive spin on it, because it doesn't bother you to pay more money and you think that's it's simply good business to take advantage of the devotion of Big Ten fans. Perfectly reasonable position, and I'm not going to talk you down from that.

I take the position that the good-will of alumni such as my self is being taken for granted. And eventually, I would like to think that there are limits to how far we, as fans, are willing to go to view our favorite college sports team.

I've got no problem with anyone (alumni or otherwise) setting limits on what they spend to watch a freakin' game. I have limits, which is why I don't travel over 1000 miles each Saturday to watch them in person every single week. You have limits too obviously. I just don't have a problem with entertainment venues creating new avenues (which is ultimately what the B10 Network is) and charging for it. The market will bear what it will bear. When it is too onerous, something will change. I don't feel that I was guaranteed the ability to view every Buckeye game for a price. I grew up in a time when I could only see 1-2 games a year other than those I attended. So my background suggests little is guaranteed and I "expect" very little. I also believe that I get quite a bit for what little entertainment $ I spend.

On a somewhat related note, it's absurd to me that NBA games cost over $100 to watch, and hence I haven't been to one in over 10 years. But I'm not bothered that they choose to charge it...I just don't go. So yes, in the end I'm troubled by the term money grab, which to me suggests that these companies are doing something below-board.

[OSU SPORTS]

The Big 12 is watching to see how this all works out.


http://blogs.cjonline.com/index.php?entry=3187

[OSU SPORTS]

Iowa media and the Big Ten Network


http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=8&p=2&c=641440

[OSU SPORTS]

Still plugging along http://columbus.bizjournals.com/colu...ml?jst=b_ln_hl

[cincibuck]

thanks for finding the Iowa Q & A.

I'm up in the air about this, especially as I've not heard a peep about it from Time - Warner. I don't watch basketball aside from the NCAA tourney so let's get it down to football. My concerns? That we begin being one those "we'll-play-whenever-you-ask-us" MAC, Big East, is-Tuesday-night-open? conferences. Given a choice of Minney - Indiana or Tennessee - Florida, I'll probably go with the later. but there's no guarantee that I've read that you'll be able to pick each and every game you specifically want... my guess is that OSU, Penn State and Michigan will all be put on different time zones so that the big three programs are always available.

Frankly, I'd like some access to west coast games, and 'NO' I don't mean BYU vs Colorado State.

I won't be happy until we get ala cart and I can pick what I want. More than a hundred channels to pick from and I have no use for any more than about a dozen of them. Something tells me it makes too much sense and therefore will never exsist. My guess that the B 10 Net is the forerunner of a Pay for view system for all sports. It could result in fewer commercials, or even commercial free broadcasts (God bless Tivo).

[jwinslow]

my guess is that OSU, Penn State and Michigan will all be put on different time zones so that the big three programs are always available.

I doubt they'll land more than one 'major' game a week.

I won't be happy until we get ala cart and I can pick what I want. More than a hundred channels to pick from and I have no use for any more than about a dozen of them. Something tells me it makes too much sense and therefore will never exsist. My guess that the B 10 Net is the forerunner of a Pay for view system for all sports. It could result in fewer commercials, or even commercial free broadcasts (God bless Tivo).

The market is moving quickly in that direction (youtube, mp3/ringtone dl's, etc)... whether TV stations relinquish control is another matter.

[BB73]

A BN article on the Big Ten Network. Silverman said that the BTN is seeking to be included with expanded basic cable packages, which was just agreed to with Buckeye Cable in the Toledo area.

bucknuts

The Big Ten Network will launch in August and will include 24-hour per day programming. Several football and basketball games will be televised live on BTN during its first year. Big Ten Network president Mark Silverman was in Columbus on Monday as part of his tour of all 11 conference schools and Dave Biddle has much more on this groundbreaking venture.

The landscape of college sports television just changed.

And Mark Silverman - president of the Big Ten Network - believes college sports enthusiasts will be the benefactors.

The Big Ten Network will launch in August and it is a massive overtaking that will include 24-hour per day programming. In the first year, at least 35 football games and 105 men's basketball games will be broadcasted live.

Silverman wouldn't divulge how much money is being pumped into the product, but he did say it's a "significant investment" and feels fans will enjoy BTN very much.

"There are going to be more Big Ten football games on this network than any other network," he said. "We'll have 35-40 football games, which greatly exceeds the number that any other network will have.

...

“I would like to say that we just came to an agreement with Buckeye Cable in Toledo and Southeast Michigan. They have 150,000 subscribers and they have agreed to carry the network on the expanded basic cable service, which is the level of service that we’re looking for.”

Cont'd ...

[strohs]

They better be doing their games in HD or I will be watching the CBS/ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 HD games

[matcar]

Originally Posted by strohs

They better be doing their games in HD or I will be watching the CBS/ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 HD games

DirecTV may still carry the SD feed...I've been trying to find this out for a while. No news yet.