ACC Network news

[ThePanthers]

A few updates regarding the ACC Network. A few schools have announced investment in studios/upgrades in preparation for the network. See links below.

Also, within the FSU link, it is stated that per agreement for the network, all schools have to have the proper studio upgrades by fall of 2018 so there is a year prep and training for the launch. The SEC schools did a lot of this on the fly and there were some issues. They are close to being up to date on their production.

Also, in the Cuse and in the FSU links, both ADs have stated that the recent layoffs will not affect the ACC Network linear launch in 2019, they feel it is going to be a success, and also ESPN is a lot further along with plans to curb the hit of declining subs.

A few pretty good reads. Pitt should be completing these upgrades as well and should be prepared to show games with good graphics and not just the wind blowing for soccer.

FSU
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sp...02/fsu-still-preparing-acc-network/101217562/

Clemson
http://shop.panasonic.com/about-us-latest-news-press-releases/04232017-clemson.html

Louisville
http://www.courier-journal.com/stor...letics-plans-8-m-production-studio/307022001/

Syracuse
http://www.syracuse.com/orangesport...ts_to_cuts_at_network_on_radio_appearanc.html

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

 

[Swervin27]

Wow, these guys do read pantherlair. Fantastic. Take a bow posters, these guys do pay attention to our posts.

 

[PHATWOOD]

A few updates regarding the ACC Network. A few schools have announced investment in studios/upgrades in preparation for the network. See links below.

Also, within the FSU link, it is stated that per agreement for the network, all schools have to have the proper studio upgrades by fall of 2018 so there is a year prep and training for the launch. The SEC schools did a lot of this on the fly and there were some issues. They are close to being up to date on their production.

Also, in the Cuse and in the FSU links, both ADs have stated that the recent layoffs will not affect the ACC Network linear launch in 2019, they feel it is going to be a success, and also ESPN is a lot further along with plans to curb the hit of declining subs.

A few pretty good reads. Pitt should be completing these upgrades as well and should be prepared to show games with good graphics and not just the wind blowing for soccer.

FSU
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sp...02/fsu-still-preparing-acc-network/101217562/

Clemson
http://shop.panasonic.com/about-us-latest-news-press-releases/04232017-clemson.html

Louisville
http://www.courier-journal.com/stor...letics-plans-8-m-production-studio/307022001/

Syracuse
http://www.syracuse.com/orangesport...ts_to_cuts_at_network_on_radio_appearanc.html

I watch Pitt sports and other ACC games on the WatchESPN app all the time. I think Pitt does a pretty good job overall. Here's a link to the last game I actually watched with my neice who is a huge softball player/nut.

http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=3041205

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I watch Pitt sports and other ACC games on the WatchESPN app all the time. I think Pitt does a pretty good job overall.

If you compare what Pitt is doing for baseball compared to some others it is night and day. Pitt has what is essentially a full broadcast, not quite as many cameras and not as many different replay angles, but they have an announce team, they show multiple camera angles of the same play, they show replays (not always the best, but replays none the less), they have graphics, they've pretty much got the whole thing going on. Contrast that to the games when Pitt played at Duke earlier this year. At Duke they had one guy announcing the game (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). They had literally one camera that they used for the whole game, a behind home plate camera. They showed no replays at all. They had no graphics at all. Between innings the guy operating the camera would point the camera at the scoreboard in left field that showed the line score.

Pitt is way, way ahead where some others are.

 

[California Panther]

If you compare what Pitt is doing for baseball compared to some others it is night and day. Pitt has what is essentially a full broadcast, not quite as many cameras and not as many different replay angles, but they have an announce team, they show multiple camera angles of the same play, they show replays (not always the best, but replays none the less), they have graphics, they've pretty much got the whole thing going on. Contrast that to the games when Pitt played at Duke earlier this year. At Duke they had one guy announcing the game (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). They had literally one camera that they used for the whole game, a behind home plate camera. They showed no replays at all. They had no graphics at all. Between innings the guy operating the camera would point the camera at the scoreboard in left field that showed the line score.

Pitt is way, way ahead where some others are.

Some of the Pitt baseball telecasts have had no announcer, no graphics, no replays and like you said at Duke, the camera flashes to the scoreboard at the end of the inning to show the score. It was that way for several games this season including today's laugher against UMES. Can't recall if Pitt has had any "no announcer and only 1 camera" games at home vs ACC teams though.

 

[Swervin27]

Some of the Pitt baseball telecast have no announcer and like you said at Duke, the camera flashes to the scoreboard at the end of the inning to show the score. It was that way for several games this season including today's laugher against UMES. Can't recall if Pitt has had any "no announcer and only 1 camera" games vs ACC teams though.

No annoyncer lol. That's almost comical. Can the guy holding the camera at least talk?

My dad had a camcorder and taped my grade school games, you could hear his voice in the background. That was 1985. Can pitt top that? I can try and see if we still have that camcorder , let em borrow it.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

A few updates regarding the ACC Network. A few schools have announced investment in studios/upgrades in preparation for the network. See links below.

Also, within the FSU link, it is stated that per agreement for the network, all schools have to have the proper studio upgrades by fall of 2018 so there is a year prep and training for the launch. The SEC schools did a lot of this on the fly and there were some issues. They are close to being up to date on their production.

Also, in the Cuse and in the FSU links, both ADs have stated that the recent layoffs will not affect the ACC Network linear launch in 2019, they feel it is going to be a success, and also ESPN is a lot further along with plans to curb the hit of declining subs.

A few pretty good reads. Pitt should be completing these upgrades as well and should be prepared to show games with good graphics and not just the wind blowing for soccer.

FSU
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sp...02/fsu-still-preparing-acc-network/101217562/

Clemson
http://shop.panasonic.com/about-us-latest-news-press-releases/04232017-clemson.html

Louisville
http://www.courier-journal.com/stor...letics-plans-8-m-production-studio/307022001/

Syracuse
http://www.syracuse.com/orangesport...ts_to_cuts_at_network_on_radio_appearanc.html

Excellent Post, Links, & Update, Thank You!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

If you compare what Pitt is doing for baseball compared to some others it is night and day. Pitt has what is essentially a full broadcast, not quite as many cameras and not as many different replay angles, but they have an announce team, they show multiple camera angles of the same play, they show replays (not always the best, but replays none the less), they have graphics, they've pretty much got the whole thing going on. Contrast that to the games when Pitt played at Duke earlier this year. At Duke they had one guy announcing the game (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). They had literally one camera that they used for the whole game, a behind home plate camera. They showed no replays at all. They had no graphics at all. Between innings the guy operating the camera would point the camera at the scoreboard in left field that showed the line score.

Pitt is way, way ahead where some others are.

Ditto & Thanks!

 

[SVPanther]

Get a clue and at least be honest. Others are saying that the ACC Network will be on internet only. ESPN's commitment to go linier (TV) doesn't kick in until 2019. The better reasoned view is that no way does ESPN do the ACC Network linier.
You quote only AD's! What do you expect them to say! SMH!

 

[CrazyPaco]

Get a clue and at least be honest. Others are saying that the ACC Network will be on internet only. ESPN's commitment to go linier (TV) doesn't kick in until 2019. The better reasoned view is that no way does ESPN do the ACC Network linier.
You quote only AD's! What do you expect them to say! SMH!

Who are others?

Wow, you are pathetic.

 

[ThePanthers]

ESPN has been going around to each school and doing a game or two to show how it works. That was probably the game with the graphics. They did the same for soccer.

All the other games Pitt produced (along with most school) look like it is high school produced.

That is why they are required to upgrade significantly prior to launch.

 

[CrazyPaco]

ESPN has been going around to each school and doing a game or two to show how it works. That was probably the game with the graphics. They did the same for soccer.

All the other games Pitt produced (along with most school) look like it is high school produced.

That is why they are required to upgrade significantly prior to launch.

I'm pretty sure I remember Pitt advertising for student positions for ramping up of the network a few months back....I think in the Pitt News. I think it specifically stated being trained or working in consult with ESPN.

 

[SVPanther]

Yawn.
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.syra...network_john_wildhack_syracuse_university.amp

 

[SVPanther]

I'm pretty sure I remember Pitt advertising for student positions for ramping up of the network a few months back....I think in the Pitt News. I think it specifically stated being trained or working in consult with ESPN.

Well there you go! It's a done deal! Wasn't in Breitbart, but the Pitt News by golly!

 

[California Panther]

No annoyncer lol. That's almost comical. Can the guy holding the camera at least talk?

My dad had a camcorder and taped my grade school games, you could hear his voice in the background. That was 1985. Can pitt top that? I can try and see if we still have that camcorder , let em borrow it.

They have the mike open so you hear all the music and what the PA announcer says quite loudly, but no play-by-play announcer or anyone that ever talks.

 

[CrazyPaco]

Yawn.
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.syra...network_john_wildhack_syracuse_university.amp

Your expert, who has never ever worked in sports media, and total background in the field is that he co-wrote a book 7 years ago on the founding of ESPN, and is not partial to any actual information on the topic actually tweeted (as embedded in your link): "I'd give upper hand here to Wildhack; he knows more on this. My point simply: nothing certain w @espn future right now other".

So you are resting your entire argument on the unresearched off-hand speculation of someone that isn't currently involved at all in the issue of athletic conference networks, or for that matter, sports media, and admits he doesn't know as much about the topic as one of the actual people...and there 15 of them...responsible for budgeting and spending millions for this enterprise, and one in particular that had spent 36 years at ESPN, including as a VP of rights negotiations, until this past July and who now has regular contact with everyone in the conference. Wow.

This is either seriously poor trolling or a level of intellectual dishonesty that typically results in me hitting the ignore button.

 

[ThePanthers]

Your expert, who has never ever worked in sports media, and total background in the field is that he co-wrote a book 7 years ago on the founding of ESPN, and is not partial to any actual information on the topic actually tweeted (as embedded in your link): "I'd give upper hand here to Wildhack; he knows more on this. My point simply: nothing certain w @espn future right now other".

So you are resting your entire argument on the unresearched off-hand speculation of someone that isn't currently involved at all in the issue of athletic conference networks, or for that matter, sports media, and admits he doesn't know as much about the topic as one of the actual people...and there 15 of them...responsible for budgeting and spending millions for this enterprise, and one in particular that had spent 36 years at ESPN, including as a VP of rights negotiations, until this past July and who now has regular contact with everyone in the conference. Wow.

This is either seriously poor trolling or a level of intellectual dishonesty that typically results in me hitting the ignore button.

I'm glad whoever you are responding to is on ignore for me.

Typically trolls or morons make that list for me.

 

[Swervin27]

I'm pretty sure I remember Pitt advertising for student positions for ramping up of the network a few months back....I think in the Pitt News. I think it specifically stated being trained or working in consult with ESPN.

yes, you'd think there would be some good opportunities here, amongst the student population here.

on the network being actually on my television vs. the internet, call me old fashioned but I really hope, and would be extremely disappointed, if this network isn't on my tv. I could care less about streaming content, I assume that's already there, I can watch pitt games now on my internet sorry to say so this means nothing to me..

Call me old fashioned but I want to sit on my couch, grab my remote and turn on an HD channel and see the ACC network on my nice flat screen tv.. you know, the one that cost 2k in '06 but now goes for 185 bucks at target, that thing.. I want to watch pitt and the other acc teams play on Saturday at noon, at 3:30 and for good measure, a 3rd game in the evening. I want to turn it on in January and see hoops play and in the off season, I want to see some "filler" content of old 80's matchups between unc and duke, or some len bias special or a documentary on Tim Duncan as a kid swimming in the Bahamas, Charlie ward highlights of him playing baseball at fsu, whatever acc related content there is. some classic matchups like I have to endure on the big ten network..

Spare me this internet streaming crap because we have that now. I can watch a pitt vs. psu game from 1982 on my computer if I want, I can watch anything I want from people getting decapitated or leaked sex videos of celebrities. I can watch brian davis highlights from Washington high circa 1981 by clicking a button. some acc network that is releasing internet only content is like a grand opening of a restaurant that I ate at 50 times before.. give me my HD Channel on my TV or give me death..

 

[CrazyPaco]

I'm glad whoever you are responding to is on ignore for me.

Typically trolls or morons make that list for me.

SVPanther....
You have to see this kookery...in response to Swofford's memo to the entire conference, he posts this:

"Hilarious! And where's Obama's birth certificate!
Look. Bullsh** sells. That's how Swofford makes millions!
Point is, according to broadcast experts, no way does ESPN go linier (TV) with the ACC. Sucks, but as DW says, "Is what it is."

LMFAO. That is some good classic kookery right there that the HIve would probably love. Txberme and the Dude would be proud. He hitches his case to, repeatedly, to Jim Miller's interview and apparently now he counts as more than one "expert". And this guy is supposedly a lawyer.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

With the "downsizing' of ESPN recently why would they simply not convert an existing station to the ACCN?

 

[BuffetParrothead]

No annoyncer lol. That's almost comical. Can the guy holding the camera at least talk?

My dad had a camcorder and taped my grade school games, you could hear his voice in the background. That was 1985. Can pitt top that? I can try and see if we still have that camcorder , let em borrow it.

How hard is it to announce baseball its the slowest sport in the world but I still love it!

"top of the third at Broken Bat Stadium we have a great matchup today, the pitcher is ready, strike one, batter is out of the box getting a new bat, he's back in the box strike two, its the top of the third and the wind is blowing out to left, hey Joe its a hitters park today, ball one, its a bueatiful day for baseball, the stands are full, Ralph whats the weather going to be like tomorrow for the double header, don't know Joe, ball two, hey Joe did you notice the minor league team Foul Balls won last night, the pitch is fouled off down the third base line." On and on!

Anyone can do that and some would do it for free!

 

[Swervin27]

How hard is it to announce baseball its the slowest sport in the world but I still love it!

"top of the third at Broken Bat Stadium we have a great matchup today, the pitcher is ready, strike one, batter is out of the box getting a new bat, he's back in the box strike two, its the top of the third and the wind is blowing out to left, hey Joe its a hitters park today, ball one, its a bueatiful day for baseball, the stands are full, Ralph whats the weather going to be like tomorrow for the double header, don't know Joe, ball two, hey Joe did you notice the minor league team Foul Balls won last night, the pitch is fouled off down the third base line." On and on!

Anyone can do that and some would do it for free!

get some pitt student to do it, some journalism or media communications major. that would be a sweet gig for a college kid in a related major.

 

[OH Pete]

If you compare what Pitt is doing for baseball compared to some others it is night and day. Pitt has what is essentially a full broadcast, not quite as many cameras and not as many different replay angles, but they have an announce team, they show multiple camera angles of the same play, they show replays (not always the best, but replays none the less), they have graphics, they've pretty much got the whole thing going on. Contrast that to the games when Pitt played at Duke earlier this year. At Duke they had one guy announcing the game (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). They had literally one camera that they used for the whole game, a behind home plate camera. They showed no replays at all. They had no graphics at all. Between innings the guy operating the camera would point the camera at the scoreboard in left field that showed the line score.

Pitt is way, way ahead where some others are.

You'd think that the schools could partner with ESPN to use students in the production of games. I'm not saying let the students run it. But pairing up each schools communications department with ESPN would be a win/win. ESPN would save $ and the schools would be able to give students real world experience in TV/media production. Maybe they are already doing that, so if so, nevermind.

 

[FreeportPanther]

I'm pretty sure I remember Pitt advertising for student positions for ramping up of the network a few months back....I think in the Pitt News. I think it specifically stated being trained or working in consult with ESPN.

I think the University has a great opportunity here to upgrade their communications department and get big into sports journalism/media.
Pitt needs to get more people into this field, both locally and nationally.
We've had a toehold with John Congemi and Mark May and some other former players and coaches who have commentator roles, but we need more nuts and bolts people and especially writers and journalists with some Pitt perspective out there.
Even small time Clarion University does a good job with their limited resources and exposure. It is a primitive effort by professional standards, but it teaches the kids how this profession functions, and they can then take their remedial understanding and build on it in their careers.
I imagine Pitt shares this opinion, and it is already underway?

 

[CrazyPaco]

With the "downsizing' of ESPN recently why would they simply not convert an existing station to the ACCN?

Because that is not the type of downsizing they are doing...removing revenue streams.

It's possible, but ESPN has already said that is not the plan for this. If one of the other channels like ESPNU or ESPNews is on the chopping block anyway, that could happen. The plan is to go into their next round of carrier negotiations with a ACC Network ready to go as an addition to their existing sports channel packages, so additional revenue. As long as they can get money from carriers, they're not going to cut channels. For national carriers and satellite, if they carry SECN, and most do, they're likely going to have to carry the ACCN as well. This is where the Pac network struggles because they don't have a partner like ESPN that can package these things together. The harder sell for ESPN will be getting in-market rates and high subscriber bundle tier placement in states outside of NC,VA, SC, and FL, although they'll probably get it in at least parts of GA, Western PA, the DMV, and a large chunk of upstate NY. I would speculate that they're probably going to get what the B10 Network is getting in NYC too. Remember, ND is a full partner with this and there is going to be plenty of ND content, including football content features (and don't be surprised if they move some ND-ACC away games to it). It is going to do fine unless there really is some catastrophic change in the industry or overall economy in the next two years, in which case, all the conference networks are in the same boat. The layoffs aren't reflective of what is going on with this plan at all.

 

[ThePanthers]

SVPanther....
You have to see this kookery...in response to Swofford's memo to the entire conference, he posts this:

"Hilarious! And where's Obama's birth certificate!
Look. Bullsh** sells. That's how Swofford makes millions!
Point is, according to broadcast experts, no way does ESPN go linier (TV) with the ACC. Sucks, but as DW says, "Is what it is."

LMFAO. That is some good classic kookery right there that the HIve would probably love. Txberme and the Dude would be proud. He hitches his case to, repeatedly, to Jim Miller's interview and apparently now he counts as more than one "expert". And this guy is supposedly a lawyer.

And even Jim Miller said he was speculating and the Cuse AD and others would know what is actually going on. Good god.

 

[Swervin27]

And even Jim Miller said he was speculating and the Cuse AD and others would know what is actually going on. Good god.

Jim Miller the space cowboy Or Jim Miller the gangster of love? Or are you talking about Maurice?

 

[CrazyPaco]

I think the University has a great opportunity here to upgrade their communications department and get big into sports journalism/media.
Pitt needs to get more people into this field, both locally and nationally.
We've had a toehold with John Congemi and Mark May and some other former players and coaches who have commentator roles, but we need more nuts and bolts people and especially writers and journalists with some Pitt perspective out there.
Even small time Clarion University does a good job with their limited resources and exposure. It is a primitive effort by professional standards, but it teaches the kids how this profession functions, and they can then take their remedial understanding and build on it in their careers.
I imagine Pitt shares this opinion, and it is already underway?

I think all the ACC universities share this opinion about it providing training opportunities in media for students. In fact, it is not a small component of the overall network strategy.

I know outside Pitt athletics, with the popularity of Pitt Tonight on campus, there has already been a push for building actual studio space. The 10 year facilities master plan will be release shortly and we'll probably learn more then.

 

[ThePanthers]

You'd think that the schools could partner with ESPN to use students in the production of games. I'm not saying let the students run it. But pairing up each schools communications department with ESPN would be a win/win. ESPN would save $ and the schools would be able to give students real world experience in TV/media production. Maybe they are already doing that, so if so, nevermind.

I think that is the plan.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Well .... they could move ESPN Goal Line to a full time station!

Because that is not the type of downsizing they are doing...removing revenue streams.

It's possible, but ESPN has already said that is not the plan for this. If one of the other channels like ESPNU or ESPNews is on the chopping block anyway, that could happen. The plan is to go into their next round of carrier negotiations with a ACC Network ready to go as an addition to their existing sports channel packages, so additional revenue. As long as they can get money from carriers, they're not going to cut channels. For national carriers and satellite, if they carry SECN, and most do, they're likely going to have to carry the ACCN as well. This is where the Pac network struggles because they don't have a partner like ESPN that can package these things together. The harder sell for ESPN will be getting in-market rates and high subscriber bundle tier placement in states outside of NC,VA, SC, and FL, although they'll probably get it in at least parts of GA, Western PA, the DMV, and a large chunk of upstate NY. I would speculate that they're probably going to get what the B10 Network is getting in NYC too. Remember, ND is a full partner with this and there is going to be plenty of ND content, including football content features (and don't be surprised if they move some ND-ACC away games to it). It is going to do fine unless there really is some catastrophic change in the industry or overall economy in the next two years, in which case, all the conference networks are in the same boat. The layoffs aren't reflective of what is going on with this plan at all.

 

[h2p_5150]

Spare me this internet streaming crap because we have that now. I can watch a pitt vs. psu game from 1982 on my computer if I want, I can watch anything I want from people getting decapitated or leaked sex videos of celebrities. I can watch brian davis highlights from Washington high circa 1981 by clicking a button. some acc network that is releasing internet only content is like a grand opening of a restaurant that I ate at 50 times before.. give me my HD Channel on my TV or give me death..

Idk what kind of TV you have but on my flat-screen HDTV I can click a button and watch stuff from the Internet. It's great. So much better than watching on the laptop.

 

[Swervin27]

Idk what kind of TV you have but on my flat-screen HDTV I can click a button and watch stuff from the Internet. It's great. So much better than watching on the laptop.

what button is that? I could do it thru my kids' x box one I guess but I sure as hell have to do more than "push a button." I do know that if it's on tv thru my cable subscriber then i do have to push a button and nothing else.

 

[h2p_5150]

what button is that?

It just says "www" on it. It's right next to the "netflix" and "youtube" buttons.

 

[Swervin27]

It just says "www" on it. It's right next to the "netflix" and "youtube" buttons.

i need that button..

 

[SVPanther]

Well, we won't know until 2019 if the ACC goes linear in any event. Who knows, if you buy into Zuckerberg's view, watching stuff on screens will soon be going the way of the mines and mills anyway.
My point is only that given the chaos of media economics, it just makes sense to be proactive with the conference (and individual athletic departments) to have contingency plans beyond suing ESPN.
Seems we need some correction from this endless chase for athletic revenues anyway.

 

[RaleighPittFan]

Idk what kind of TV you have but on my flat-screen HDTV I can click a button and watch stuff from the Internet. It's great. So much better than watching on the laptop.

Unless I'm mistaken, that "button" still doesn't offer the same functionality as a game broadcast on a TV channel, does it? I guess the question I have is can you rewind and fast forward like a TV program, or is it just like watching a game on Watch ESPN, with the only benefit being it's shown on your TV screen?

 

[Swervin27]

Unless I'm mistaken, that "button" still doesn't offer the same functionality as a game broadcast on a TV channel, does it? I guess the question I have is can you rewind and fast forward like a TV program, or is it just like watching a game on Watch ESPN, with the only benefit being it's shown on your TV screen?

i remember my roommate in like 2000 had something where you could push a button and get the internet on your tv. it had a wireless keyboard so you'd type in the website. that's what this sounds like. I don't know, I have fios and I don't have that button. I got to get the old hdmi cable out or stream it thru the x box to see what is usually very poor quality on my tv.

I don't care what you guys say, no way in heck is the picture and quality as good as it is on a typical HDTV station.

 

[pittmeister]

Get a clue and at least be honest. Others are saying that the ACC Network will be on internet only. ESPN's commitment to go linier (TV) doesn't kick in until 2019. The better reasoned view is that no way does ESPN do the ACC Network linier.
You quote only AD's! What do you expect them to say! SMH!

Others?

Source? Link?

 

[HailToPitt71]

Yawn.
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.syra...network_john_wildhack_syracuse_university.amp