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Post by Skaggs on Sept 13, 2004 20:06:03 GMT -5
From ESPN.com: ESPN2 HD set to launch in JanuaryBristol, Conn. -- ESPN and ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer announced on Sept. 7, ESPN's 25th Anniversary, another chapter in ESPN's history. ESPN will launch ESPN2 HD in January 2005, the company's second high-definition sports service. ESPN2 HD will launch as a simulcast of ESPN2 and will include over 100 live telecasts in its first year of operation -- featuring college football plus men's and women's and college basketball, the Little League World Series, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League -- originally produced and distributed in high-definition television. Together, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will immediately offer viewers over 6,000 hours of originally produced high-definition programming and over 2,000 original programs. The combination of the two high-definition services with the construction of the ESPN Digital center, one of the most sophisticated digital facilities in the world, solidifies ESPN's position as the leader in the high-definition sports arena. "ESPN made a significant commitment to spur the growth of high-definition television with ESPN HD, and its success has driven us to launch ESPN2 HD," said Bodenheimer. "ESPN has led the digital transition by marrying the highest quality content, like ESPN2, with the most advanced technology, and we're pleased to provide our distribution partners with what we believe to be the most compelling HDTV content." Sean Bratches, president of Disney and ESPN Networks affiliate sales and marketing, said, "ESPN HD is driving our affiliates' high-definition business, and the addition of ESPN2 HD makes the consumer proposition that much more compelling. Our affiliates, our advertisers, and most importantly, our viewers are requesting more HD content, and as we've seen the demand skyrocket, we're committing to fulfilling that need." All high-definition programming on ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will be delivered to cable systems and satellite providers in the 720p high-definition format. ESPN HD ESPN HD has distribution agreements with 85 percent of multichannel video households and did so within its first year of launch. After delivering more originally produced telecasts than expected in its first year, ESPN HD plans to deliver nearly 200 originally produced events in HD in 2004. With the completion of ESPN's Digital Center on June 7, 2004, ESPN HD viewers have the ability to watch ESPN's flagship news and information program, SportCenter, with additional NFL studio programming available on September 12. ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD are managed by ESPN vice president of strategic business planning and development, Bryan Burns. |
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Post by Skaggs on Nov 5, 2004 16:08:26 GMT -5
As reported on ESPN.com. ESPN2HD will debut on Jan. 6, '05Bristol, Conn. -- ESPN plans to debut ESPN2 HD, its second high-definition sports service, on January 6, 2005, Bryan Burns, ESPN vice president, strategic business planning and development, has announced. ESPN's two high-definition services -- ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD -- will distribute 85 live, high-definition telecasts, which will be shown in their first 85 days of operation. These telecasts feature college football plus men's and women's college basketball - originally produced and distributed in high-definition television. The opening night tripleheader will feature top programs from three different conferences. DePaul vs. Cincinnati (7 p.m. ET) Memphis vs. Texas (9 p.m. ET) Gonzaga vs. Santa Clara (11 p.m. ET)
Will Albany TWC have ESPN2 HD on January 6, 2005? If so, will they include it as part of the $3.95/month HD Tier? |
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Post by Skaggs on Nov 26, 2004 12:00:04 GMT -5
I called TWC today and spoke to Melissa.
I asked her if Albany TWC planned to offer ESPN2 HD when it debuts on January 6, 2005.
Melissa seemed a little puzzled by the question. She said, "We just started offering ESPN HD." I said, "I know, but I'm asking about ESPN2 HD, which debuts on 1/6/05."
Melissa recited the complany line, "We have no information at this time. You should check our website on a regular basis to see if we intend to offer any additional channels."
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Post by Skaggs on Nov 30, 2004 14:44:25 GMT -5
From: Mark Pyskadlo <mark@albanyhdtv.com> To: help@nycap.rr.com Date: Friday, November 26, 2004 1:24 pm Subject: ESPN2 HD ESPN will debut ESPN2 HD, its second high-definition sports service, on Jan. 6, 2005 with an opening night college basketball tripleheader. Will this channel be available to Albany TWC customers on January 6, 2005? If not, when will it be available?
From: help@nycap.rr.com [mailto:help@nycap.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 2:13 PM To: Mark Pyskadlo Subject: Re: ESPN2 HD We are currently working on getting ESPN2 HD on our lineup for their January launch. We do not have a deal in place as of yet, but hopefully we will be able to offer that service from the day it is launched. Thank you for your email. Time Warner Technical Support help@nycap.rr.com 1-866-321-2225 (518) 869-5500  |
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Post by Skaggs on Dec 14, 2004 13:16:08 GMT -5
We are currently working on getting ESPN2 HD on our lineup for their January launch. We do not have a deal in place as of yet, but hopefully we will be able to offer that service from the day it is launched. Does anyone else find it amazing that TWC negotiated an agreement for ESPN HD a few months ago, but didn't include ESPN2 HD? From what they are telling me, they have to go back to the negotiating table again? That would lead me to believe they are going to charge us (even more) when they finally work out an agreement. I have emailed TWC VP Taubkin several times asking the status of ESPN2 HD, but have not gotten any response. The only logical reason I can think of as to why TWC won't say they will or won't have it is that they plan on charging us more for it. |
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Post by Skaggs on Dec 17, 2004 15:24:32 GMT -5
ESPN's two high-definition services -- ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD -- will distribute 85 live, high-definition telecasts, which will be shown in their first 85 days of operation. These telecasts feature college football plus men's and women's college basketball - originally produced and distributed in high-definition television.
Together in 2005, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will offer viewers 6,000 hours of originally produced high-definition programming and 2,000 original programs.
ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will deliver 300 major events plus 2,000 programs totaling 6,000 hours in high-definition in 2005. The ESPN Digital Center, a 120,000-square foot, state-of-the-art, all digital high-definition facility at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn. began operation on June 7, 2004 with the premiere high-definition telecast of the company's signature news program, SportsCenter.
The building contains over seven million feet of cable and three HDTV studios that are home to all ESPN Bristol-based studio shows --SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, NFL Primetime, Monday Night Countdown and Baseball Tonight (Spring of 2005).
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Post by Skaggs on Dec 22, 2004 10:47:52 GMT -5
During my 12/21/04 phone call to Albany TWC concerning picture quality, I asked the CSR about the status of ESPN2 HD. She said the CSR's have not received any information concerning TWC carrying ESPN2 HD.
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Post by OldMatador on Jan 5, 2005 13:22:06 GMT -5
Any news on ESPN2HD coming to TWC yet? I e-mailed Peter Taubkin, and have not heard from him.
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Post by Skaggs on Jan 5, 2005 18:36:14 GMT -5
ESPN2 HD TO LAUNCH LIVE FROM CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW
Las Vegas, Nev. – ESPN2 HD, a high-definition simulcast of ESPN2, will launch Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. The opening night tripleheader will feature top teams from three different conferences - Conference USA, the Big 12 and West Coast Conference: DePaul at #20 Cincinnati (7 p.m.), Memphis at #11 Texas (9 p.m.) and #17 Gonzaga at Santa Clara (11 p.m.). The countdown for the service will take place at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where executives from ESPN and the Consumer Electronic Association will be present to commemorate the launch.
ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will offer a total of 82 live events in the first 83 days of 2005 across both services. This includes all Saturday primetime basketball match-ups, and a total 28 games as part of Championship Week Presented by 7UP. Rivalry Week, Presented by Cisco Systems, will include top games such as Villanova at St. Joseph's (ESPN2 HD), Boston College at Notre Dame (ESPN2 HD), #24 N.C. State at #3 Wake Forest (ESPN HD), Notre Dame at #12 Pittsburgh (ESPN HD) and #6 Duke at #23 Maryland (ESPN HD).
Distribution agreements for ESPN2 HD have been signed with DIRECTV, Inc. and Adelphia Communications.
“The future of television is here and we are thrilled to launch our second high-definition service live from the Consumer Electronics Show,” said Bryan Burns, vice president strategic planning and business development, ESPN. “We will take full advantage of every opportunity across our two HD services to maximize the number of dates on which fans can see an originally-produced event on either ESPN HD or ESPN2 HD. This is another big day in the development of HD programming.”
In celebration of the launch of ESPN2 HD, 291,827 fans voted on ESPN.com and selected the game that analyst thingy Vitale will call on opening night of the service. Their choice with over 45% of the votes, Memphis at Texas (9 p.m.), was revealed January 1 during ESPN’s coverage of #9 Georgia Tech at #2 Kansas.
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Post by OldMatador on Jan 6, 2005 9:25:09 GMT -5
This begs the question: When ESPN and TWC were negotiating a couple of months ago for ESPNHD, did TWC know about the ESPN2HD, or was ESPN holding that announcement close to the vest?
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Post by olivedog on Jan 7, 2005 10:05:02 GMT -5
"Distribution agreements for ESPN2 HD have been signed with DIRECTV, Inc. and Adelphia Communications. "
I am a D* subscriber and am not receiving ESPN2 HD. I called Customer Service and was told that D* had no plans, and was not negotiating with ESPN for this channel!! What is going on?!
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Post by Skaggs on Jan 7, 2005 21:15:02 GMT -5
I am a D* subscriber and am not receiving ESPN2 HD. I called Customer Service and was told that D* had no plans, and was not negotiating with ESPN for this channel!! What is going on?! If you search the web, you will find that you are not alone. if you read the press release above very carefully, you will see it states that, "Distribution agreements for ESPN2 HD have been signed with DIRECTV, Inc. and Adelphia Communications." It does NOT state when they will begin showing the channel. Everyone just assumed it would be when ESPN2 HD kicked off their new channel. So, it appears that no one was able to see ESPN2 HD on opening night, except the highlights on Sportscenter via ESPN HD. Still no word yet when DirecTV will start ESPN2 HD. |
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Post by Skaggs on Feb 22, 2005 20:45:50 GMT -5
This will not be seen in HD via Albany TWC:
Judgment Week Presented By Sharp:
BIG EAST Conference Basketball
Providence vs. Syracuse
Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY USA
ESPN2 & ESPN2 HD: Sat. Feb. 26, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
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Post by Skaggs on Feb 22, 2005 20:49:36 GMT -5
Without ESPN2 HD or YES HD, no one in the Albany will be able to see this in HD:
ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees
Bronx, NY, USA
Sunday, April 3, 2005
8:00 - 11:00PM
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Post by Skaggs on Feb 24, 2005 14:41:10 GMT -5
From info posted elsewhere on the web:
Although contracts are signed, DirecTV is waiting until ESPN2 HD has enough HD content before putting it on their system. I have no idea what the definition of 'enough HD content' is, but as of now it's not February 2005.
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