Wednesday, September 17, 2008
More on Big Ten Network
Ok so as Barry points out in the comment section to my post below it doesn't look like I watched the most recent episode of The Journey. I guess I needed to keep the TV on longer to see the most recent coverage of Eastern.
I think both my points still stand, though. Why are they just now showing coverage of Eastern? I want to see if the coaches knocked heads in practice this week after the bad game we played this past Saturday.
And, Barry is right. I forgot about the coverage of Juice's home life last night. That was good human interest stuff. I realize the staff may be limiting what the Network is allowed to cover as far as practices and meetings go and with good reason (we don't want Penn State to watch the BTN for a scouting report). But I'd still like to see more behind the scenes stuff rather than game highlights.
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I think both my points still stand, though. Why are they just now showing coverage of Eastern? I want to see if the coaches knocked heads in practice this week after the bad game we played this past Saturday.
And, Barry is right. I forgot about the coverage of Juice's home life last night. That was good human interest stuff. I realize the staff may be limiting what the Network is allowed to cover as far as practices and meetings go and with good reason (we don't want Penn State to watch the BTN for a scouting report). But I'd still like to see more behind the scenes stuff rather than game highlights.
Labels: Big Ten Network
# posted by Chief : 10:08 AM
Big Ten Network's The Journey disappoints
So I put the kiddo's to bed last night and turned on Illinois Football: The Journey on The Big Ten Network. Disappointment in the team's recent performance aside, I was generally disappointed in the Big Ten Network's coverage.
To be sure, I'm glad Coach Zook agreed to allow BTN access and considering how far we've come the past few years it's only going to help the program's profile.
However, I have two main gripes. One small. One big. The small one: The team just finished its third game of the season and the first ten minutes of the program was film of the Missouri game. That was the first game of the year. Hello? I realize it takes time to edit film and get a package together but I did not need to see a rehash of our first game of the year. Especially since it was a loss.
Which brings me to my second point. I was looking for more "behind the scenes" footage rather than footage of the game with Illini Sports Network sound. There was some sideline stuff with the coaches and players but nothing ESPN or anyone else wouldn't be able to show.
The second half of the show focused on the Renaissance and all the legends coming back for the Eastern game. There was some good stuff about the throwback uniforms, some footage of the suites and renovation and the ceremony honoring the greats, including Butkus but that was it.
BTN is in its infancy so hopefully as the season goes on, this show gets better. It's a great idea. BTN just needs to perfect it.
Incidentally, there is more footage on the BTN site here.
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To be sure, I'm glad Coach Zook agreed to allow BTN access and considering how far we've come the past few years it's only going to help the program's profile.
However, I have two main gripes. One small. One big. The small one: The team just finished its third game of the season and the first ten minutes of the program was film of the Missouri game. That was the first game of the year. Hello? I realize it takes time to edit film and get a package together but I did not need to see a rehash of our first game of the year. Especially since it was a loss.
Which brings me to my second point. I was looking for more "behind the scenes" footage rather than footage of the game with Illini Sports Network sound. There was some sideline stuff with the coaches and players but nothing ESPN or anyone else wouldn't be able to show.
The second half of the show focused on the Renaissance and all the legends coming back for the Eastern game. There was some good stuff about the throwback uniforms, some footage of the suites and renovation and the ceremony honoring the greats, including Butkus but that was it.
BTN is in its infancy so hopefully as the season goes on, this show gets better. It's a great idea. BTN just needs to perfect it.
Incidentally, there is more footage on the BTN site here.
Labels: Big Ten Network, Dick Butkus
# posted by Chief : 8:29 AM
Saturday, September 13, 2008
BTN - Again
I believed that I could make peace with Comcast and the Big Ten Network after they came to an agreement this summer. I was wrong.
Illinois is playing in Champaign against Louisiana-Lafayette, and, according to my on-screen guide from Comcast, I should be able to watch it on channels 75 and 255. Unfortunately, I live in the Chicagoland area, so when I switched (with great anticipation) from College Game Day to the BTN to watch my boys, I was very surprised to see the water-soaked field at Northwestern, instead of Memorial Stadium. They are playing Southern Illinois (and just fell behind at the moment). Not good.
So then, I flipped on the radio. But it is raining hard, and the Chicagoland station carrying the Illini Sports Network doesn't have the strongest signal. Only one of my radios can pick it up. I am really not happy -- except that the Illini defense just made a solid stand in the red zone to limit ULL to a field goal, and they've recovered 2 turnovers, one that Brit Miller turned into a TD, so although the competition isn't exactly Mizzou, the defense is gaining confidence.
Next option -- I called a nearby Illini family member who has dish to see if I could catch the game there. But she informed me that the BTN is showing Iowa-Iowa State. Yes, that's a great rivalry game, but I just want to be able to watch MY team on the network that claims to have a Fighting Illini channel (yes, I know better than to believe commercials). It shouldn't be this difficult.
Granted, this isn't a critical game, but my schedule kept me from being able to enjoy the pounding of Eastern last week, so I hoped to enjoy a pounding today, before I head to the wedding that will prevent me from catching tOSU @ USC tonight. And the BTN, in theory, was supposed to help me do that. At the moment, I am completely disgusted with the Big Ten Network.
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Illinois is playing in Champaign against Louisiana-Lafayette, and, according to my on-screen guide from Comcast, I should be able to watch it on channels 75 and 255. Unfortunately, I live in the Chicagoland area, so when I switched (with great anticipation) from College Game Day to the BTN to watch my boys, I was very surprised to see the water-soaked field at Northwestern, instead of Memorial Stadium. They are playing Southern Illinois (and just fell behind at the moment). Not good.
So then, I flipped on the radio. But it is raining hard, and the Chicagoland station carrying the Illini Sports Network doesn't have the strongest signal. Only one of my radios can pick it up. I am really not happy -- except that the Illini defense just made a solid stand in the red zone to limit ULL to a field goal, and they've recovered 2 turnovers, one that Brit Miller turned into a TD, so although the competition isn't exactly Mizzou, the defense is gaining confidence.
Next option -- I called a nearby Illini family member who has dish to see if I could catch the game there. But she informed me that the BTN is showing Iowa-Iowa State. Yes, that's a great rivalry game, but I just want to be able to watch MY team on the network that claims to have a Fighting Illini channel (yes, I know better than to believe commercials). It shouldn't be this difficult.
Granted, this isn't a critical game, but my schedule kept me from being able to enjoy the pounding of Eastern last week, so I hoped to enjoy a pounding today, before I head to the wedding that will prevent me from catching tOSU @ USC tonight. And the BTN, in theory, was supposed to help me do that. At the moment, I am completely disgusted with the Big Ten Network.
Labels: Big Ten Network
# posted by Alma Mater : 11:18 AM
Friday, June 27, 2008
Reality Television comes to the land of the Orange and Blue
Illini fans should be glad that the Big Ten Network and Comcast finally came to an agreement so they won't miss what could be some very interesting "reality" TV this fall. The Illini will be the featured team in season two of the BTN's series called "The Journey." The series will give fans an inside look at all the happenings with the Fighting Illini football team.
Coach Zook was a bit hesitant to sign off on the Illini's participation at first (and I don't blame him), but he just couldn't resist the potential recruiting benefits that could come out of theis extra television exposure of his team. Let's hope it was worth the gamble and pays off!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather that has finally arrived. Have a great 4th of July next week!
Go Illini!
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Coach Zook was a bit hesitant to sign off on the Illini's participation at first (and I don't blame him), but he just couldn't resist the potential recruiting benefits that could come out of theis extra television exposure of his team. Let's hope it was worth the gamble and pays off!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather that has finally arrived. Have a great 4th of July next week!
Go Illini!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Illini football, The Journey
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 9:16 PM
Monday, June 23, 2008
Summer News and Notes
Thank you to both the Big Ten Network and Comcast for coming to an agreement, despite many unanswered questions. I am thankful that I will be able to watch my boys at home. It gets expensive (and sometimes a bit annoying) to be forced to go out to watch a game. I would much rather be able to choose what games I want to go out to watch. Now I can really start getting excited about football season!
But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
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But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Comcast, Illini baseball, Illini Olympians
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:24 PM
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday download
My thoughts from yesterday:
1. Great win on the road! Should do a lot to help change the culture of losing and build confidence. (BTW, I'm glad we beat IU on the gridiron because I'm a lot less confident of our chances on the hardwood.)
2. Our defense just rocks the house. J Leman and V. Davis are studs, even though V got beat for a TD...he made up for it later in the game with the IT. I thought he was gonna go out of his mind when he got beat. It's nice to see guys get really upset when they're scored on.
3. Rashard.
4. Can we please hire Peyton Manning to come over to Champaign and teach Juice how to hit his receivers? I know some of the drops weren't his fault but if he were to execute the passing game like he does the option, we'll really be dangerous.
5. Big Ten Network. Totally see Alma Mater's point below but disagree. Sports TV is a huge business and this is all about money. I would say now that BTN has Direct TV and Dish, the heat really is on Comcast to pony up. If they offer something like the Tennis Channel, they should offer BTN.
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1. Great win on the road! Should do a lot to help change the culture of losing and build confidence. (BTW, I'm glad we beat IU on the gridiron because I'm a lot less confident of our chances on the hardwood.)
2. Our defense just rocks the house. J Leman and V. Davis are studs, even though V got beat for a TD...he made up for it later in the game with the IT. I thought he was gonna go out of his mind when he got beat. It's nice to see guys get really upset when they're scored on.
3. Rashard.
4. Can we please hire Peyton Manning to come over to Champaign and teach Juice how to hit his receivers? I know some of the drops weren't his fault but if he were to execute the passing game like he does the option, we'll really be dangerous.
5. Big Ten Network. Totally see Alma Mater's point below but disagree. Sports TV is a huge business and this is all about money. I would say now that BTN has Direct TV and Dish, the heat really is on Comcast to pony up. If they offer something like the Tennis Channel, they should offer BTN.
Labels: Big Ten Network, J Leman, Rashard Mendenhall, Vontae Davis
# posted by Chief : 6:27 AM
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Campaigning
For a few months, the Big Ten Network has been "campaigning" to encourage conference fans to ask their cable or satellite providers to offer the network in their package. I've seen commercials during games on major channels. I've heard commercials on the radio. And I've seen ads online. The theme is simple -- request the BTN.
Well, Comcast, one major cable carrier in the heart of Big Ten country who is still "negotiating" with the BTN, has taken note. They have launched their own campaign, saying that the BTN should be a choice -- rather than making everyone pay for it. The ad I saw reminded me of a political campaign.
I am disappointed in the BTN. I used to be able to watch most games on a local channel. Now, even if I make an effort to see a game, I have no guarantee that I will be able to hear or see it. But I am irritated by the campaigning from my cable carrier, too. I appreciate their spin on the network to back their position, but I'm disgusted with both sides. I just want to watch football (and basketball).
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Well, Comcast, one major cable carrier in the heart of Big Ten country who is still "negotiating" with the BTN, has taken note. They have launched their own campaign, saying that the BTN should be a choice -- rather than making everyone pay for it. The ad I saw reminded me of a political campaign.
I am disappointed in the BTN. I used to be able to watch most games on a local channel. Now, even if I make an effort to see a game, I have no guarantee that I will be able to hear or see it. But I am irritated by the campaigning from my cable carrier, too. I appreciate their spin on the network to back their position, but I'm disgusted with both sides. I just want to watch football (and basketball).
Labels: Big Ten Network
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:43 PM
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Big Ten Network
Per Alma Mater's post below, I can see how the Big Ten Network would disappoint if you're watching the game and halfway through you're forced to watch Iowa. That is a nightmare beyond description.
However, Skinny Sweetcheeks and I have Direct TV so we get all the overflow channels
and we couldn't be more pleased. Although some of the reporting on Friday Night Tailgate is a little goofy, they've got the right idea about what this fan is looking for. And being able to watch every single Big Ten game on Saturday is heaven.
I was also encouraged Dish Network picked it up recently as well but the uncertainty past 2008 is a little less encouraging, especially if you live outside Big Ten Country.
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However, Skinny Sweetcheeks and I have Direct TV so we get all the overflow channels
and we couldn't be more pleased. Although some of the reporting on Friday Night Tailgate is a little goofy, they've got the right idea about what this fan is looking for. And being able to watch every single Big Ten game on Saturday is heaven.
I was also encouraged Dish Network picked it up recently as well but the uncertainty past 2008 is a little less encouraging, especially if you live outside Big Ten Country.
Labels: Big Ten Network, Direct TV, Dish Network
# posted by Chief : 8:07 PM
Big Ten Network Disappoints
I would like to be able to share my thoughts on the play of the Illini in their first shutout victory since 2000. I successfully found a place to watch the game, but, about halfway through the second quarter with Illinois up 7-0, the BTN switched to cover the Iowa-Syracuse game. And the overflow channels weren't available.
It was an effort to make sure I could watch this game, and I didn't see much. Let me just say that, so far, I am unimpressed with the Big Ten Network.
But at least the Illini won!
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It was an effort to make sure I could watch this game, and I didn't see much. Let me just say that, so far, I am unimpressed with the Big Ten Network.
But at least the Illini won!
Labels: Big Ten Network
# posted by Alma Mater : 4:24 PM
Friday, August 24, 2007
AAARRRGGGHHH!!! JUST GET IT DONE!
The bickering between the Big Ten Network and Comcast Cable continues as you will read in Teddy Greenstein's update in the Chicago Tribune today. The good news from my perspective is that the BTN is still optimistic about deals with other cable providers and Dish Network, which I have at home. I have called them already to encourage them to carry the BTN and if you would like to call your provider to do the same, call 1-866-WANT-B10.
With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
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With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Canada, Comcast, Illini basketball, Jamar Smith
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 10:38 AM
Saturday, August 18, 2007
BTN
That's Big Ten Network. And as the Trib's Teddy Greenstein says, I don't care about the deals between BTN and carriers. I just want to know if I will get to watch Big Ten football on Sept. 1. Will Comcast carry it? How much will I have to pay? Or will I have to become an Illini regular at a local sports bar that has sound on for all Illini games? And will I not be able to watch other Big Ten games on my college football Saturdays (the rare days I turn on College Game Day at 9 a.m. and watch football until the helmet stickers are handed out on College Game Night)? Or will I have to consider DirecTV? And how long will I have to wait for answers?
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Labels: Big Ten Network
# posted by Alma Mater : 12:17 AM
Thursday, April 19, 2007
In the News...
Several items of interest today:
1) Lindsey Willhite of the Daily Herald provides a nice update on the current state of Illini basketball (and don't worry--for once it is postive news)
2) I cannot wait to see Arrelious “Rejus” Benn play this fall. He is going to be a great football player for the Illini and every article like this makes me more and more excited to see him suit up this fall.
3) Coach Weber explains why the Illini recruited and signed junior college player Rodney Alexander.
4) How long does IU Coach Kelvin Sampson's NCAA mandated recruiting phone call ban last? Not sure if it has already ended or when it concludes (if he is even obeying the ban), but this latest NCAA decision to eliminate text messages to recruits can't be good for him if the ban is ongoing. It is, however, in this writer's opinion good for the recruits who get bombarded with text messages from coaches with no limitations. UPDATE: I just found this commentary by Greg Couch of the Chicago Sun-Times. He answers my question about Sampson plus had comments from Illini Football Coach Ron Zook (who is a text messaging master) on why he disagrees with the decision.
5) Question for our readers. Do any of you know if the new Big Ten Network will be carried on satellite by the Dish Network? It appears to me that at the present time it is not looking likely as Dish Network is not mentioned in this article or this article from today's papers. Since I have Dish Network, this would be a very disappointing develop and I would have to assess whether I should make a change. If anyone else out there is in the same boat, I encourage you to call Dish Network at 1-888-284-7116 and ask them to add the Big Ten Network to their channel line-up.
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1) Lindsey Willhite of the Daily Herald provides a nice update on the current state of Illini basketball (and don't worry--for once it is postive news)
2) I cannot wait to see Arrelious “Rejus” Benn play this fall. He is going to be a great football player for the Illini and every article like this makes me more and more excited to see him suit up this fall.
3) Coach Weber explains why the Illini recruited and signed junior college player Rodney Alexander.
4) How long does IU Coach Kelvin Sampson's NCAA mandated recruiting phone call ban last? Not sure if it has already ended or when it concludes (if he is even obeying the ban), but this latest NCAA decision to eliminate text messages to recruits can't be good for him if the ban is ongoing. It is, however, in this writer's opinion good for the recruits who get bombarded with text messages from coaches with no limitations. UPDATE: I just found this commentary by Greg Couch of the Chicago Sun-Times. He answers my question about Sampson plus had comments from Illini Football Coach Ron Zook (who is a text messaging master) on why he disagrees with the decision.
5) Question for our readers. Do any of you know if the new Big Ten Network will be carried on satellite by the Dish Network? It appears to me that at the present time it is not looking likely as Dish Network is not mentioned in this article or this article from today's papers. Since I have Dish Network, this would be a very disappointing develop and I would have to assess whether I should make a change. If anyone else out there is in the same boat, I encourage you to call Dish Network at 1-888-284-7116 and ask them to add the Big Ten Network to their channel line-up.
Labels: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn, Big Ten Network, Illini basketball, Illini football, Rodney Alexander, Text Messaging
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 2:01 PM
