Cable Companies Battle Online Sports Providers
The success that cable and satellite TV providers have is partly attributed to sports channels. Various sports packages are offered as monthly subscriptions, and these plans include extensive coverage of major sports leagues in North America and other parts of the world. Viewers can even order one channel that is entirely dedicated to covering a single sport.
True sports fans can’t always be glued to their televisions to watch their favorite players and teams, but exclusive online streaming is available for those who already have sports subscriptions. To enjoy live or recorded broadcasts of games and events, viewers can visit the official website of a specific channel. To gain online access to virtual sports channels, a user name and pass code must be created through the TV or satellite provider. Sports fans can then watch exciting action from any Internet-enabled computer or laptop. Broadband connections are needed to properly stream and buffer high-quality videos of sports broadcasts. With a slow Internet connection, the buffering of clips might be unstable and full of glitches.
Sports fans can also stream live or recorded broadcasts on mobile devices. Tablets and smartphones can be used to watch video clips in high-definition quality. A high-speed Wi-Fi connection is recommended for enjoying sports games without interruptions. When using mobile data plans, there might be some loss of signals that would freeze live coverage and even recorded videos. Smartphone users who are out of the range of a high-speed Wi-Fi network can still find ways to stream their favorite sports online. It’s possible to manipulate the video settings to a lower quality so that it buffers faster.
Traditional sports channels also use social media to reach out to existing customers and potential future subscribers. Social media profile pages are effectively used to provide live updates on the latest games in professional sports. Scores and other vital statistics are posted frequently in one- or two-minute intervals. Tags are also used to create some social buzz of exciting sports events. Mobile phone users could follow scores and results without actually visiting the website of a sports media outlet. Apps conveniently deliver such information directly to the touchscreens of smartphones. In fact, mobile apps can be set to pop up and provide real-time updates of sports games.
Digital radio is another important platform in contemporary sports broadcasting. The same audio feeds that’s used on live television coverage is sent to the online radio stations. However, such radio can only be accessed via the Internet rather than traditional FM and AM bands. Smartphones can easily tune into live digital radio broadcasts of sports events. Tuning into the audio feeds requires very little mobile data.
Prominent figures in the sports media industry are always eager to explore the latest technology for delivering games and events to fans worldwide. An executive like ESPN’s Jed Drake and other businessmen are sports broadcasting CEOs who use social networks to promote sports coverage.
Professional sports clubs understand the importance of using social media to connect with loyal fans who use mobile phones and tablets. Press releases and other important announcements about major teams are usually posted on official social media profile pages. PR departments of sports franchises have evolved tremendously thanks to the Internet.