HD no easy move for UC, XU games

If we're living in a big-screen, high-definition world, why does Fox Sports Ohio keep giving us University of Cincinnati and Xavier basketball games in standard definition, while the historically inept Cleveland Cavaliers are in HDTV?

It happens again Sunday when UC hosts St. John's at noon and Xavier plays at Duquesne at 2 p.m. Only the Cavaliers-Washington game at 6 p.m. is in HD.

UC is 19-5 and XU is 17-6, and both could make the NCAA Tournament. The Cadavers are 8-45.

"It's not that we can flip a switch and have all of our games in HD. It takes careful planning," said Henry Ford, general manager of Cleveland-based FSO.

"We are at the tail end of producing and distributing all of our pro events in HD," Ford said.

FSO's next goal is "to deliver all college and high school sports in HD as well," Ford said. But he's preaching patience.

Some UC and XU games aren't available in HD because their leagues or originating producer don't offer it.

HDTV costs more.

Demand for HDTV has outpaced the availability of production trucks, transmission lines, and other resources.

And if all games could be in HDTV, there would be a capacity problem.

"We're working with cable and satellite operators to ensure available channel space, particularly on nights when we have multiple HD events that have to clear," Ford said.

It's hard enough for UC and XU fans to find games in standard definition.

FSO will air Sunday's Bearcats-Red Storm game on the main SD channel in southwestern Ohio. If it runs past 2 p.m., the Muskies-Dukes game will start on alternate channels (Time Warner 310, Cincinnati Bell Fioptics 261), and move to the main channel after UC ends.

But DirecTV, Dish and Insight cable don't have permanently designated alternate channels for FSO.

FSO will air a 30-minute "Musketeers Live" pregame show at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on the alternate channels.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110...t|Sports|s

I'm still waiting for all EPL games to be in HD. Funny how tvs are too awesome for their feeds rhese days

"Cleveland-based FSO" is all you need to know. Cavs could be 0-forever and get more/better play than UC and Eggs.

You are all missing the major issue....money.


Advertising spots bring in more for the NBA and number of viewers are higher for the NBA.

Case closed.

I find it hard to believe when the Big East Network broadcasts its games in HD, how hard is it for you to carry that game? And I would like to say, they didn't start the UC game when X played at 7 and UC played at 9, we had to watch X game then its postgame with a couple of commericals, while it played on the other channel, 310, as well. But now they are saying the X game will start on the other channel? I think FSO has no idea what the hell they are doing because it is ran by morons.

(02-11-2011 12:46 PM)ThatDude Wrote:  I find it hard to believe when the Big East Network broadcasts its games in HD, how hard is it for you to carry that game? And I would like to say, they didn't start the UC game when X played at 7 and UC played at 9, we had to watch X game then its postgame with a couple of commericals, while it played on the other channel, 310, as well. But now they are saying the X game will start on the other channel? I think FSO has no idea what the hell they are doing because it is ran by morons.

:ncaabbs:

FSO... The Mike Brown of broadcasting.

I've never been able to find viewer ratings for UC or XU games on FSO... does anyone know if they publish those?

(02-11-2011 12:46 PM)ThatDude Wrote:  I find it hard to believe when the Big East Network broadcasts its games in HD, how hard is it for you to carry that game? And I would like to say, they didn't start the UC game when X played at 7 and UC played at 9, we had to watch X game then its postgame with a couple of commericals, while it played on the other channel, 310, as well. But now they are saying the X game will start on the other channel? I think FSO has no idea what the hell they are doing because it is ran by morons.

x2

I can't figure why I tune in to FSO and they are playing some PAC-10 Women's game and I miss the first half of a UC men's game.

I think FSO is still using cameras from the 50's -- complete with picture burnout from glare.