Re: Is the Final Four on TV
I actually find it odd at this point, and in an age where so many people are dropping cable altogether, how many people will refuse to even consider streaming a game. They ask if it's on tv, you tell them you can watch it online, and their reaction is, "so it's not on tv?"
Of course, the problem, I suspect, is that when they do watch streaming events, it ends up being like bush-league productions that the NCAA gives this tournament. Admittedly, I haven't watched this years online coverage, but based on what others have said, it was a lot like it's been in previous years. It really is a shame that if there isn't going to be TV, they can't at least produce quality online coverage. I've watched dozens of games on BTN2Go this year, and the quality is every bit as good as watching on regular tv. If they could get the quality of streaming coverage up to that of a regularly televised game, I'd actually rather see it stay as a free stream - compared to putting it on ESPN49, where you need the ultra-super-sportspak to even get the channel.
Great question and comment. I'll admit I'm one of those for whom sports webcasts are an almost automatic no. I will be watching today, however. My issues:
1. Steamed games went online well before they were presentable. Amateurish announcing and camera work were the norm. But
much worse was the frequent tendency for the stream to freeze up while it was buffering. Several times I had the experience of getting excited for a game, only to have to turn it off because it was 100% unwatchable. In other words, so aggravating it was literally worse than nothing.
In my head, I know that the webcasts are much better now. But in my gut, it's hard to shake those memories.
2. My satellite bill is north of $100/month. Putting any additional $$ toward sports viewing -- even pocket change -- is an almost automatic no. Today's webcast is free, so fortunately it's a non-issue for the big game. But for those of us usually on the outside looking in, we frequently read about web viewers having to strategically subscribe to and then cancel an array of services offered by other schools in order to get the desired games. Granted it's a lazy reaction, but my gut says "just say no."
3. I already spend a lot of time on sports. Probably too much. Saying no to webcasts is a convenient way to put a lid on the time invested. An easy to administer decision rule, if you will.
4. Family members have shown me it's pretty easy to put a webcast on the big TV. So, maybe that will help me come around. Conversely, I have to say the idea of watching a game on a cell phone has little appeal for me. OK, if I'm stuck in an airport, maybe. Otherwise, not.
Hope this helps you understand the "other side." Based on the above, I may yet add the occasional webcast to my viewing habits. Bottom line? Old, but still young enough to learn a few new tricks -- if somewhat grudgingly.
