Ron
04-24-2007, 10:21 AM
Horse Racing Urged to Go High-Def
Industry experts say fans expect improved pictures.
March 13, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
It's a good bet that the nation's racetracks will soon switch to High-Definition TV.
That's according to several industry experts who yesterday addressed the annual joint meeting of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations and Harness Tracks of America.
According to ThroughbredTimes.com, the experts participated in a panel discussion on how new technology can improve the Sport of Kings.
Todd Roberts, president of Roberts Communications, an industry consulting group, said fans are demanding that tracks install high-def monitors to display replays and live broadcasts of races. He said the High-Definition sets would make it easier for fans to follow their picks during the race.
“It’s frustrating because at (trade shows) broadcasters use horse racing as an example of how much better things can look in High Definition, but tracks don’t broadcast in high def,” Roberts said, according to the web site. “Tracks who adopt High Definition early will benefit. They’ll pay a premium, but people will watch.”
The TV networks broadcast the top races of the year in high-def, such as the Kentucky Derby. However, at the track itself, fans usually are forced to squint at small, analog TVs hanging from the ceiling.
Keeneland, a Kentucky-based track, is a rare exception, having installed high-def displays on the grounds.
“Twenty percent of our patrons are first-time visitors,” said G.D. Hieronymus, Keeneland’s director of broadcast services. “We ask fans to spend five hours with us, and they demand eye-catching displays. What sports facility doesn’t have an LED? Fans expect it. Let’s enhance their experience.”
The experts said the industry should invest as much in new video technology as it does in security programs to protect the sport's integrity.
“Racing takes an art museum attitude,” said Eugene Christiansen of Christiansen Capital Advisors, an industry investment group. “Management likes racing, and if the public doesn’t, then they’re wrong.”
Industry experts say fans expect improved pictures.
March 13, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
It's a good bet that the nation's racetracks will soon switch to High-Definition TV.
That's according to several industry experts who yesterday addressed the annual joint meeting of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations and Harness Tracks of America.
According to ThroughbredTimes.com, the experts participated in a panel discussion on how new technology can improve the Sport of Kings.
Todd Roberts, president of Roberts Communications, an industry consulting group, said fans are demanding that tracks install high-def monitors to display replays and live broadcasts of races. He said the High-Definition sets would make it easier for fans to follow their picks during the race.
“It’s frustrating because at (trade shows) broadcasters use horse racing as an example of how much better things can look in High Definition, but tracks don’t broadcast in high def,” Roberts said, according to the web site. “Tracks who adopt High Definition early will benefit. They’ll pay a premium, but people will watch.”
The TV networks broadcast the top races of the year in high-def, such as the Kentucky Derby. However, at the track itself, fans usually are forced to squint at small, analog TVs hanging from the ceiling.
Keeneland, a Kentucky-based track, is a rare exception, having installed high-def displays on the grounds.
“Twenty percent of our patrons are first-time visitors,” said G.D. Hieronymus, Keeneland’s director of broadcast services. “We ask fans to spend five hours with us, and they demand eye-catching displays. What sports facility doesn’t have an LED? Fans expect it. Let’s enhance their experience.”
The experts said the industry should invest as much in new video technology as it does in security programs to protect the sport's integrity.
“Racing takes an art museum attitude,” said Eugene Christiansen of Christiansen Capital Advisors, an industry investment group. “Management likes racing, and if the public doesn’t, then they’re wrong.”