The streaming technology Amazon uses for their NFL broadcasts was developed at Elemental Technologies in Portland. Pretty much any live streaming event you've seen in the last decade has come from that merry band. A lot of late nights were spent getting it right. It's REALLY cool to see it all finally come together.
I forget the exact number, but something like 2/3 of households making over $75k annually subscribe to Amazon Prime. That's exactly the audience advertisers want to be in front of. The question is whether people will actually be able to find the content. It's one thing to flip channels and come across a game. It's ALSO nice to be able to flip away at commercials. You're kinda captive if you're watching a game on Amazon Prime. I wonder if Amazon either develops their own version of (insert your preferred OTT provider here) or acquires one. That's probably the next move for them.
In the meantime, if the Pac-12 goes with Amazon over ESPN, not only are they giving up the exposure ESPN gives them, but it also sticks them right back in another walled garden. Like trying to find something on Channel 329. It's there, but do you want to have to hunt that hard? If competing for national titles is the Pac-12's goal, they HAVE to be on ESPN. If they want to be the AFL or ABA, then maybe Prime is the move.
One additional thought on streaming - opportunities for worldwide distribution. I live overseas. I can stream Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and using a VPN, Amazon Prime. I'm limited in my ability to get ESPN, and Fox Sports, CBS, NBC, etc. are problematic. Would LOVE for the Pac-10/12 to go streaming so I could see the Ducks play for the first time in two years.
My wife and I are not fans of Amazon. We would not pay for Amazon Plus to watch football. Jerry Allen would get my attention for Duck football just the in the olden days. Keep up the good work Mr. C
Good stuff as per usual. You asked about Amazon's broadcast. I didn't watch the game in its entirety, but after the game when the sideline reporter interviewed Kelce and the post-game broadcast did their spiel there was a definite delay between their mouths moving and what they had to say. Not sure if everyone had the same experience, but it was definitely noticeable at my house. Keep up the good work. #lovethedailydrops
I'm wondering how much influence Jack the Hammer had on the coaching staff for the last game? he knew he could do it and i'm sure he convinced Coach Smith...I'm now waiting for the Pass package to appear...you have to believe at some point with the defense 11 strong stacked up against him he'll soon have a short pass play already in the play book...just say'in is all
Watched TNF on Amazon last night - very impressed by the video resolution and was happy to see Richard Sherman. Had fun/frustration trying to translate the point he was trying to get across at times…that’s just Richard. Hope they turn him loose!
Huskies and Ducks find out how good they are tomorrow. Would love to see Cal beat the Irish.
Jonathan Smith is all good. Beaver Nation should be pumped.
Re: TV broadcast media and the PAC 12 -
Yes, I am old; with the focus on “marketeers” and away from a traditional outlook, most of me wants to cringe at the immediate future of college football.
How did I like the Amazon viewing? Didn’t since I don’t have it. I’m lucky to have Root Sports. Wish I could comment in the clearness and color. Nope…not here. But, thanks for asking!!! Another game in my cell tonight.
In my old man get off my lawn mode, I didn't have time this week to solve the Amazon Prime hookup, although I suspect I am paying for it. I am probably also included in the technological challenged category. So Pac12, if you stream, I've lost interest.
AND then you read on the ESPN App this morning about the $280K weekend! "Mercy, what's this here world coming to?"
I find it very interesting that many of you said how crisp and clear the picture was on TNF on Prime. We did not have that same result - our video was blurry and pixilated most of the game. Amazon seems to think it was the strength of our broadband, but I find that hard to believe since we stream all of our television and can watch on 2-3 televisions as well as a computer and smart phone all at the same time without loss of picture quality. I have seen comments from others that the picture quality was poor as well. I wonder why...
Yeah, but I know folks, especially seniors who don’t have smart tvs or can’t afford Amazon, who are now missing out on Thursday night NFL. Doesn’t seem fair to have to pay extra to watch a league worth billions. (and I have both of the above and really enjoyed the game, so my gripe isn’t personal)
I was super impressed with the NFL Amazon broadcast last night. Crisp/bright picture, nice sound, and great presentation overall. I hope the PAC-12 looks closely at a mostly streaming option, especially if it means more money for the schools than cable/OTA. I’ve seen a few people complaining about picture or sound issues, but that usually boils down to weak internet service or bad router/WiFi. I had zero issues last night for the whole broadcast.
And you are right about that soon with a click of your remote you will be able to buy things. I noticed last night they have a graphic at times during the pregame to order your pizza now with a QR code!
Comments to Grant's Dad: Further info: "Games will be televised free in the local markets of the teams that are playing". As an example, last night we in LA also got the game on the local Fox network (think Ch 12, KPTV). Huge bummer for cities who don't have an NFL team. Dave
I buy things occasionally from Amazon. Don't have Prime. The game was on the website, free of charge. The game, all but the final score, was good. The broadcast quality seemed as good as any. The mute button got a lot of use with the blabber. Micheals was good ; Herbstriet is not Colingsworth, but not many are. I'll watch again next week.
The streaming technology Amazon uses for their NFL broadcasts was developed at Elemental Technologies in Portland. Pretty much any live streaming event you've seen in the last decade has come from that merry band. A lot of late nights were spent getting it right. It's REALLY cool to see it all finally come together.
I forget the exact number, but something like 2/3 of households making over $75k annually subscribe to Amazon Prime. That's exactly the audience advertisers want to be in front of. The question is whether people will actually be able to find the content. It's one thing to flip channels and come across a game. It's ALSO nice to be able to flip away at commercials. You're kinda captive if you're watching a game on Amazon Prime. I wonder if Amazon either develops their own version of (insert your preferred OTT provider here) or acquires one. That's probably the next move for them.
In the meantime, if the Pac-12 goes with Amazon over ESPN, not only are they giving up the exposure ESPN gives them, but it also sticks them right back in another walled garden. Like trying to find something on Channel 329. It's there, but do you want to have to hunt that hard? If competing for national titles is the Pac-12's goal, they HAVE to be on ESPN. If they want to be the AFL or ABA, then maybe Prime is the move.
One additional thought on streaming - opportunities for worldwide distribution. I live overseas. I can stream Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and using a VPN, Amazon Prime. I'm limited in my ability to get ESPN, and Fox Sports, CBS, NBC, etc. are problematic. Would LOVE for the Pac-10/12 to go streaming so I could see the Ducks play for the first time in two years.
My wife and I are not fans of Amazon. We would not pay for Amazon Plus to watch football. Jerry Allen would get my attention for Duck football just the in the olden days. Keep up the good work Mr. C
Good stuff as per usual. You asked about Amazon's broadcast. I didn't watch the game in its entirety, but after the game when the sideline reporter interviewed Kelce and the post-game broadcast did their spiel there was a definite delay between their mouths moving and what they had to say. Not sure if everyone had the same experience, but it was definitely noticeable at my house. Keep up the good work. #lovethedailydrops
I'm wondering how much influence Jack the Hammer had on the coaching staff for the last game? he knew he could do it and i'm sure he convinced Coach Smith...I'm now waiting for the Pass package to appear...you have to believe at some point with the defense 11 strong stacked up against him he'll soon have a short pass play already in the play book...just say'in is all
Watched TNF on Amazon last night - very impressed by the video resolution and was happy to see Richard Sherman. Had fun/frustration trying to translate the point he was trying to get across at times…that’s just Richard. Hope they turn him loose!
Huskies and Ducks find out how good they are tomorrow. Would love to see Cal beat the Irish.
Jonathan Smith is all good. Beaver Nation should be pumped.
Re: TV broadcast media and the PAC 12 -
Yes, I am old; with the focus on “marketeers” and away from a traditional outlook, most of me wants to cringe at the immediate future of college football.
GO DAWGS
How did I like the Amazon viewing? Didn’t since I don’t have it. I’m lucky to have Root Sports. Wish I could comment in the clearness and color. Nope…not here. But, thanks for asking!!! Another game in my cell tonight.
TJA, the people I refer to have phones, and old televisions. How would you tell them to watch the game?
In my old man get off my lawn mode, I didn't have time this week to solve the Amazon Prime hookup, although I suspect I am paying for it. I am probably also included in the technological challenged category. So Pac12, if you stream, I've lost interest.
AND then you read on the ESPN App this morning about the $280K weekend! "Mercy, what's this here world coming to?"
I find it very interesting that many of you said how crisp and clear the picture was on TNF on Prime. We did not have that same result - our video was blurry and pixilated most of the game. Amazon seems to think it was the strength of our broadband, but I find that hard to believe since we stream all of our television and can watch on 2-3 televisions as well as a computer and smart phone all at the same time without loss of picture quality. I have seen comments from others that the picture quality was poor as well. I wonder why...
Yeah, but I know folks, especially seniors who don’t have smart tvs or can’t afford Amazon, who are now missing out on Thursday night NFL. Doesn’t seem fair to have to pay extra to watch a league worth billions. (and I have both of the above and really enjoyed the game, so my gripe isn’t personal)
Also, how bad does Herbert’s injury look?
I was super impressed with the NFL Amazon broadcast last night. Crisp/bright picture, nice sound, and great presentation overall. I hope the PAC-12 looks closely at a mostly streaming option, especially if it means more money for the schools than cable/OTA. I’ve seen a few people complaining about picture or sound issues, but that usually boils down to weak internet service or bad router/WiFi. I had zero issues last night for the whole broadcast.
And you are right about that soon with a click of your remote you will be able to buy things. I noticed last night they have a graphic at times during the pregame to order your pizza now with a QR code!
Comments to Grant's Dad: Further info: "Games will be televised free in the local markets of the teams that are playing". As an example, last night we in LA also got the game on the local Fox network (think Ch 12, KPTV). Huge bummer for cities who don't have an NFL team. Dave
I buy things occasionally from Amazon. Don't have Prime. The game was on the website, free of charge. The game, all but the final score, was good. The broadcast quality seemed as good as any. The mute button got a lot of use with the blabber. Micheals was good ; Herbstriet is not Colingsworth, but not many are. I'll watch again next week.
I enjoyed the Prime game except for the pre-game 4 talking heads, Richard Sherman did OK.
Exposure is worth something so ESPN still makes more sense. The Pac might take in more
revenue with streaming but if it's not furthering your brand it's probably not the way to go.