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.
It's app is easy to download, no different than the Sling, ESPN or other app, it works well on a ROKU TV or on a phone.
Also, it is capable of major viewship, including something like 25 million for a recent show.
Frankly, given the way streaming now works, sources like Prime are often easier to access than tracking down football games on ESPN (through Sling) or on ESPN's own App.
I don't channel surf while watching the Ducks, but Roku has its own simple to use remote. Two clicks-no, but easy to move between Prime, Sling and so forth.
In other words, it's not an issue for me.
Also, to the extent I want to watch a couple of things at once, I usually have the Ipad going at the same time, as I can just jump from App to App with a couple of swipes.
Here is the real issue, as I see it.
If the "solution" is ESPN, it is doubtful the Pac 10 will survive. It is apparently not enough money.
If it is Prime, trying to buy its way into this arena and own the Pac 10, it is likely going to be enough to survive.
So-our choice, convenience with channel surfing for a couple of years, until Oregon, UW, Cal and Stanford bolt for the Big 10, or the league as we know it.
Streaming is definitely more cumbersome-moving from App to App (if watching on a Roku TV) and then selecting your show.
If you are on one source-for example Sling, and want to jump around from one show to another, it is very simple - just a couple of clicks can take you back and forth.
Exactly...If you want exposure and eye balls seeing your program to sell it to the nation it HAS to be ESPN. if you are trying to sell your self with the thought live streaming "some day" with be 'THE' place to go and you want to beat everyone else there...then go with Amazon. For Example, My best friend called me on Thursday trying to find the Chargers vs. Chiefs game...I told him it was being live streamed on Amazon prime...He was EXTREMELY pissed as he waited all week to watch it and could not justify spending more money to watch it. I told him the NFL doesn't give a crap about "us" any more...they already have your old tired eyes...they are worried about the new generation of instant gratification millennials watching or not watching. I'm all about hooking up with ESPN...They've been doing it for years and have it down to a science and have the platform to promote it like no other...(think "the SEC on ESPN" which we've seen ad-nauseum for decades now).
Grant's Dad, as George Allen used to say, the future is now.
Virtually everyone under 35 is adept at streaming and are only vaguely familiar with cable, if at all.
I haven't had a cable box in years.
I actually switched, first to Sling, just to get the Pac 12 Network and then added other streaming choices (Hulu, ESPN, Disney bundle, Prime, Netflix, Peacock and Apple shows provide a lot of options.
Actually might be closer to 50 and under that are adept at streaming. I am 49 and cut the cord about 8 years ago. I will never go back to cable or satellite again. I save tons of money and only watch what I want, rather than what is served to me.
The smart play here is the diverse portfolio with as many games on ESPN as we can get a fair price from them for and then a bunch on Amazon who will likely pay a much more fair price.
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.
I loved seeing Sherman as well. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sherm will both be great on the pregame and halftime, it may just take a couple games for them to get in their groove.
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...
My picture was very good...I watched using an AppleTV...as good as my HD on comcast. I really like having TNF on Amazon since I already have Amazon Prime I am not paying any extra to watch those games.
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)
You don't need a smart TV to watch amazon prime...Roku or AppleTV are cheaper options than buying a new TV and you can usually connect a laptop to a TV. BTW...I am a senior and I don't buy into this idea that mosts seniors don't have the ability to watch on Amazon if they want to. All the seniors that I know have no issues with streaming technology and many are cutting the cable cord and moving to streaming only.
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.
I am all for Amazon.
It's app is easy to download, no different than the Sling, ESPN or other app, it works well on a ROKU TV or on a phone.
Also, it is capable of major viewship, including something like 25 million for a recent show.
Frankly, given the way streaming now works, sources like Prime are often easier to access than tracking down football games on ESPN (through Sling) or on ESPN's own App.
On Xfinity, I can find something new to watch and change the channel in two clicks. I can be back to the game in one. How does that work on your Roku?
I don't channel surf while watching the Ducks, but Roku has its own simple to use remote. Two clicks-no, but easy to move between Prime, Sling and so forth.
In other words, it's not an issue for me.
Also, to the extent I want to watch a couple of things at once, I usually have the Ipad going at the same time, as I can just jump from App to App with a couple of swipes.
Here is the real issue, as I see it.
If the "solution" is ESPN, it is doubtful the Pac 10 will survive. It is apparently not enough money.
If it is Prime, trying to buy its way into this arena and own the Pac 10, it is likely going to be enough to survive.
So-our choice, convenience with channel surfing for a couple of years, until Oregon, UW, Cal and Stanford bolt for the Big 10, or the league as we know it.
On Saturdays I’m constantly flipping around to other games during commercials and halftime, so streaming tends to inhibit this.
Streaming is definitely more cumbersome-moving from App to App (if watching on a Roku TV) and then selecting your show.
If you are on one source-for example Sling, and want to jump around from one show to another, it is very simple - just a couple of clicks can take you back and forth.
Exactly...If you want exposure and eye balls seeing your program to sell it to the nation it HAS to be ESPN. if you are trying to sell your self with the thought live streaming "some day" with be 'THE' place to go and you want to beat everyone else there...then go with Amazon. For Example, My best friend called me on Thursday trying to find the Chargers vs. Chiefs game...I told him it was being live streamed on Amazon prime...He was EXTREMELY pissed as he waited all week to watch it and could not justify spending more money to watch it. I told him the NFL doesn't give a crap about "us" any more...they already have your old tired eyes...they are worried about the new generation of instant gratification millennials watching or not watching. I'm all about hooking up with ESPN...They've been doing it for years and have it down to a science and have the platform to promote it like no other...(think "the SEC on ESPN" which we've seen ad-nauseum for decades now).
Grant's Dad, as George Allen used to say, the future is now.
Virtually everyone under 35 is adept at streaming and are only vaguely familiar with cable, if at all.
I haven't had a cable box in years.
I actually switched, first to Sling, just to get the Pac 12 Network and then added other streaming choices (Hulu, ESPN, Disney bundle, Prime, Netflix, Peacock and Apple shows provide a lot of options.
Actually might be closer to 50 and under that are adept at streaming. I am 49 and cut the cord about 8 years ago. I will never go back to cable or satellite again. I save tons of money and only watch what I want, rather than what is served to me.
The smart play here is the diverse portfolio with as many games on ESPN as we can get a fair price from them for and then a bunch on Amazon who will likely pay a much more fair price.
I think you are right.
I'm 65 and got rid of cable years ago in favor of streaming.
It would be nice, if possible, to have an ESPN/Prime combo.
What if Amazon offers a boatload of money for an exclusive right to the games?
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.
If you can get Sling, you can get the Pac 12 Network-not all of the Oregon games, but at least some of them.
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
I loved seeing Sherman as well. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sherm will both be great on the pregame and halftime, it may just take a couple games for them to get in their groove.
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?"
New TV's have most of the Apps either built in, or easy to add and these TV's are not expensive.
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...
My picture was very good...I watched using an AppleTV...as good as my HD on comcast. I really like having TNF on Amazon since I already have Amazon Prime I am not paying any extra to watch those games.
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?
You don't need a smart TV to watch amazon prime...Roku or AppleTV are cheaper options than buying a new TV and you can usually connect a laptop to a TV. BTW...I am a senior and I don't buy into this idea that mosts seniors don't have the ability to watch on Amazon if they want to. All the seniors that I know have no issues with streaming technology and many are cutting the cable cord and moving to streaming only.
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.