Dish to Carry HDNet CART Race?

[Cyclone]

http://www.cart.com/News/Article.asp?ID=6385


This CART event was almost canceled. During the time of uncertainty, CBS and SpeedTV both scheduled other events during the time of this RACE. When the race was committed, CART did not have a Network to broadcast it on.

Enter HDNet. :D

HDNet will offer more than 12 hours of live and original programming throughout the weekend at Road America, including extensive coverage on both qualifying days on August 1 and 2, in addition to all of the action on race day, August 3. The broadcasts will be available through HDNet's cable & satellite distributors, including DIRECTV, DISH network, Charter Communications and other cable affiliates; and in addition - by special arrangement with CART - on any other high-definition cable and satellite distributors who wish to make it available to their customers. The race will be rebroadcast several times on HDNet throughout the month of August


Now either HDNet will be Dish by the time of this race (August 1st) or Dish will show it on the Special events channel. [if this is a mistake I will throw a fit]

Either way I can't wait.

Cyclone :righton:

[DarrellP]

Excerpt:

The broadcast will be the biggest undertaking in the history of auto racing in the high definition
format, as 16 high definition cameras and two HD mobile units will be spread throughout the 4.048-mile permanent road course to capture all of the action in crystal clear quality.

I hope we get this at least on HDEVENT. Then again, maybe we will get a pleasant surprise during the Tech Chat (keeping fingers crossed).

[John Corn]

I wrote CART an email about the coverage of the Road America race if there were plans to replay it at a later date. This is the response and my original email:

Thanks for contacting us here at Champ Car World Series.com. Regarding your question/comments about the HDNet exclusive U.S. broadcast of the Mario Andretti Grand Prix at Road America Presented by Briggs & Stratton, werealize that many of our fans do not currently have access to HDNet in their homes. Having said that, we are currently working on some unique viewing
opportunities that will enable fans that do not get HDNet in their homes tosee the event, such as viewing parties at Sports Bars and Pubs in somemarkets, and it is possible that the race will also be screened at some movie theaters. We will have more information in the coming days.

It is also important to point out that, due to the fact that the event was removed andthen reinstated to the 2003 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World SeriesPowered by Ford schedule, time was no longer available to broadcast the event on SPEED Channel or CBS Sports, and our best available option was to go with HDNet. If you do not have HDNet in your home, we encourage you to go to an establishment in your area that has access to HDNet to watch the race. We believe this will be a "must see" event, not only for the spectacular racing action, but also for the amazing picture and sound quality that high
definition television offers.



Thanks again for contacting us, and for your interest in Bridgestone

Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by
Ford.www.ChampCarWorldSeries.com

[Cyclone]

Yeah. Thats a good move for all of those CART fans who are not HD Geeks like us. I'm not going to feel safe until I see an announcement from Dish or HDNet stating that it will be on Dish. But right now, I get the feeling that it will be handled like "special event" so I am somewhat confident.

Now about their special showings. That would actually be pretty fun if there are bars with HD access. Likely those that have ESPN-HD would be able to carry this as well.

[dmodemd]

It looks like the press release inadvertently let the cat out of the bag. It lists Dish Network as an HDNet >distributor<. In talks with HDNet they probably told them they WILL be on Dish Network but may not have been explicit with them that it has NOT been released yet. They may not have realized it when listing HDNet's distributors. So maybe Aug. 1 is a magic date?

[Cyclone]

dmodemd, Its either that, or that Dish will just carry it on the special events channel. We know that HDNet and Dish are already buddies. Mark Cuban was on Charlies show a few weeks back. Dish is likely just holding back on HDNet so that it can be a part of some bigger HDTV Launch for Dish products.

Dish does have a lot of HD stuff in the works. There are a few channels for them to add to their service such as HDNet and ESPN-HD. They have at least 4 new HDTV receivers in the works. Then there is their SuperDish program. Finally there is that bundled HDTV package that includes an actual Television set.

Instead of leaking these things about a bit at a time, it looks like Charlie is hold off for a big launch with most things hitting the market at once.

[gpflepsen]

Scott- Any word on this event from your "sources"?

Thanks

[Scott Greczkowski]

No word, sorry.

[Cyclone]

There is an article on a paid subscription service about HDNet offering a Free Preview Weekend for the Race. I'll be a broken man if this isn't on Dish and I miss it.

[John Corn]

Ok here is the website for the places where you guys can go watch HDNet, for the Road America race.

http://www.hd.net/sportsbars.html

[Cyclone]

Hehe, Like they'll want me hanging around for 3hr blocks for 3 days straight. :D I'll bring my own folding chair and some snacks.

Serioulsy, its only a few weeks away now and I'm begining to get nervous.

[gpflepsen]

Cyclone, have you been pumping anyone (Dish, CART) for any definite answers if DISH is carrying this? I sent an e-mail to Dish this morning seeking info. I'm leaving in one week for a one week vacation, and once I'm gone I won't have time to get a working solution running if Dish doesn't come through.

Nervous? It's only TV. :)

[Cyclone]

No, i've just been trolling the boards & news sites looking for info. Enjoy your vacation. Oh, and only nervous in the appropriate context. Yeah, its only TV. but CART might be defunct soon, and I realize this might be the "only" time to see them in HD before its all over. So I don't want to miss it if possible.

With only two weeks left to go, I would have expected something official by now, but then again, I don't think that the NBA all star games news was released until a day or two before the game.

[gpflepsen]

Nervous? It's only TV. :)

Yea, but it's HDTV! Granted, if they have 13 hrs of coverage over three days, I'll be watching 13 hrs for three days. Road America is a great track and my personal favorite. I have seen 6-7 races there in person and have driven it for quite a few miles too. I guess you could consider me nervous :)

[gpflepsen]

I went to the HDNet website and they have this for the press release on the race:

http://www.hd.net/2003-prarchive/2003-07-01-01.html

The broadcasts will be available through HDNet's cable & satellite distributors, including DIRECTV, DISH network, Charter Communications and other cable affiliates; and in addition - by special arrangement with CART - on any other high-definition cable and satellite distributors who wish to make it available to their customers.

Would HDNet allow this to exist for over two weeks if it were in error?

[DTV]

I went to the HDNet website and they have this for the press release on the race:

http://www.hd.net/2003-prarchive/2003-07-01-01.html



Would HDNet allow this to exist for over two weeks if it were in error?

It's not in error. HDNet has an agreement in place for Dish. It's not HDNet's responsibility to say when Dish will start broadcasting. At this point the ball is in Dish's court but I wouldn't be suprised if the race was not broadcast on Dish.

[Cyclone]

I still optomistically think that it will be covered using the HD Events channel. This HDNet Press Release is even more encouraging.

[DTV]

I still optomistically think that it will be covered using the HD Events channel. This HDNet Press Release is even more encouraging.

I'm also a CART fan so I feel your pain. I just have a bad feeling that Dish is going to drop the ball on this one.

As far as CART after this year I wouldn't worry. Someone will buy the series out and take it private again. I read an interesting rumor that Penske was among a group, including Forsythe, that were looking at buying the series.

[Cyclone]

There is no way Dish will be up on 105 by Aug 3rd. Man, Imagine if they did run the race on AMC-2 and put out a Press Release stating that Dish carried the RACE.

[gpflepsen]

The only way it's happening is on the Special Events channel, like the NBA HD games.

[gpflepsen]

I think you are probably right. My point is only that it might be technically possible to use 105.

That would be a case of the tree falling in the forest and nobody is there to hear it.

[gpflepsen]

I sent two e-mails to E* yesterday, one through the normal channels and the other to a contact I've always had personal responses from.

This morning I received this canned response from their e-service.


Question: Can you verify the accuracy of this statement contained in this

HDNet press release?

Statement- "The broadcasts will be available through HDNet's cable & satellite

distributors, including DIRECTV, DISH network, Charter Communications and

other cable affiliates; and in addition - by special arrangement with

CART - on any other high-definition cable and satellite distributors who

wish to make it available to their customers."

Press Release- http://www.hd.net/2003-prarchive/2003-07-01-01.html

Thank you

Gerry P
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. P,

Thank you for your email. DISH Network continues to seek ways to expand services for its customers and increase competition to cable. DISH Network recently announced plans to add HDNet and HDNet Movies to DISH Network's existing HDTV lineup of Discovery Theater HD, HBO, Showtime, CBS and a pay-per-view movie channel. With HDNet and HDNet Movies, DISH Network customers will be able to enjoy great original programming, sports, award-winning movies, timely news, features and documentaries, all in 1080i - the highest possible resolution. HDNet offers more original programming produced in 1080i HD than any other network. The pricing and packaging for HDNet and HDNet Movies will be announced when they are made available to DISH Network customers this summer. HDNet and HDNet Movies will be available to customers using DISH Network's new SuperDish, unveiled at DISH Network's annual Team Summit satellite TV retailer conference.



The SuperDish, an elliptical 66-centimeter (26") dish and is capable of offering customers access to hundreds of popular DISH Network channels, local channels in new markets, HDTV channels and international programming. The SuperDish is capable of receiving satellite signals from three orbital locations. DISH Network will announce pricing and promotional offers for the SuperDish when it is made available to DISH Network customers this fall.

Please watch the monthly Charlie Chats, which can be found on channel 101 (this program usually airs on the second Monday of every month), or visit our website to get the latest information on new programming offered by DISH Network.

As a current customer, you may also use our website to view your current or previous billing statements, add services, or make payments to your account. Please use the link https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp to visit our Online Customer Support Center.

Your business is greatly appreciated and we thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to www.dishnetwork.com or reply to this email.

Sincerely,

Mel C.

DISH Network eCare






:rolleyes:

[Cyclone]

Ok, we are close to one week before the event is due to air, and still not a word from Dish. Should I start to throw spasms and tantrums now?

[Scott Greczkowski]

I think it is safe to say these races WILL NOT be on Dish Network. :(

[gpflepsen]

I can feel a tic coming on. I might start throwing expletives. Look out.

[gpflepsen]

I think it is safe to say these races WILL NOT be on Dish Network. :(

Is this your personal feeling or something you found out from your mole?

[Cyclone]

I can feel a tic coming on. I might start throwing expletives. Look out.

:flaiming :soapbox: :bonk1: :listenup: :rant: :mad: :grrr:

Free preview weekend from HDNet and Dish won't show it? Weak

[Cyclone]

:flaiming :soapbox: :bonk1: :listenup: :rant: :mad: :grrr:

Free preview weekend from HDNet and Dish won't show it? Weak
:lol: :D :blowout: :cool: !pride :hurah: :jumpingja :goodjob:

Well. It won't be long. Only a few more hours. :D

[Phil T]

I thought Scott had posted this earlier, but if not:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/popUps/programming/hdnet/hdnet.shtml?section=programming


It is already in the 6000 program guide. :)

[Cyclone]

Oh, yes, it has been posted. Notice the new smiley's are quite happy.

I just set my VCR for the 1st practice. I should be home by 3:30 for the 1st round of qualifying.

[Greg Johnson]

Damn! You know there always has to be a down side. The race is on the same time as the Brickyard 400 Nascar race Sunday. I don't think I have the willpower to record the Nascar race. Not much of a open wheel fan but a BIG Nascar fan. Now if I had a 921 there would be no downside to this. :lol:

Greg

[gpflepsen]

Guys, it looks spectacular!

[Greg Johnson]

It sure does. Anyone else notice the time ticker at the top of the screen is cut off.

[gpflepsen]

Didn't notice the ticker being cut off. I did notice some interlaced artifacts, namely when the camera pans around the Carousel. The horizontal ribs of the interior guardrail get broken up a bit.

[Phil T]

HD Net is asking for feedback over at AVS Forums:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2495910#post2495910

[Greg Johnson]

Thanks for the link. These guys are on top of things. They're moving the ticker down 10 scan lines.

[John Corn]

I was watching some of cart pratice when Tiago was on top of the charts. The picture was great.(Some of the HDTV's there are not as good as others and I had to find the one with the sound turned on so I could have been better.)

The comentary needs some improvement. They had the guy form autoweekTV and some british guy who I have never heard before. Would it have been that hard to get Beekhuis, Diffey, or Varsha to do this race?

Guy Hobbs was on pit lane doing an interview with PT. It's great to see Guy doing this race since he has only been doing Grand Am this year.

Last year they had the SKUSA supernationals live on HDNET and there were people bringing in lawn chairs to sit in and watch the race. We told the store in advance that there will be a group comming in to watch the race they didn't have a problem with it at all.(Just don't try to bring in food or drink, someone tried that last year and got yelled at by the staff)