HD update

Yesterday I mentioned that ESPN had released a statement regarding HD, saying that there would be more HD content on the channel in the next few days. Well, today seems to be the day, with most of todays programmes being in HD. This includes the football games that have been reshown today, and the X Games were also shown in HD.

Update on HD broadcasts

On the official site, on the 'Sports on ESPN' page, they have posted the following message to HD customers:

"Since its launch, ESPN has been working diligently to upgrade its technical infrastructure to provide as much of its programming as possible in native HD on the ESPN HD channel. Following some technical issues, we have been unable to provide non-live or non-football programming in HD. We anticipate having these problems resolved in the next few days . We thank you for your interest in ESPN and hope you enjoy the channel."

Hopefully it won't be long now before we see more HD on the channel.

Live sport 31st August - 6th September

Another week, more live sport on ESPN. The start of September:

Key:

(HD) - Shown on ESPN HD
(AM) - Shown on ESPN America

Monday 31st August:

• MLB - Philadelphia v Atlanta - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00

Tuesday 1st September:

• MLB - Minnesota v Chicago WS - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00

Wednesday 2nd September:

• Le Top 14 - Perpignan v Brive - ESPN (HD) - 19:45 - 21:30

Thursday 3rd September:

• MLB - Tampa Bay v Boston - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00

Friday 4th September:

• College Football - NC State v South Carolina - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00
• College Football - Boise State v Oregan - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00
• AFL - TBC - ESPN (HD) - 10:30 - 13:30
  

Saturday 5th September:

• MLB - Tampa Bay v Detroit - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:30 - 03:30
• DTM - Brands Hatch - ESPN (HD) - 12:30 - 15:00
• World Cup Qualifier - Denmark v Portugal - ESPN (HD) - 19:00 - 21:00

Sunday 6th September:

• College Football - California v Maryland - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00
• DTM - Brands Hatch - ESPN (HD) - 12:30 - 15:00
• Le Top 14 - Clermont v Toulouse - ESPN (HD) - 20:00 - 21:45
  

UFC 102 to broadcast in HD

ESPN have confirmed to iFight365.com, that UFC 102 will be broadcast live in HD. The fight is due to begin at 3am on Sunday 30th August, and will be the first HD broadcast of UFC in the UK.

You can now send ESPN feedback

I was having a quick browse on the ESPN site, and spotted an option called 'Feedback' under the 'More' tab. You can apparently use this to ask questions regarding the service and say what you'd like to see on the channel.

UFC questions answered

Gareth Davies of The Telegraph, has fired some questions ESPN's way regarding their coverage of the UFC, and his blog post features the answers to these questions. This includes answers regarding cutting to adverts, which will be much improved for UFC 102, and potential future rights such as boxing. No mention of HD though.

World Cup Qualifier on ESPN

On September 5th, Denmark v Portugal will be broadcast live on ESPN (and ESPN HD), one of a number of World Cup Qualifier's being played on the same day, most of which are being shown on Sky Sports.

ESPN misses out on La Liga

Unfortunately, it would appear that Sky have snapped up the rights to La Liga for yet another season, with 3 live games appearing on the Sky EPG for the coming weekend, all in HD on Sky Sports 2. It is unlikely that a deal similar to the SPL one has been struck between Sky and ESPN.

Guus Hiddink joins ESPN

The Guardian, in an article about Kevin Keegan joining ESPN, also mentions that Guss Hiddink, current manager of the Russian national team and Chelsea manager last season, has joined ESPN for an unconfirmed number of Premier League games.

Live Sport 24th - 30th August

Another week, more live sport on ESPN. The final week of August:

Key:

(HD) - Shown on ESPN HD
(AM) - Shown on ESPN America

Monday 24th August:

• MLB - Boston v NY Yankees - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00
• BPL - Liverpool v Aston Villa - ESPN (HD) - 19:00 - 22:30

Tuesday 25th August:

• Little League Baseball - Midwest v Mid-Atlantic - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 03:00
• MLB - LA Angels v Detroit - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00

Wednesday 26th August:

• Little League Baseball - West v Southwest - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 03:00

Thursday 27th August:

• Little League Baseball - US Semi-final - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 03:00

Friday 28th August:

• Little League Baseball - US Semi-final - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 03:00
• AFL - West Coast Eagles v Richmond - ESPN (HD) - 11:30 - 14:30
• Bundesliga - Borussia Monchengladbach v Mainz - ESPN (HD) - 19:30 - 21:30
  

Saturday 29th August:

• MLB - Philadelphia v Atlanta - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00
• BPL - Chelsea v Burnley - ESPN (HD) - 12:00 - 15:00
• Le Top 14 - Perpignan v Toulouse - ESPN (HD) - 15:30 - 17:15
• Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg - ESPN (HD) - 17:30 - 19:30
• Serie A - AC Milan v Inter Milan - ESPN (HD) - 19:45 - 21:45

Sunday 30th August:

• UFC 102 - Couture v Nogueira - ESPN (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00
• SPL - Hibernian v Celtic - ESPN (HD) - 12:00 - 15:00
• Serie A - Roma v Juventus - ESPN (HD) - 17:00 - 19:00
  

Premier Rugby in talks with ESPN

According to The Guardian, Premier Rugby are in talks with ESPN over a deal regarding rights for the 2010-11 season. Sky currently hold a package of 26 games, with 43 up for grabs next season.

Once more is known, it'll be here.

Kevin Keegan joins ESPN

In the build up to the West Ham v Tottenham Hotspur game today, Ray Stubbs introduced Kevin Keegan, saying that he would be a regular. Presumably he'll be present for the majority of ESPN's live Premier League games, in the studio. Today, he is alongside Shaka Hislop.

Everton v Arsenal viewing figures

According to The Guardian, Saturday's live game between Everton and Arsenal saw an average of 428,000 people watching. This was ESPN's first live Barclay's Premier League game of the season.

It is not known whether this figure includes viewers of the ESPN HD channel, but I imagine it doesn't.

In comparison, Sky Sports 1 saw an average of 966,625 people watching Chelsea v Hull, but again most likely doesn't include HD viewers.

Live sport 17th - 23rd August

Another week over, and more live sport on ESPN:

Key:

(HD) - Shown on ESPN HD
(AM) - Shown on ESPN America

Monday 17th August:

• MLB - Atlanta v Philadelphia - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00
• SPL - Dundee Utd v Hearts - ESPN (HD) - 19:00 - 22:15

Tuesday 18th August:

• MLB - LA Dodgers v St Louis - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00

Wednesday 19th August:

• MLB - NY Mets v Atlanta - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00

Thursday 20th August:

• MLS - Chicago Fire v LA Galaxy - ESPN (HD) - 02:00 - 04:00

Friday 21st August:

• MLS - Seattle v New England - ESPN (HD) - 03:00 - 05:00
• AFL - Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats - ESPN (HD) - 10:30 - 13:30
• Bundesliga - TSG Hoffenheim v Schalke 04 - ESPN (HD) - 19:30 - 21:30

Saturday 22nd August:

• MLB - Boston v NY Yankees - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00
• SPL - Falkirk v Hibernian - ESPN (HD) - 12:00 - 15:00
• Le Top 14 - Toulon v Racing - ESPN (HD) - 15:30 - 17:15
• Serie A - Siena v AC Milan - ESPN (HD) - 19:45 - 21:45

Sunday 23rd August:

• MLS - DC United v LA Galaxy - ESPN (HD) - 00:30 - 02:30
• AFL - Collingwood v Sydney Swans - ESPN (HD) - 05:00 - 08:00
• BPL - West Ham Utd - Tottenham Hotspur - ESPN (HD) - 12:30 - 16:00
• Serie A - Inter Milan v Bari - ESPN (HD) - 17:00 - 19:00
  

Premier League kicks off today...and in HD!

Today is the start of the new Premier League season, and also the start of ESPN's Premier League coverage. On top of that, Everton v Arsenal, kick off at 5:30pm, will be ESPN's first HD broadcast.

It'll be worth checking out even if you're not into football.

ESPN now available on Tiscali TV

From today, ESPN and ESPN America will be available on Tiscali TV, for just 1p until the end of September, and £9.99 a month from then onwards.

ESPN to be made available through Chorus ntl

According to Digital Spy, Chorus ntl have struck a deal with ESPN to carry the new channel, in SD and HD, along with ESPN America and ESPN Classic. This is good news for those in Ireland who want to subscribe to ESPN, who will now have access to top quality football and American sport.

ESPN Premier League advert

The Guardian have revealed a promo ESPN advert for their Premier League coverage, voiced by Boys from the Blackstuff actor Bernard Hill. It can be viewed here.

NFL confusion

Fans of the NFL will know that there has yet to be an announcement regarding which channel(s) the NFL will be appearing on for the forthcoming season. Sky, ESPN and the BBC are all rumoured to be in contention.

A couple of members of the NFLUK forum have contacted Sky, and received different responses. One response was that Sky would definitely have NFL next season, the first game being shown on Sky Sports 2, whilst another got a response of it being on ESPN.

An announcement is expected fairly soon, and once it has been made, you'll know about it here.

ESPN official competition

I was browsing the ESPN site today, to see if there were any updates on there, and I came across a competition they're running. All you have to do is answer an incredibly easy question, with 3 choices. I won't be giving away the answer, because I'm sure you all know it, and if not, it'll be easy to find out the answer on the internet.

Prizes are:

1st prize:

A Sky+ HD 12 month-subscription including ESPN, Sky Sports and Sky Movies (all available in Stunning High Definition) and a 32" HD Ready TV.

2nd - 5th place prizes:

An ESPN iPod Nano.

6th - 10th place prizes:

A club football shirt of your choice.

11th - 20th place prizes:

An ESPN goodie bag.

Closing date is Wednesday September 30th midnight.

http://www.espn.co.uk/more/competition/

International football tomorrow

Tomorrow at 4pm, ESPN will be showing live coverage of the international friendly between Russia and Argentina. This has only just been announced, hence why it was absent from my weekly live sports list.

Live sports 10th - 16th August

Well ESPN's first week broadcasting is almost over, and some great live sport has been shown so far. The coming weeks look set to be even better, so here's what you can look forward to:

Key:

(HD) - Shown on ESPN HD
(AM) - Shown on ESPN America

Monday 10th August:

• MLB - NY Yankees v Boston - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00

Tuesday 11th August:

• MLB - Boston v Detroit - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00

Wednesday 12th August:

• MLB - NY Yankees v Toronto - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:00 - 03:00

Thursday 13th August:

• MLB - Chicago Cubs v Philadelphi - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00

Friday 14th August:

• AFL - Hawthorn v Adelaide - ESPN (HD) - 10:30 - 13:30
• Le Top 14 - Toulon v Paris - ESPN (HD) - 19:45 - 21:30

Saturday 15th August:

• MLB - Atlanta v Philadelphia - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 00:30 - 03:30
• AFL - Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats - ESPN (HD) - 10:00 - 13:00
• Barclays Premier League - Everton v Arsenal - ESPN (HD) - 17:00 - 20:00

Sunday 16th August:

• MLB - Texas v Boston - ESPN (AM) (HD) - 01:00 - 04:00
• AFL - Port Adelaide v Carlton - ESPN (HD) - 06:00 - 09:00
• Eredivisie - PSV Eindhoven v Ajax - ESPN (HD) - 11:30 - 13:30
• Bundesliga - Borussia Monchengladbach v Hertha Berlin - ESPN (HD) - 14:30 - 16:30
• Bundesliga - Schalke v VfL Bochum - ESPN (HD) - 16:30 - 18:30
• Portuguese Liga - Benfica v Maritimo - ESPN (HD) - 20:15 - 22:45
  

First viewing figures

According to The Guardian's TV ratings article, ESPN's most watched show yesterday was the boxing, which saw 17,000 viewers. Not bad for a channel which has just launched and is showing very little at the moment.

Serie A football confirmed for ESPN

More football rights have been confirmed for ESPN, this time the Italian Serie A. The following comes from ESPN:

"ESPN is delighted to announce that it has secured an exclusive deal, with MP & Silva,*to broadcast up to three live Serie A matches per week for the 2009/10 season. Featuring some of the world's greatest players, from recent Inter Milan signing Samuel Eto’o to Juventus veteran Alessandro Del Piero, Serie A is one of the most popular leagues in the world watched by millions around the globe.


ESPN will feature up to three of the top picks from each weekend’s fixtures. The season kicks off on Saturday 22nd August with Siena against seven-time European champions AC Milan, followed on Sunday by Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan as they face Bari. The following weekend’s action will see the prestigious Milan derby as AC take on Inter for early season bragging rights on Saturday 29th August. The next day, on Sunday 30th August, ESPN will broadcast Juventus v Roma.


Jeroen Oerlemans, Vice President & Channel Manager TV, ESPN Europe, Middle East & Africa said: “We’re very pleased to be able to broadcast the Italian Serie A. As one of the best leagues in the world, the live coverage will sit nicely with our Barclays Premier League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Bundesliga matches, making the channel the number one stop for football fans around the UK in SD and HD.”

Carlo Pozzali, CEO Media Partners and Silva: “We are delighted to increase our relationship with ESPN, a broadcast partner which ensures best coverage for Italian Serie A in United Kingdom.”"

ESPN confirmed for BT Vision

Digital Spy report today that ESPN has been confirmed for BT Vision, available on channel number 34. It will be available to all customers who previously received Setanta Sports 1, free of charge, whilst previous Setanta subscribers on packs other than Bronze, Silver or Gold will receive it for free until August 31st.

All new customers who wish to subscribe to ESPN will pay £7.34 for the first three months, which will rise to £14.68 thereafter. On top of this, a one time charge for a viewing card of £9.78 is necessary.

Whilst it's good to see ESPN being carried on all the major digital distributors, BT certainly isn't the cheapest option for subscription to the new channel, and is currently the most expensive overall.

ESPN available on Top Up TV

Digital Spy report that ESPN have struck a deal with Top Up TV for their new ESPN channel to be carried on the Top Up TV service. It will be available from today for £9.99 a month, on channel number 34.

BT have yet to announce carriage of the new channel, but they are supposed to be almost there.

Boxing and site update

ESPN have got rights to show boxing, according to an advert on their channel.

The site now has a schedule available, although it's not yet linked to. It can be viewed here.

More rights

According to the ESPN channel, ESPN have also got rights to show the Coppa Italia, the major Italian cup, and International Rugby, which includes New Zealand, France and Australia.

Live sport this week - August 3rd - 9th

Seeing as the channel launches tonight, I will start my weekly feature of posting the live sport that will be shown on ESPN throughout the week.

Key:

(HD) - Shown on ESPN HD
(AM) - Shown on ESPN America

Monday 3rd August:

• No live sport

Tuesday 4th August:

• MLB - Cincinnati v Chicago - ESPN (HD)(AM) - 00:00 - 03:00

Wednesday 5th August:

• MLB - LA Dodgers v Milwaukee - ESPN (HD)(AM) - 03:00 - 06:00

Thursday 6th August:

• MLB - Tampa Bay v Boston - ESPN (HD)(AM) - 00:00 - 03:00

Friday 7th August:

• MLB - NY Yankees v Boston - ESPN (HD)(AM) - 00:00 - 03:00
• Bundesliga - Wolfsburg v Stuttgart - ESPN (HD) - 19:30 - 21:30

Saturday 8th August:

• Football friendly - Toronto v Real Madrid - ESPN (HD) - 00:30 - 02:30
• Italian Super Cup - Inter Milan v Lazio - ESPN (HD) - 13:00 - 15:00
• Bundesliga - Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich - ESPN (HD) - 17:30 - 19:30
• Football friendly - Benfica v AC Milan - ESPN (HD) - 19:45 - 21:45
• MLS - LA Galaxy v New England - ESPN (HD) - 23:00 - 01:00

Sunday 9th August:

• UFC 101 - Penn v Florian - ESPN (HD) - 03:00 - 06:00
• Football friendly - Tottenham Hotspur v Olympiakos - ESPN (HD) - 15:00 - 17:00
• Football friendly - DC United v Real Madrid - ESPN (HD) - 20:00 - 22:00
  

ESPN to start broadcasting at 8pm

The new ESPN channel launches today, and has now been added to Virgin and Sky. Currently only an image is displayed on the ESPN channel with some background music, with some text saying the channel will start broadcasting at 8pm, along with the ESPN logo.

So far the main site has yet to update with a schedule.

Channel numbers

The following are the channel numbers for the ESPN channels, from Monday onwards:

On Sky:
417. ESPN
430. ESPN America
442. ESPN Classic
443. ESPN HD

On Virgin Media:
529. ESPN
530. ESPN HD
531. ESPN America
533. ESPN Classic

Thanks to Media Boy for the details.