Big Ten Network Scores Cablevision Carriage Pact
Service Available On Sports Tier, As Well As In HD
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/23/2009 1:29:20 PM
The Big Ten Network has landed in Cablevision country.The hybrid service kicks off today with the predominant cable operator in the New York DMA in both standard-definition format as part of the iO TV Sports Pak on channel 413, as well as in high-definition on channel 720. The Sports Pak retails for $5.95 per month. Cablevision, which has surpassed the 100 HD-channel threshold, makes its high-definition channels available free to its digital-cable customers who subscribe to the attendant level of video service.
Deal terms were not disclosed. Big Ten, which has scored expanded-basic placement within the conference's eight-state footprint and assumed sports tier positioning elsewhere, will televise at least 35 football games this fall, the vast majority of which will be shot in HD.
Cablevision said the service's rollout begun to in the New York City borough of Brooklyn and The Bronx, and will launch in Westchester County and Connecticut on June 24, on its home base of Long Island on June 25 and in New Jersey the following day.
"We're thrilled that Cablevision will offer the Big Ten Network to their customers," Big Ten Network president Mark Silverman said in a statement."There are thousands and thousands of Big Ten fans and alumni within Cablevision's footprint, particularly in the New York metropolitan area, that will now receive unparalleled coverage of Big Ten sports."
Noted Cablevision senior vice president of video product management Gary Schanman:
"Cablevision is pleased to add the Big Ten Network to the iO TV Sports Pak in standard- and high-definition as we bring its comprehensive sports coverage to sports fans throughout the New York metro area. Offering the best in college, professional and extreme sports, the iO Sports Pak delivers more of the games and events fans want to see, at a tremendous value."
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I'm thrilled Cablevision is going to start carrying some big ten games. I've been without badger games for far too long in this time zone. Nevertheless, and i say this as somebody who's only been here a year (if that tells you something), i have a sinking feeling Cablevision is still going to end up getting even more of my money from this service "improvement." My service is going to get shut off for no reason, a mysterious charge will begin appearing in my bill, maybe their customer service people will stop answering my calls when i have a problem, who knows? One is likely to happen because they've all happened to me before, so i think i'm warranted in being a little skeptical. But yah like i said, big ten games will be nice:)
bucky27 - 6/24/2009 10:54:49 AM EDT -
its about time. verizon and time warner has had this channel for some time.
adrianne - 6/23/2009 4:10:31 PM EDT -
What's the status of Cablevision carrying the overflow Big Ten Network channels in the Fall for football season?
Joe Pa - 6/23/2009 3:18:47 PM EDT
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