Simulcast Conference: HD Options Progressing

While broadcast experts acknowledged racing has lagged behind other sports in production and distribution of high-definition signals, New York Racing Association director of television and interactive platforms Dan Silver said plans to offer racing fans their choice of unique HD perspectives could see NYRA surge past those sports in that area. 

A panel discussion on delivering high-definition racing signals to the public kicked off the International Simulcast Conference hosted in part by Thoroughbred Racing Associations Monday, Sept. 29, in Delray Beach, Fla. At the beginning of the panel, Silver acknowledged that he couldn't fathom a similar panel taking place at a gathering of any other major professional sport, which has aggressively moved into HD production and distribution.

Horse racing lagged in tracks switching to high-definition production. And while many of the major tracks have committed to the improved production in recent years, far too many have seen those signals not being transferred to many of their off-track viewers. Silver said progress has been made, noting that NYRA Rewards customers now have the option to watch an HD signal and racing channels are making progress.

As for moving ahead of the competition, Silver said viewers at NYRA.com soon will have access to various track views that they'll be able to select. A fan or handicapper that wants to pay special attention to the paddock, will be able to select that camera for viewing. Owners interested in watching a morning workout will be able to select a camera that will be committed to showing those moves. Live head-on views of races likely will be available.



Silver noted that a camera will offer views of workouts. Owners could talk to their trainer about when their horse is working out and will have access to a live feed so they can view it. 



NYRA officials are still considering all of the options and will listen to fans for input. The angles could prove attractive to new fans looking for unique perspective, handicappers looking for information, and horsemen looking to follow their horses, from workouts, to paddock, to the race, if they're unable to make it to the track.

"I don't know of any other sport offering something like this," Silver said.

Todd Roberts, president of Roberts Communications Network and Racetrack Television Network, said in a sport reliant on signals, tracks that fail to spend the estimated $1.5 million to upgrade their signals to HD will be hurt. Many of the major Thoroughbred tracks have committed to the improved signals and Roberts believes fans will downgrade their opinion of tracks that do not make the change.

"It will separate major league players from minor league players," Roberts said.

Drew Shubeck, RTN vice president, said customers accustomed to watching other sports in HD are not forgiving of tracks lagging behind with standard-definition production. Racetrack Television Network offers 80 channels of live racing and dedicates one of those channels to HD signals. It would like to add more HD signals and channels. 

"You talk to customers about the expense and fans just shake their heads," Shubeck said. "They don't want to hear it. They want more HD content. It's the number one call we hear,"