This press release from FOX Sports hit my inbox yesterday, and it looks interesting:
For the first time, FOX Sports Detroit’s collection of channels will present simultaneous telecasts of the same game, but from two different perspectives, when the Pistons take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Palace on Thursday, March 26.
The traditional game coverage will appear on FOX Sports Detroit and in high-definition on FOX Sports Detroit HD.
Meanwhile, FOX Sports Detroit PLUS presents a "Match-up Cam" telecast, with a devoted camera isolating on key battles throughout the game among the many stars on each team.
"We are looking forward to this unique, creative and compelling use of our PLUS service," said Greg Hammaren, Senior Vice President/General Manager, FOX Sports Detroit. "We hope fans that are enjoying the traditional high-quality telecast on our main service will be intrigued to sample PLUS to see an isolated view of just how hard these great athletes work during the course of a game."
Coverage on all channels begins at 6:30 PM with Pistons Insider, followed by PISTONS LIVE at 7:00 and the game at 7:30. Game audio will be the same on all channels with play-by-play announcer George Blaha, analyst Greg Kelser, along with sideline reporters Ryan Field and Eli Zaret. Field hosts PISTONS LIVE pregame, while Mickey York hosts the postgame edition.
I think it's awesome idea, and I hope it's deemed a success so we can see this happen more often in the future. FSN Plus is simply off the air whenever there's not a conflict with a Pistons and Red Wings -- why not do this every game?
It reminds me of the online offering that TNT has done in the past when they simulcast their regular broadcast with four different camera angles online, including a match-up cam that fans vote on. One of the coolest things about those alternate views is that they don't feature any announcing but rather ambient arena noise, as if you're actually at the arena. No offense to Blaha and Kelser, but that would be a cool experiment -- especially when the Pistons are on the road and NBA fans in Michigan are treated to a glimpse of the fan experience in other cities.
While we're on the topic, what Pistons fan wouldn't fork over money to watch and listen to an uncensored/mic'd up Rasheed Wallace for a game? It'd be a pay-per-view sensation. Earmark the proceeds for charity and the Pistons would raise more money than they did in their recent telethon.