There is a newer technology trend that is taking hold in the world of sports venues: the era of the digital network. We are in a society of immediate and instant information and gratification and there is probably no field that requires this more than sports. Stadiums around the world are scrambling to partner their existing technologies with digital networks so that we can see, hear and experience our favorite teams and events in real time.
Digital network companies are becoming the most popular and professional group in the sports world today. For those that may not be aware, these are organizations that specialize in sports programming for game and event coverage, combining the dazzling technologies of the electronic scoreboards with the fans watching on their laptops, computers and SmartPhones. The digital network companies are staffed with high level technology experts as well as analysts and hosts. They cover college sports all the way to top level national and international teams. The top notch companies have access to a library of archival sports history and expertise in the multi-media world.
It isn’t surprising that digital network company’s popularity is on the definite rise. Sports enthusiasts, specifically, are some of the most devoted fans in the world and if they can’t be at the game, they want to share in the experience on the devices that can connect them to it. Many of the stadiums have sought out these companies to not only accommodate but enhance their current marketing and branding offerings. In most cases, the fan or viewer will receive the transmission at no cost because the sponsor is footing the bill.
The ability of the high tech electronic scoreboard can be blended with the digital network feed to give the fan the feel that they are at the game. Another advantage is that the same transmission can be fed to local television stations for their own presentations. The marriage of electronic scoreboard replays, videos, ads and real time updates reaches out to all possible spectators with high resolution effects.
The stats are reflecting that SmartPhone ownership is increasing by around 40% each year. Baby Boomers seem to be overturning the previous SmartPhone ownership and have taken the lead. Digital network companies are making use of the technologies that previously could never ‘talk’ to each other and share the events of the day on so many more levels.
The social media stage is now opened up so that digital network companies will use the electronic scoreboard updates for all to share. This offers sponsors, teams and stadiums the ability for the information to go viral. This topic alone can be an incredible advantage as a sales point, as sponsors realize that their branding is reaching out for an entire world exposure.
The advent of the higher technology electronic scoreboard coupled with the digital networking companies has given us a universe of sports and event experience that will soon be part of the fan expectation. High def is available now but should be expect 3D soon? Popularity of 3D is iffy, at best, so I guess we will just have to wait and see.
Sources:
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/genrel/101711aab.html