CSTV to be renamed CBS College Sports Network

[JayR]

From TVWeek.com:

CSTV to Become CBS College Sports Network

CSTV also will be assuming CBS Sports graphics as part of the change.

The rebranding of CSTV comes as CBS, which historically has gotten little traction with the cable industry, attempts to get broader distribution for the channel.

I hope they also do something about certain aspects of the visual presentation not stated in the article (i.e., not pushing up the picture to place a score ticker on the bottom of the screen).

 

[DToTheJ]

I hope they also do something about certain aspects of the visual presentation not stated in the article (i.e., not pushing up the picture to place a score ticker on the bottom of the screen).

With an acquisition by CBS, I wouldn't be surprised if they implemented more of those gimmicks! You'll probably start seeing player stats, fantasy stats, etc. All the bells and whistles you'd come to expect from a modern-day major network sports presentation.

 

[Mediafrog+]

A bold move would be regionalized feeds, a la Fox Sports Net.

Unfortunately, CSTV is still languishing in the "extra charge" sports tiers on cable, the same trap NFL Network has been battling. Could this become part of retransmission consent battles, as with ABC/ESPN?

 

[JayR]

I hope they also do something about certain aspects of the visual presentation not stated in the article (i.e., not pushing up the picture to place a score ticker on the bottom of the screen).

With an acquisition by CBS, I wouldn't be surprised if they implemented more of those gimmicks! You'll probably start seeing player stats, fantasy stats, etc. All the bells and whistles you'd come to expect from a modern-day major network sports presentation.

I was referring to the current practice by CSTV of "squeezing" the pic by pushing it up, altering the image (i.e., players look slightly shorter and stockier than they normally would like they do on ESPN, FSN, etc.). It's like that while any game is aired; just before they cut away to a commercial break, they return it to normal. It's very "90's ESPN 2."

 

[radiolives]

When CBS airs NCAA basketball on CBS they don't push the screen up when they show the sports scores. It really looks fine when they do it. Not sure how CSTV does it as I do not get the channel but CBS should go with that graphic look.

 

[whit979]

I was referring to the current practice by CSTV of "squeezing" the pic by pushing it up, altering the image (i.e., players look slightly shorter and stockier than they normally would like they do on ESPN, FSN, etc.). It's like that while any game is aired; just before they cut away to a commercial break, they return it to normal. It's very "90's ESPN 2."

Ah, who could forget those days. I also remember that horrific font they used for several years on ESPN 2's BottomLine.

 

[JayR]

When CBS airs NCAA basketball on CBS they don't push the screen up when they show the sports scores. It really looks fine when they do it. Not sure how CSTV does it as I do not get the channel but CBS should go with that graphic look.

Correct. CBS doesn't push the screen up but CSTV does.

I, too, hope CBS uses their graphic look as well.

 

[DToTheJ]

A bold move would be regionalized feeds, a la Fox Sports Net.

Wonder what rights packages they'd get - Fox actually has its own network, FCS (Fox College Sports).

 

[JayR]

DISH Network, anticipating the name change, has already changed it from CSTV to CBSCS.

I happened to catch it last night while I was channel surfing to see which college basketball games were on.

 

[Studio20]

Its a mish-mash of the old college student run station type video of CSTV, with the high tech deep graphics of CBS College Sports.

Hopefully they ll clean house with most of those recent grad announcers going away....and including letting Jonathan Coachman do the WWE and Knicks full time, ok?

 

[ansky212]

DISH Network, anticipating the name change, has already changed it from CSTV to CBSCS.

I happened to catch it last night while I was channel surfing to see which college basketball games were on.

When is the actual name change supposed to take place? Directv still has CSTV in the guide and the network is still showing CSTV logos.

 

[byron]

When is the actual name change supposed to take place? Directv still has CSTV in the guide and the network is still showing CSTV logos.

The website already reflects the new name and logo. I'm guessing DirecTV is just behind.

 

[JayR]

When is the actual name change supposed to take place? DirecTV still has CSTV in the guide and the network is still showing CSTV logos.

This Sunday, 16 March 2008.
_______________________

CSTV had a sneak preview tonight of CBS College Sports during the Conference USA game between Tulsa and UTEP.

CBS graphics look fantastic!

 

[Aljr]

A bold move would be regionalized feeds, a la Fox Sports Net.

Unfortunately, CSTV is still languishing in the "extra charge" sports tiers on cable, the same trap NFL Network has been battling. Could this become part of retransmission consent battles, as with ABC/ESPN?

The cable company that carried it locally changed hands about a year ago and CSTV was dropped. If I recall correctly CSTV was already doing a few regional feeds with WAC,Mt.West,and CUSA in football on Saturday nights then.

This will get them above the mid-major and marginal BCS level games to some significant telecasts/markets.

 

[tothedj]

Maybe the folks at CBS Sports should rename this network "CBS Sports Network",
that way if they decide to televise events other that College Sports this would be
a better name.