Baseball In Sugar Land Now Outfitted for Future of Sports Entertainment

The reigning champs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball — champions two of the last three seasons! — compete for fans in the sports media mega-market of Houston, home to the football Texans and the recent World Series champion Astros, as well as the NBA’s Rockets and teams in professional soccer, even rugby.The Skeeters lured famed pitcher Roger Clemens out of retirement, and basketball all-star Tracy McGrady to pitch! While most minor league clubs post up in much smaller markets (and adopt equally colorful mascots) — the Toledo Mud Hens, Chattanooga Lookouts, Albuquerque Isotopes — the Skeeters success inside the nation’s fifth-biggest metropolis means attracting baseball fans and non-fans in season and out.“On par with [baseball], we’ve got a playground and a splash pad. We've got a swimming pool in our left field corner. It's about affordable family entertainment, and, ‘Oh, by the way, there's a baseball game going on,’” says Scott Podsim, vice president of sales for the Skeeters.

Spotlight

Choice TV

Choice TV launched on Saturday 28th April 2012 on the Freeview digital platform, and on Freeview satellite on 5th July. On September 1st 2012, the network launched on SKY Channel 78 (Now on Sky Channel 024 as of September 1st 2015), as part of SKY's basic package. It is New Zealand's first broad appeal free-to-air TV channel launched in more than a decade and offers viewers an exciting and interesting range of programmes twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

OTHER ARTICLES
Virtualization

Music and podcasts are competing for the same time

Article | June 21, 2021

The pandemic changed media consumption.Consumers acquired an extra 12% of entertainment timeand though everything was up, some categories grew much faster than others. One of the biggest gainers was spoken word audio, with podcasts and audiobooks seeing dramatic rises and while music hours grew too, the increase was below 12%, which means that music lost share. In the current entertainment environment of plenty this may be an academic concern, but when life returns to some form of normality (commutes, going out, gyms etc.) some or all of that extra 12% of entertainment time will go, which means that growing by less than the market average could translate into decline.

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Technologies

Watch out Warzone and Fortnite: Ubisoft is coming after free-to-play

Article | February 14, 2022

Ubisoft announced last week that it is adding specific focus on free-to-play, alongside its AAA catalogue. In doing so, it is following a route that has been very successful for Activision with its Warzone strategy. Free-to-play games which draw audiences via big franchise names and monetise via in-game spending are going to be increasingly common among AAA publishers. The focus on in-game spending and particularly on the cosmetic, rather than the progress-related, parts will be the key revenue component. As games become less finite and more perpetual (consumer goal is less about ‘finishing them’ and more and ‘playing/spending time in them’), the opportunity to monetise needs that stem from this perpetual engagement (e.g. socialising or expression) starts to outweigh the mere monetisation of access to a packaged product. Simultaneously, free-to-play games also act as a powerful marketing driver for AAA releases as they come out, as well as streamability and word of mouth for the franchise.

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Solutions, Business

Best Oculus Rift Fitness Games 2020

Article | July 7, 2022

No matter what VR headset you own, there are some great virtual reality fitness games at your disposal. However, the Oculus Rift’s stacked catalog and quality exclusives makes it a great option for any fitness enthusiast. From games built around working out to enjoyable titles that make you forget about how active you are actually, there are hundreds of choices. That’s exactly why it can be overwhelming for those that just picked up a headset. To help you find the right fitness title for you, we here at VR Fitness Insider have come up with a list of the best Oculus Rift fitness games 2020. These games are an excellent part of anyone’s fitness journey.

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Media and Broadcasting

FILM PRODUCERS FLIP BARGAINING TABLE WITH UNIONIZING EFFORT

Article | May 21, 2021

Movie producers often find themselves negotiating with talent and crew members, and/or their production union representatives, over pay and benefits. But a group of 108 producers flipped the script Thursday in announcing they were looking to form a union of their own.Higher minimum pay and health benefits were cited as the two major reasons. While the group, called the Producers Union, boasts some heavy hitters such as Chris Moore (Manchester by the Sea) and Rebecca Green (It Follows), they made it clear that the traditional image of a Hollywood producer is misleading. Many are just getting by, project to project, looking for a breakout hit to up their quote. According to a survey released this year, 41% of producers made less than $25,000 in the pre-pandemic boom times of 2019. The Producers Union has developed a constitution with provisions for dues and diversity initiatives, with the aim of eventually negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with distributors and other film financiers. Previous efforts by producers to unionize have been thwarted by the courts and the National Labor Relations Board, according to Variety, as the NLRB saw them as supervisors and employers – which creates a high barrier to organizing.

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Spotlight

Choice TV

Choice TV launched on Saturday 28th April 2012 on the Freeview digital platform, and on Freeview satellite on 5th July. On September 1st 2012, the network launched on SKY Channel 78 (Now on Sky Channel 024 as of September 1st 2015), as part of SKY's basic package. It is New Zealand's first broad appeal free-to-air TV channel launched in more than a decade and offers viewers an exciting and interesting range of programmes twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

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Technologies, Media and Broadcasting

HyperX in Collaboration with Influencer Valkyrae Announces Third HX3D Personalized Keycap

Businesswire | May 15, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap – Mika the Shiba will be available starting Friday, May 19. As the third HX3D personalized keycap drop, the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap features a unique and adorable design inspired by Valkyrae's furry friend Mika. As a must-have for gamers and fans of Valkyrae and Shiba Inu dogs alike, this personalized keycap demonstrates HyperX’s continued commitment to innovation and collaboration within the gaming community. As the inspiration behind the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap, Mika the Shiba Inu is now a fun keyboard accent or collectable and forever keepsake. Involved in every step of the design process and showcasing her personal touch, Valkyrae worked closely with the HyperX team to create the keycap to be included in the HyperX HX3D collection. The keycap features Mika holding a dagger in his mouth symbolizing Valkyrae’s love for swords and a red collar – a nod to 100 Thieves. “I loved bringing Mika to life as a 3D keycap with HyperX,” said Valkyrae, HyperX ambassador and influencer. " I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created.” Collaborating with game developers, esports teams, content creators, influencers, and internal creative teams, HyperX plans to continue to deliver fan-friendly 3D personalized products that can be used while gaming or collected as keepsakes or cherished collectibles. HX3D 3D printed products are produced on HP Inc. 3D printers as part of the growing cooperation with HP Inc., leveraging their experience and bringing synergy, innovation and color printing skills to gaming. HyperX’s personalization products are manufactured using re-used powder nylon. Availability The HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap – Mika the Shiba – will be available in the U.S. only through HyperX.com starting Friday, May 19, at 9 a.m. PDT at Hyperx.com for 48 hours or until supplies last. The price for this keycap is $19.99. Be sure to catch Valkyrae’s “best friend” before Mika is gone. Once the HyperX limited edition keycaps are sold out, they won’t be available again. For more information, please visit the HX3D product page. Pricing from HyperX.com is subject to change without notice. Retailers’ pricing may vary. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, streamers, and influencers. Visit www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. Visit http://www.hp.com. Editor’s Note: For additional information or executive interviews, please contact Mark Tekunoff, HP Inc., 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, mark.tekunoff@hyperx.com or Hyperx_PR@hyperx.com. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc.in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Solutions,Business

TSN and Genius Sports Team up to Deliver NFL Playoff and Super Bowl Feeds on TSN+

TSN & Genius Sports | January 20, 2023

On January 19, 2023, TSN, a popular sports network in Canada, and Genius Sports Limited announced signing an agreement to broadcast cutting-edge NFL games on TSN+. Genius Sports, the NFL's official data partner, will power groundbreaking, augmented broadcasts during the upcoming NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LVII. It will provide NFL fans with a revolutionary experience on TSN+. TSN+ broadcasts will feature Genius Sports' award-winning augmentation tools, including live feeds from NFL, EPL, NBA, March Madness, and more. Bell Media's largest Canadian sports network, TSN, brings viewers these unique, improved NFL feeds exclusively through TSN+. TSN+ NFL will include play-by-play data-driven insights, graphic overlays, visualizations, and more. NFL NGS data will be integrated into the live broadcast to display key player statistics such as passes completed, rushing, passing, and receiving yards, along with route trails, radar maps, and other on-field enhancements. The new direct-to-consumer streaming service, TSN+, is available on the TSN App and TSN.ca, offering fans of Canadian sports a way to enjoy more world-class games, matches, races, and events than ever before. The enhanced feeds on TSN+ are in addition to the live game coverage on CTV, CTV2, TSN, and RDS, which delivers games all over the country during all of the league's broadcast windows. Bell Media is the only company in Canada that can show NFL games on TV. Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, expressed, "In partnership with TSN, we're thrilled to be powering the most advanced NFL broadcasts available through a unique marriage between our state-of-the-art technology with an innovative new platform to deliver a football first for Canadian NFL fans." He added, "The NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl are world-renowned and we're proud to be providing our full suite of broadcast augmentation tools to help bring fans closer to the action, transforming the way every play is experienced on TSN+." (Source- Business Wire) About Genius Sports The global ecosystem connecting betting, sports, and media is powered by Genius Sports' data, technology, and broadcast partnerships. Its technology in over 150 countries provides immersive solutions that enhance fan experiences for the entire sports sector. Over 400 sporting organizations trust the brand, including FIBA, NFL, EPL NCAA, NASCAR, AFA, and Liga MX. Its partners benefit from Genius Sports' cutting-edge technology, scale, and worldwide reach. About TSN With five national television feeds, TSN+, TSN.ca, TSN Radio stations, and a 5G-enabled app, TSN is Canada's Sports Leader, delivering world-class content across industry-leading platforms. The company's network has a deep and diverse roster of live sports programming. It is a part of Bell Media, a leading television, radio, digital, and out-of-home multimedia company in Canada.

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Technologies,Business

Genius Sports Awarded Ohio Sports Gaming Supplier License

Genius Sports Limited | December 21, 2022

Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) (“Genius Sports”), the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, announced that it has been granted a Sports Gaming Supplier License by the state of Ohio, Casino Control Commission.With the addition of Ohio, Genius Sports now holds 39 licenses, or equivalent, in North America across US states, territories, tribes, and Canada, providing its award-winning products and services to a wide array of clients operating within these jurisdictions. “We are honored that the state of Ohio has awarded Genius Sports its sports gaming supplier license to provide licensed sportsbooks across the Buckeye State with access to our groundbreaking NFL products and marketing services As a growing majority of U.S. states legalize sports betting, Genius Sports welcomes the opportunity to work with states like Ohio, on providing sports fans with official sports data-driven solutions to power their sportsbooks.” -Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports Legal sports betting will be available in Ohio beginning on January 1, 2023. About Genius Sports Genius Sports is the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the global ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media. We are a global leader in digital sports content, technology and integrity services. Our technology is used in over 150 countries worldwide, empowering sports to capture, manage and distribute their live data and video, driving their digital transformation and enhancing their relationships with fans. We are the trusted partner to over 400 sports organizations globally, including many of the world’s largest leagues and federations such as the NFL, EPL, FIBA, NCAA, NASCAR, AFA and PGA. Genius Sports is uniquely placed through cutting-edge technology, scale and global reach to support our partners. We are more than just a technology company, we build long-term relationships with sports at all levels, helping them to control and maximize the value of their content while providing technical expertise and round-the-clock support.

Read More

Technologies, Media and Broadcasting

HyperX in Collaboration with Influencer Valkyrae Announces Third HX3D Personalized Keycap

Businesswire | May 15, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap – Mika the Shiba will be available starting Friday, May 19. As the third HX3D personalized keycap drop, the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap features a unique and adorable design inspired by Valkyrae's furry friend Mika. As a must-have for gamers and fans of Valkyrae and Shiba Inu dogs alike, this personalized keycap demonstrates HyperX’s continued commitment to innovation and collaboration within the gaming community. As the inspiration behind the HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap, Mika the Shiba Inu is now a fun keyboard accent or collectable and forever keepsake. Involved in every step of the design process and showcasing her personal touch, Valkyrae worked closely with the HyperX team to create the keycap to be included in the HyperX HX3D collection. The keycap features Mika holding a dagger in his mouth symbolizing Valkyrae’s love for swords and a red collar – a nod to 100 Thieves. “I loved bringing Mika to life as a 3D keycap with HyperX,” said Valkyrae, HyperX ambassador and influencer. " I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created.” Collaborating with game developers, esports teams, content creators, influencers, and internal creative teams, HyperX plans to continue to deliver fan-friendly 3D personalized products that can be used while gaming or collected as keepsakes or cherished collectibles. HX3D 3D printed products are produced on HP Inc. 3D printers as part of the growing cooperation with HP Inc., leveraging their experience and bringing synergy, innovation and color printing skills to gaming. HyperX’s personalization products are manufactured using re-used powder nylon. Availability The HyperX x Valkyrae Limited Edition Keycap – Mika the Shiba – will be available in the U.S. only through HyperX.com starting Friday, May 19, at 9 a.m. PDT at Hyperx.com for 48 hours or until supplies last. The price for this keycap is $19.99. Be sure to catch Valkyrae’s “best friend” before Mika is gone. Once the HyperX limited edition keycaps are sold out, they won’t be available again. For more information, please visit the HX3D product page. Pricing from HyperX.com is subject to change without notice. Retailers’ pricing may vary. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, streamers, and influencers. Visit www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. Visit http://www.hp.com. Editor’s Note: For additional information or executive interviews, please contact Mark Tekunoff, HP Inc., 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, mark.tekunoff@hyperx.com or Hyperx_PR@hyperx.com. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc.in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Read More

Solutions,Business

TSN and Genius Sports Team up to Deliver NFL Playoff and Super Bowl Feeds on TSN+

TSN & Genius Sports | January 20, 2023

On January 19, 2023, TSN, a popular sports network in Canada, and Genius Sports Limited announced signing an agreement to broadcast cutting-edge NFL games on TSN+. Genius Sports, the NFL's official data partner, will power groundbreaking, augmented broadcasts during the upcoming NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LVII. It will provide NFL fans with a revolutionary experience on TSN+. TSN+ broadcasts will feature Genius Sports' award-winning augmentation tools, including live feeds from NFL, EPL, NBA, March Madness, and more. Bell Media's largest Canadian sports network, TSN, brings viewers these unique, improved NFL feeds exclusively through TSN+. TSN+ NFL will include play-by-play data-driven insights, graphic overlays, visualizations, and more. NFL NGS data will be integrated into the live broadcast to display key player statistics such as passes completed, rushing, passing, and receiving yards, along with route trails, radar maps, and other on-field enhancements. The new direct-to-consumer streaming service, TSN+, is available on the TSN App and TSN.ca, offering fans of Canadian sports a way to enjoy more world-class games, matches, races, and events than ever before. The enhanced feeds on TSN+ are in addition to the live game coverage on CTV, CTV2, TSN, and RDS, which delivers games all over the country during all of the league's broadcast windows. Bell Media is the only company in Canada that can show NFL games on TV. Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, expressed, "In partnership with TSN, we're thrilled to be powering the most advanced NFL broadcasts available through a unique marriage between our state-of-the-art technology with an innovative new platform to deliver a football first for Canadian NFL fans." He added, "The NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl are world-renowned and we're proud to be providing our full suite of broadcast augmentation tools to help bring fans closer to the action, transforming the way every play is experienced on TSN+." (Source- Business Wire) About Genius Sports The global ecosystem connecting betting, sports, and media is powered by Genius Sports' data, technology, and broadcast partnerships. Its technology in over 150 countries provides immersive solutions that enhance fan experiences for the entire sports sector. Over 400 sporting organizations trust the brand, including FIBA, NFL, EPL NCAA, NASCAR, AFA, and Liga MX. Its partners benefit from Genius Sports' cutting-edge technology, scale, and worldwide reach. About TSN With five national television feeds, TSN+, TSN.ca, TSN Radio stations, and a 5G-enabled app, TSN is Canada's Sports Leader, delivering world-class content across industry-leading platforms. The company's network has a deep and diverse roster of live sports programming. It is a part of Bell Media, a leading television, radio, digital, and out-of-home multimedia company in Canada.

Read More

Technologies,Business

Genius Sports Awarded Ohio Sports Gaming Supplier License

Genius Sports Limited | December 21, 2022

Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) (“Genius Sports”), the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, announced that it has been granted a Sports Gaming Supplier License by the state of Ohio, Casino Control Commission.With the addition of Ohio, Genius Sports now holds 39 licenses, or equivalent, in North America across US states, territories, tribes, and Canada, providing its award-winning products and services to a wide array of clients operating within these jurisdictions. “We are honored that the state of Ohio has awarded Genius Sports its sports gaming supplier license to provide licensed sportsbooks across the Buckeye State with access to our groundbreaking NFL products and marketing services As a growing majority of U.S. states legalize sports betting, Genius Sports welcomes the opportunity to work with states like Ohio, on providing sports fans with official sports data-driven solutions to power their sportsbooks.” -Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports Legal sports betting will be available in Ohio beginning on January 1, 2023. About Genius Sports Genius Sports is the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the global ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media. We are a global leader in digital sports content, technology and integrity services. Our technology is used in over 150 countries worldwide, empowering sports to capture, manage and distribute their live data and video, driving their digital transformation and enhancing their relationships with fans. We are the trusted partner to over 400 sports organizations globally, including many of the world’s largest leagues and federations such as the NFL, EPL, FIBA, NCAA, NASCAR, AFA and PGA. Genius Sports is uniquely placed through cutting-edge technology, scale and global reach to support our partners. We are more than just a technology company, we build long-term relationships with sports at all levels, helping them to control and maximize the value of their content while providing technical expertise and round-the-clock support.

Read More

Events