Post by Declan on Aug 13, 2009 10:20:25 GMT -5
As cash-hungry sports teams and TV networks scramble for scarce ad dollars on Madison Avenue, so-called virtual signs are becoming a virtual reality in the sports-TV world.
Once taboo outside Major League Baseball telecasts, these high-tech ads are digitally inserted inside live game coverage. They're typically projected on a wall or glass and are only visible to viewers at home, not fans at the arena or ballpark.
The NHL has discussed how to use virtual ads during the upcoming season with its national TV partners in the USA and Canada. At least four NHL clubs are working with their regional sports networks to sell virtual ads next season — the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and New York Rangers.
With viewers flipping channels, marketers want to stick their messages "inside the games," rather than around them during commercials, says Tom Philand, senior vice president at Altitude Sports & Entertainment, which airs Avalanche games.
The Rangers and MSG Networks only got a "handful of complaints" after placing virtual ads for Subway, New York Life and iO TV on the glass behind the goalies in several game telecasts last season, says MSG general manager Dan Ronayne. Tony Pace, Subway's chief marketing officer, says, "Most of the comments were positive. But some viewers thought it was so visible it detracted from their view of the game."
MLB has successfully used virtual signs created by Sportvision and PVI behind home plate on Fox and ESPN telecasts since the 2001 World Series. MLB is "always looking for additional opportunities for virtual signage," says spokesman Matt Bourne.
The NFL's not interested, although it uses virtual first-down lines in TV coverage. The NBA says it's been "closely monitoring the technical developments in virtual advertising for some time but have no current plans to use it."
www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-08-12-virtual-signs_N.htm