During this Sunday night's Bengals-Ravens game, ESPN
will use new technology called "1st and Ten," which will
give viewers a view of the line offenses must reach for a
first down. The technology, developed by NY-based
SporTVision Systems in conjunction with ESPN, will display a
yellow line at the first down marker, and will be used for
all offensive downs on all remaining Sunday night games
(ESPN). ESPN will have exclusive rights to the system for
one year, after which other TV outlets will have the chance
to use it (DAILY VARIETY, 9/25). In N.Y., Richard Sandomir
writes that "1st and Ten" could be seen on ABC's NFL playoff
and college bowl games, and to "expect all networks to use
it" next year (N.Y. TIMES, 9/25). ESPN will go from two to
three production trucks for Sunday night games to handle
"1st and Ten" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/25). USA TODAY's Rudy
Martzke reports that ESPN is investing "more than" $1M on
the project (USA TODAY, 9/25). But ESPN spokesperson Rob
Tobias told THE DAILY that Martzke's figure is "greatly
exaggerated" (THE DAILY). In S.F., Susan Slusser writes
that the NFL, "which had to give approval to the project,
has expressed concern about possible second-guessing of
officials." Slusser also writes to "expect more gimmicks
soon: SporTVision is currently working on products for golf
and baseball telecasts" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/25).
REAX: In Cincinnati, John Fay writes that the line
"won't change the future of broadcasting. But it's not a
gimmick like Fox's glowing puck." Fay writes that a taped
sample found the line noticeable, but "it should not be
distracting" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/25). In Hartford, Jeff
Goldberg writes that it "seems a good idea ... unless people
find themselves staring at the little yellow line instead of
the game" (HARTFORD COURANT, 9/25). On Long Island, Steve
Zipay writes that his "initial impression was that the line
is far less obtrusive than the score-time-quarter box. ...
And it's understated. It doesn't move or leave a trail like
the FoxTrax puck" (NEWSDAY, 9/25). In Milwaukee, Bob
Wolfley calls it "favorable," noting that it "will be
interesting to see what the line will disclose when the refs
call for a measurement" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 9/25).
In Chicago, Ed Sherman wonders, "What will they think of
next? A glowing puck?" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/25).
