Media Notes

ESPN, CBS Using Flow Motion Technology During U.S. Open Broadcasts

ESPN and CBS for their coverage of the U.S. Open are using flow motion technology from Orad to "track the movement of players and freeze their position at the point of impact for each stroke." The graphics are then "overlayed on the screen to give viewers a sense of how each player is moving around the court." But YAHOO SPORTS' Chris Chase wrote the technology does not provide information that "enhances a viewing experience," as "you don't need fancy camera tricks to tell you that a player came to the net." Chase: "Sometimes television networks use technology just for the sake of using technology. This is one of those times. There's no problem with the Flow Motion, there's just no benefit from it either" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/2). Meanwhile, in S.F., Bruce Jenkins wrote Tennis Channel has a "solid broadcasting team" for the U.S. Open, including Ted Robinson, Jimmy Connors and Justin Gimelstob (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/2).

IN THE ZONE: Verizon has agreed to carry NFL Network's new "NFL RedZone" channel on its FiOS TV service. FiOS, the largest telco TV provider in the U.S., is the third major distributor to pick up the channel following deals with Comcast and Dish Network (NFL). FiOS subs can purchase the channel for $49.99 for the full NFL season. A Verizon spokesperson said that "at this point, the telco only plans to make the package available on a full-season basis" (MULTICHANNEL.com, 9/2).

FRESH SQUEEZED: Sun Sports and FS Florida will air a combined 70 Magic games during the '09-10 season. Sun Sports will carry 38 games, while FS Florida will air 32. Some of the Magic's 24 nationally-televised games will be simulcast on Sun Sports and FS Florida (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/2). Meanwhile, Sun Sports also will air 65 Lightning games this season. Lightning Exec VP/Communications Bill Wickett said that the team is "working with other local stations to get more games on television" (TAMPABAY.com, 9/1).

NOTES: In San Diego, Tim Sullivan reports Padres broadcaster Jerry Coleman, 84, "has a new deal," but the responsibilities "remain a bit vague." The Padres are "not yet prepared to say exactly what they have in mind" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/3)....CSN Philadelphia has hired T'Wolves assistant coach Ed Pinckney as 76ers color analyst, working alongside announcer Marc Zumoff for all broadcasts (CSN)....Dallas Observer writer Richie Whitt will join Newy Scruggs as host of KRLD-FM's weekday 10:00am-2:00pm CT shift (DALLASNEWS.com, 9/2).