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-   -   TVG in Saratoga Springs area? (http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8671)

Gander 01-10-2007 06:32 PM

TVG in Saratoga Springs area?
 
Anyone know if TVG is available somehow through Time Warner? The OTB network isnt cutting it anymore (with the exception of the Mormino show and occasional commentary by Linny).

Let me add that money is no issue. I already pay close to $200 a month for cabel with my Baseball Package.

Gander 01-10-2007 06:38 PM

Dont you just love it when you are just about to get a glimpse of the horse you are betting $200 to win on (#15) and OTB cuts out to a harness race?

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-10-2007 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gander
Anyone know if TVG is available somehow through Time Warner? The OTB network isnt cutting it anymore (with the exception of the Mormino show and occasional commentary by Linny).

Let me add that money is no issue. I already pay close to $200 a month for cabel with my Baseball Package.

TVG is OK, but Capital OTB is free...and if it's free...it's for me :)
Gander, there's always the mute button for those who you don't like.

Gander 01-10-2007 06:42 PM

Dont be so cheap Hickory (you must be a blast at kid's parties). Money is well worth it and my mute button doesnt work anymore and Da Hoss knows why.

brianwspencer 01-10-2007 06:47 PM

What cable company services Saratoga Springs?

By and large, Comcast carries TVG anywhere that TVG serves as an account wagering hub. Ie, we carry it in Chicago and Portland, OR -- but we do not carry it in Michigan because you can't use TVG here.

Do you guys get Comcast up there, or just Time Warner?

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-10-2007 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gander
Dont be so cheap Hickory (you must be a blast at kid's parties). Money is well worth it and my mute button doesnt work anymore and Da Hoss knows why.

My dad got Direct TV, they had TVG...it's all right...but reminds me too much of ESPN...I just want the race replay...none of the other BS...cheap, I guess so, not fun at kid's parties...don't get what you mean. IF I GOT $200 RIDING ON A HORSE, I'M AT AN OTB WATCHING THE RACE...love how everyone just kills Capital OTB's product...it's better than a "blue and white" screen and just audio like 20 years ago!

brianwspencer 01-10-2007 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698
Just Time Warner I think

I'm not familiar with how they run their show, but if Comcast services the area as well it could be worth looking into -- same sports offerings etc etc, and would offer TVG if the area permits..

I sound like a company crony :D

I guess my working here doesn't change the fact that it's a good product, I just feel like a stooge talking about it!

paisjpq 01-10-2007 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianwspencer
I'm not familiar with how they run their show, but if Comcast services the area as well it could be worth looking into -- same sports offerings etc etc, and would offer TVG if the area permits..

I sound like a company crony :D

I guess my working here doesn't change the fact that it's a good product, I just feel like a stooge talking about it!

OOOh you work for them? Tell them I think they suck...they bought up adelphia here and the first thing they did was raise the rates :mad: and of course VT has no TVG so it's not worth it in the first place.:o

SniperSB23 01-10-2007 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gander
Anyone know if TVG is available somehow through Time Warner? The OTB network isnt cutting it anymore (with the exception of the Mormino show and occasional commentary by Linny).

Let me add that money is no issue. I already pay close to $200 a month for cabel with my Baseball Package.

Is there any good reason you can't get Dish? I have Dish on the downstairs and bedroom TV with TVG and HRTV and then with Road Runner pay an extra $9.95 for channels 1-24 on basic cable for the office TV which includes Capitol OTB.

Scav 01-10-2007 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianwspencer
What cable company services Saratoga Springs?

By and large, Comcast carries TVG anywhere that TVG serves as an account wagering hub. Ie, we carry it in Chicago and Portland, OR -- but we do not carry it in Michigan because you can't use TVG here.

Do you guys get Comcast up there, or just Time Warner?

You can't use TVG online, they are not licensed here. I just called every day until they finally got it on Comcast.

You can use Youbet here though

hoovesupsideyourhead 01-10-2007 07:19 PM

dish network tvg/hrtv..never left out in the cold..

SniperSB23 01-10-2007 07:25 PM

You could also see if you are one of the lucky few that can get FIOS TV:

http://www22.verizon.com/fiosforhome...ilability.aspx

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-10-2007 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698
Well of course it's better than a blue and white screen and audio, geez it's 2007. But they have a ways to go. They have some decent shows, but honestly, as a bettor I like to see will pays and post parades and I'd like to know what the people on track are saying, even Jan Rushton, well maybe not her but others. It could be a lot better. I have some ideas.....

I think they try to get all the NYRA info as possible, the real problem is that there are too much tracks on at once. The commericals do suck and there timing could be corrected not to be shown at critical times, I'm sure there's a way. The biggest knock of late is the handicapping segments that are shown.
I look at it this way, I do my own handicapping...the on-air personalities give thiers, but you can ignore thiers if you want. It doesn't matter to me who they like. As for the will pays and post parades, TVG doesn't completely show them either...and thier exacta payouts are based on ten dollar payouts.

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-10-2007 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698
Of course there is a way, it's called customer service. I don't mind them having on a handicapper to give an analysis and such, but do we need Pricci's $20 play of the day? He is actually the only one that I have to mute the tv for. He loves the sound of his own voice. Well, he and Greg Giorgio, the announcer. No need for him to say anything other than who won and what they paid. No one cares about his insight or his "humor". I understand the need for commercials I really do, but their timing is awful and there really is no reason for it. Trust me, Capital is lucky we can't get TVG here on Time Warner because if we could I and many people I know would never watch OTB.

I still think thier product is "head and shoulders" better than most and better than nothing. I would still watch Capital OTB even if TVG was on Time Warner...but as we all know...that's not happening. You gotta live with what you got...and it's better than nothing! It won't stop me from wagering, personally I don't know what's the big deal.

brianwspencer 01-10-2007 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scav
You can't use TVG online, they are not licensed here. I just called every day until they finally got it on Comcast.

You can use Youbet here though

Maybe I meant account-wagering in general? Something like that. There is no reason to have a horse racing channel for the general public in a state where they can't do anything with it.

In Michigan, Comcast will never carry that channel -- gauranteed, because there is nothing at all in it for them.

brianwspencer 01-10-2007 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paisjpg
OOOh you work for them? Tell them I think they suck.

You and everyone else I ever talk to on the phone. I am still shocked at how rude many of our employees are, even to inhouse people. I call for something that I need help with, but if it's not going to get a salesperson commission then they will intentionally terminate the call. Happens all the time, and I just have to leave a customer hanging because someone else is an *******. By and large I think we're a good company -- but we have FAR too many bad apples in customer service. You would not believe how some of them speak to our customers and the tone they take with them. It's disgusting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paisjpq
they bought up adelphia here and the first thing they did was raise the rates

Mergers do that. Wait to see what happens if US Airways gets Delta :)

I've been following the "a la carte" legislation that has been floating around in Congress. My humble opinion is that it will only hurt the customer. Of course, for the person who only wants ESPN and two basic channels, it would lower their bill. For anyone who wanted to have any sort of comprehensive package, going "a la carte" would kill their bill -- it would absolutely explode because it would knock franchise and signal fees through the roof in many areas and for many channels.

So what I'm saying is that cable rates have, yes, exploded at unprecedented rates - and yes I wish there was a way to bring them down -- but the current attempts are terrible and will only hurt the customer.

Not that you asked :D

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-10-2007 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698
I guess i feel like it could be so much better, so why not do it? Is it that hard to not schedule commercials immediately following a photo finish, so as you are wondering if you got up or not you are seeing a commercial. Is it a lot to ask for to see pic 3 will pays and not Pricci's $20 play of the day? Is it a lot to ask for to watch the post parade for a non NYRA track before the race as long as it doesn't interfere with NYRA. I think all of these things are very easy to do and would show the bettors that OTB at least appreciates the money that we spend with them.

I agree with you DaHoss, I've questioned things myself and it's seems to fall on deaf ears...that's why I just play my bets and get a laugh out of the other things...it's entertainment all around. :D but won't stop me from playing

TeddyRex 01-11-2007 12:06 AM

Croc Tears
 
I am crying big croc tears that Gander can't get TVG in Saratoga Springs. That's like saying that you can't bag the centerfolds at a Playboy Party, just the ones on page 10.

HAHA:D

TheSpyder 01-11-2007 05:29 AM

If you want the post parade and want to see races in full why not over the computer? There's plenty of sites where you can do that and if money is no object get a nice 20" - 26" flat screen monitor. I don't see how you can watch most of these shows anyway. The ones I've seen are terrible.

Hickory Hill Hoff 01-11-2007 06:07 AM

Comparing TVG to OTB is like "apples to oranges" thier basicly the same. The on-track info is scattered on both programs and they give people thier race opinions. The biggest difference is... one comes with basic cable, the other you need a dish. Just do your own handicapping...watch the races and then collect! There is an old saying; Quityerbitchin' or don't watch.

Gander 01-11-2007 07:54 AM

I have watched both networks (OTB and TVG) and there is no comparison.
OTB for some reason caters to harness racing and just is very incompetent when it comes to showing paddock coverage and will pays, etc. You have guys like Pricci who say the same thing over and over and act as if people actually would bet based off of their opinions, egggad :eek:

Last night immediately after the live showing of the Santa Anita race #8, they cut to a harness race without even telling you who ran 2nd, 3rd and
4th. Now this would have taken the announcer all of 5 seconds to distribute that info?

Linny 01-11-2007 07:57 AM

Thanks Hoff.

The fact is that OTB and TVG/HRTV are quite different in that OTB operates under different regulations. NYS Racing law requires us to use in state product (NYRA/F'Lakes) live. Our agreement w/NYRA demands that Capital air the paddock and post parade as well. COTB makes every effort to air NYRA's "will-pays" and as much of their feed as possible.
As for the secondary tracks, due to the time commitment to NYRA, fitting in more than a replay is usually impossible. At this time of year, when the raceday is compressed and tracks are running races every 20-25 minutes, it's harder still. If there is a DQ or an inquiry at NYRA, or a hold up at the gate it's even more time taken from secondary products. The contract with Time Warner requires that CAP.OTB air 3 commercial breaks per hour. It doesn't seem like much time out of an hour but look at it like this:
Between 2 and 3 pm today we'll have 10 races to air, from 4 tracks. Allowing for 2 minutes per actual race (loading/gallop out + airing the result) that takes 20 minutes of the hour. Add to that the requirement of pretty much staying with the NYRA feed from 13 or so MTP per race and that's another 26 minutes, give or take. Remember too that at "2 MTP" many times you know the race won't start in 2 minutes. Now you've used 46 of your 60 minute hour. Add to that about 10 minutes of commentary/promotion of OTB events per hour and that allows 4 minutes for commercials.
We try to do commentary over the will-pays if possible to "kill two birds" (as it were) but it doesn't always work that way. We are dealing with a bottle neck, trying to feed out 4 signals. Just when it looks like you're about to get caught up, a gate delay, late scratch, loose horse throws off the rhythm.
I understand that sometimes mistakes are made. Things get missed and the wrong button gets pushed.

I have no influence as far as policy. I take orders. Trust me, there are times I wish things were different but as in any workplace, you take the bad with the good. Is the product perfect, no. But on balance I think that COTB does a pretty good job of getting racing out. This is a case of the perfect being the enemy of the good but TVG ain't perfect either.

Gander 01-11-2007 08:38 AM

Great post Linny. Well said.
I understand the sacrifice you have to make regarding secondary tracks during 12:30 to 4:30 (NYRA time) and dont expect much more than a replay. To me thats good enough.

But when NYRA is done their race day shouldnt we expect more from say Santa Anita?

Your agreement with NYRA demands that you show paddock and post parades, yet there have been multiple times in the last few weeks where Jan's commentary has been skipped and sometimes when it is shown it gets cut off for a replay from Laurel or Tampa Bay.

If you want my opinion, focusing more on NYRA would be a better thing since thats what most capital fans care about and bet on.

Sightseek 01-11-2007 08:39 AM

I'm really not all that fond of HRTV because of the awful camera feed...it looks as if you're watching program back from the early 80's. Unfortunately since they have all the rights to Gulfstream & Santa Anita I have to grin and bear it.

As a whole though, the biggest 'fault' of both HRTV & TVG is their focus is on the California tracks so they will be showing you $8,000 claimers at Golden Gate instead of the horses prior to the Hal's Hope. I'd wish companies could or would recognize which races are really waiting for.

eurobounce 01-11-2007 08:48 AM

Why don't you guys watch the races on your computer.

HRTV and TVG are ok. I am with Sightseek, the total focus on the So Cal tracks is ridiculous. Once Hollywood started on TVG they would stay with that track from the post parade until the end of the race. You wouldnt get to see another race until 20 minutes after the race was official. I know that HRTV and TVG are based out west, but it is ridiculous. Also, HRTV's feed in extremely poor. It is blurry and the color is horrible. However, it is better than nothing.

Linny 01-11-2007 08:53 AM

I agree, I'd like to see SA treated as we do NYRA during the day. The problem is that we also have an agreement w/the harness industry that was signed as part of the ability to take nighttime TB racing. We have certain requirements re: what we must show. Taking NYRA + 3 others is hectic. Taking 2 TB + 3 harness tracks is almost beyond belief. The harness tracks run about every 15-20 minutes. The races take longer so each hour is eaten up by far more "actual racing." At some times there are 15 harness races per hour! That 30+ minutes of racing before you get to post parades and TB racing.

There are times (day and night) when there will be 3 races on tape, lined up ready to replay and we just can't find a seam. Suddenly we realize it 4 MTP at a track where we haven't shown the prior race.

As for NYRA post parades and paddock, our contract doesn't require airing it but we make every attempt as a courtesy to viewers and NYRA. When I say post parade I refer not to the entire time from paddock to gate but the portion of the program when they show the horses 1 by 1 with the graphics showing names/#'s etc. Often we break away after the parade to air a replay. If we didn't, the replays would be lined up around the production center.

On the whole, we try. It's worth noting that TVG uses about 15 people operating some pretty nifty controls to put on one show. Most of our equipment is quite dated and our show involves 1 host, 1 director and one sound man. The director and sound guy also have to tape all the races from non NYRA tracks and line them up for airing.

Sightseek 01-11-2007 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurobounce
Why don't you guys watch the races on your computer.

.

hmmmmm, computer screen or a gigantic T.V.? :D

eurobounce 01-11-2007 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek
hmmmmm, computer screen or a gigantic T.V.? :D

Some computer screens are bigger than a tv. My sister has her computer hooked up to her TV some how. It is really cool.

eurobounce 01-11-2007 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linny
I agree, I'd like to see SA treated as we do NYRA during the day. The problem is that we also have an agreement w/the harness industry that was signed as part of the ability to take nighttime TB racing. We have certain requirements re: what we must show. Taking NYRA + 3 others is hectic. Taking 2 TB + 3 harness tracks is almost beyond belief. The harness tracks run about every 15-20 minutes. The races take longer so each hour is eaten up by far more "actual racing." At some times there are 15 harness races per hour! That 30+ minutes of racing before you get to post parades and TB racing.

There are times (day and night) when there will be 3 races on tape, lined up ready to replay and we just can't find a seam. Suddenly we realize it 4 MTP at a track where we haven't shown the prior race.

As for NYRA post parades and paddock, our contract doesn't require airing it but we make every attempt as a courtesy to viewers and NYRA. When I say post parade I refer not to the entire time from paddock to gate but the portion of the program when they show the horses 1 by 1 with the graphics showing names/#'s etc. Often we break away after the parade to air a replay. If we didn't, the replays would be lined up around the production center.

On the whole, we try. It's worth noting that TVG uses about 15 people operating some pretty nifty controls to put on one show. Most of our equipment is quite dated and our show involves 1 host, 1 director and one sound man. The director and sound guy also have to tape all the races from non NYRA tracks and line them up for airing.

Sounds very convaluted to say the least. But keep up the good work.

SentToStud 01-11-2007 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek
hmmmmm, computer screen or a gigantic T.V.? :D

If you're really just watching races I can see how you wouldn't have an online account. But if you want and need Exacta and mult-race will pays as well as replays and access to multiple years of charts and workouts, then having an online account is very useful.


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