Don't blame ABC for no HD broadcast of British Open
For a student of history, the United Kingdom is wonderful place to visit. You can learn about the illustrious kings and queens of the past, the poets and playwrights who created the world's richest body of literature and the origin of epochal movements like the Industrial Revolution. You can also see what television looked like 20 years ago.
Thanks to the backwards BBC, you won't be able to watch the British Open in HDTV this week. Not even on American broadcast partners TNT and ABC. The reason is that TNT and ABC have to use the international feed provided by the BBC, and that feed will be in standard definition, the 2009 equivalent of a black-and-white broadcast. (TNT and ABC will "up convert" the standard definition feed for HD broadcast, but that will just allow people to see the broadcast in full-screen format -- in other words, no black bars.) In case you think we're being too hard on the BBC, here's a list of events broadcast in HD: the Tour de France, Wimbledon, the Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the PGA Tour, the game show Jeopardy!, etc. ABC and TNT don't sound too happy about it either.
"The American broadcaster is required to take the world feed," says Mark Mandel, an ABC/ESPN spokesman. "As much as possible, we want all our events to be in HD. It's great for the sports fans and it's great for the event."
HDTV is an especially good fit for the British Open because the TV-friendly tournament is invariably played at a dramatic, photogenic course (except when it's at Carnousite) and the early morning start on the East Coast -- and witching-hour start in the West -- means you can watch all the golf you want and still have the rest of your Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Also, of all the majors, the British Open is the one American fans are least likely to get to see in person, so the high-definition feed is as close as most of us will ever get to those magical Open rota courses.
The BBC's deal with the Royal & Ancient doesn't expire until 2011 and the BBC has a long history with the event. Still, R&A boss Peter Dawson has to be frustrated with the BBC's inability to present the game's oldest and arguably most important tournament in a state-of-the-art format. Next contract, the R&A needs to make sure it gets the best broadcast possible, which means dropping the BBC.
UPDATE: Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson answered questions about the British Open in HD on Wednesday. Here's what he had to say:
On the high definition point, we have had a lot of discussion with BBC
about their introduction schedule for high definition. We have an
absolute guarantee that it will be introduced next year. There's a huge
investment being made by the BBC on the trucks and the mixing units
required for high definition which are being delivered later this year.
And so it will be fully high definition in 2010.
Would we have preferred it this year? Yes. But we have to understand that these things cost a lot of money and can take time. So we're looking forward to it next year, and I'm quite sure this year's coverage is going to be very adequate.
Posted by: jaxon | Jul 19, 2009 4:15:28 PM
spoiled fans HAVE to have HD. Please. yes it might be better to have it broadcast in HD, it's not the end of the world. grow up and change your diaper while you're at it.
Posted by: gordon | Jul 19, 2009 1:53:51 PM
I like Mike Tirico usually, but not for golf.. Strange, NO Thanks.. get someone else... NOT a good announcer. Thanks for covering the British Open, though... have turned off the sound
Posted by: Dave | Jul 19, 2009 10:14:19 AM
The coverage is pathetic and HD would not make it any better. Curtis Strange and M Tirico are beyond horrible obnoxious mouths. There is little golf coverage to watch. I turned the sound off so I can at least try to watch the golf. Why does ABC refuse to acknowledge that this crew is so bad and make some changes?
Posted by: Rick Ellwood | Jul 18, 2009 10:11:45 AM
What does it matter if the picture is in HD when all ABC, and their crew is doing is talking. This is an awful production and Tirico and company should just shut up and let the golf tell the story. How many times do we have to hear the stupid question if Watson can do it? Just shut up and watch.....please
Posted by: Ralph | Jul 18, 2009 9:32:24 AM
The real issue is ABC coverage. I have been watching the ABC broadcast for 30 minutes and have yet to see any golf. All talk and no golf.
Posted by: Ralph | Jul 18, 2009 9:27:49 AM
Who is responsible for how the golf tournament is broadcast on ABC? Answer: ABC. They could make it happen if they want to.
Posted by: Rick | Jul 17, 2009 11:03:02 AM
Ahemm, Dan C.... the Champions' League final has been broadcast in HD for years. ESPN choose to purchase the 576i SD feed and convert it to 480i. And Roxus, all BBC's SD content is in 16:9 (no need for black bars, zooming, or stretching).
Posted by: Sick of Pop Ups | Jul 17, 2009 2:57:40 AM
I am leaving this web site solely because the survey Pop Up keeps on Pop'n Up even after I took your funky survey.
Posted by: Andy Quested | Jul 17, 2009 2:22:43 AM
Can I just ask what standard ABC or TNT would have used if it was in HD?
Posted by: Shad from DC | Jul 16, 2009 11:39:25 AM
Are you nuts?? Life without HD is like grinding sand into my eyes. Upgrade you hardware and come and see the HD light!!
Posted by: HB | Jul 16, 2009 9:32:02 AM
I agree with you JF
Posted by: JF | Jul 16, 2009 9:20:39 AM
HD is just overpriced, overhyped crap. The tournament looks just fine on "regular TV".
Posted by: Nigel | Jul 16, 2009 8:45:21 AM
Lets not get personal here guys. I'm a Brit and frankly astounded that the BBC are not showing this in HD. It does not mean we're backward thinking in fact as a regular visitor to the US I could go on about how the UK and Europe were years ahead in cell phone usage (we've been texting since the mid 90's) but this is about this single event and I agree and am embarrassed by their decision. I have already emailed them and demanded an explanation, after all British tax payers are forced to pay a licence fee to keep the BBC in business!!
Posted by: Ben | Jul 16, 2009 8:33:00 AM
Why all the hate on Americans? We like HD television. OH MY GOD. We want to see your beautiful countryside as clearly as possible, with technology that is available. Returning with personal attacks about mayonnaise (delish) makes you look silly.
Posted by: m159267 | Jul 16, 2009 7:32:30 AM
Maybe BBC can broadcast it in black and white. Better yet they can just do a radio broadcast. How about Morse code? Oh what the hay - just use a carrier pigeon.
Posted by: GDF | Jul 16, 2009 7:02:27 AM
Damn, How unlucky i am. I live in St Andrews, the sun s shining, i've just played the Old Course this morning, I have got home and can watch the wonderful uninterrupted BBC coverage of THE Open and you tell me i can't see it in HD, I am so unlucky!
Give me a break, who cares, the BBC cover this event better than any US network covers ANY golf event. 10 hours, zero adverts!!!
Posted by: Mi'Lud | Jul 16, 2009 6:19:55 AM
No idea why it isn't in HD, to be honest, but the BBC are host broadcaster for Wimbledon, so maybe the reason is a little deeper than just bashing our venerable broadcaster?
Posted by: Joe Meemo | Jul 16, 2009 5:09:46 AM
Hello chaps, Brit here. I think it comes down to the fact that we simply don't care as much about HD as you do. On the whole, most of us would rather see 50 hours of Open coverage without a single commercial in plain old 'ready salted' definition. Cultural differences, I suppose. On the other hand, HD WILL be available on Sky for the weekend's biggest sporting event, where our 'other' Monty - the likeable, popular one - will be trying to skittle out the Aussies in the second test at Lord's. That's cricket, by the way. Another cultural difference.
Posted by: Dan C. | Jul 16, 2009 3:44:26 AM
Shameful, but nothing new coming from the Olde World. While I was able to watch the Confederations Cup final live on ESPN in full HD (contrary to the previous poster's claim), the UEFA Champions League final was in full, glorious ... 480i, aka standard def. C'mon Euros, get it in gear.
Posted by: Ross | Jul 16, 2009 3:03:37 AM
How can some of my US neighbours whine about golf coverage from the BBC when no US network could show the national US soccer team play in a major world final--the Confederation Cup. YOu had to live in Canada to see it live. Shame on the US networks.
Posted by: Ross | Jul 16, 2009 2:57:15 AM
At least from the BBC you get to see all the action without commercial interruptions -bet you won't get that from either ABC or TNT
Posted by: Dave | Jul 16, 2009 2:47:50 AM
What a ridiculous article. Who made these complaints - the viewers or the networks? Or perhaps it was one one of the people who are more likely to see the American events live than The Open. Who are these people? It's more likely you get struck by lightning than get into Augusta. I've been to the Open twice and the course is covered with Americans. As to some comments here, it's senseless that one might use healthcare, dentistry, and government as a metaphor for television broadcasts. Wow.
Posted by: Jon | Jul 15, 2009 10:53:36 PM
Lil American need to stop whining because your beloved TV set isn't you showing you every blade of grass. Put down your fried mayonnaise and chicken wings and go outside and see the countryside for yourselves. Try getting some exercise while your at it.
Posted by: Gilberto -U.S. | Jul 15, 2009 8:41:51 PM
Give us a good tournament. Screw HD.
Posted by: Gene | Jul 15, 2009 7:43:02 PM
And we want their system of health care ???
Posted by: American | Jul 15, 2009 7:02:15 PM
We're still waiting for the Brits to catch up in the world of dentistry let alone something as complicated as HD broadcasts.
Posted by: uglyamericans | Jul 15, 2009 6:37:59 PM
I am an American. Ignore the comments by the UGLY americans on this board who use this opportunity to express their centricities.
Posted by: Tom | Jul 15, 2009 6:04:18 PM
Suggesting THE Open shouldn't be broadcast on the bbc shows an understanding of british history but not an appreciation! The BBC and the Open are a synonymous institution.
Posted by: Kirk H. | Jul 15, 2009 4:18:22 PM
Right. Like I want to see Tom Watson's complexion in HD. Or any of the rest of these guys who've been working in the sun all their lives.
Posted by: John | Jul 15, 2009 3:55:28 PM
What do you expect? The Limeys can't even cure tuberculosis. You expect them to provide us with HD?
Posted by: Roxus | Jul 15, 2009 3:54:36 PM
Stretching is not "up converting" ! The signal will still look terible, it will just be widely terrible. God I hope they don't use that fish-eye stretching where the "widescreen" edges get disproportionately stretched so that the middle of the screen doesn't look "fat". That sort of stretching at a sports event is awful becoz the picture changes "size" 3 times as the camera pans. Hell it could be worse...they could use ZOOM to get rid of the black bars. That's what TNT does a lot of for it's "HD" programming - take an SD signal and cut off the top and bottom of the screen - look Ma! no more black bars !
Posted by: Rob | Jul 15, 2009 2:11:51 PM
Wow, can't even broadcast in HD the only golf tournament that the world actually wants to watch in in the UK?!? Mind you, I am posting this on "the internet", I can only assume people in the UK don't have that either to help raise a protest.
Posted by: David C | Jul 15, 2009 2:01:41 PM
The BBC is managed by the UK Government. You expect quality?
Posted by: Jeff | Jul 15, 2009 1:20:19 PM
Typical. The British Open or as they want it to be called the Open Championship is still miles behind The Masters or even the US Open. Well at least it's got the PGA beat...for now.
Posted by: David | Jul 15, 2009 12:23:43 PM
What? Are you kidding me? When I first read this, I thought it was a very bad joke! It's 2009 BBC, let's go! This is an embarrassment to "The Open Championship" or whatever I'm supposed to call it. I probably won't even watch it now. I feel bad for TNT and ABC getting screwed over this absurd behavior by BBC. This is very disappointing, but it makes me even more thankful to live in the greatest country in the world...
Posted by: HB | Jul 15, 2009 11:14:37 AM
Seeing as I don't even own an HD tv set this will not impact me at all haha. Finally! And what's that one guy's problem with Tirico? He is one of the best announcers in golf, much better than that insufferable Johnny Miller that's for sure!
Posted by: David Bellairs | Jul 15, 2009 10:46:52 AM
There's no such thing as the "British Open" - I think you must be referring to the "Open Championship"
Posted by: johnnybubbaleski | Jul 15, 2009 9:56:13 AM
You whining Americans , HD ,CBS , ABC , NBC , give it up , CBC in Canada for hockey , free over the air to all to see , BBC in the UK for golf , and yes it is refreshing to hear non American announcers , as they follow all players not just the hommies.....P.S. the only good announcer on US tv is actually Irish.....
Posted by: Gideon | Jul 15, 2009 9:46:34 AM
I'm sorry but your complaints are ridiculous. I've watched the US Tour for years in the UK having to wait 5 minutes between every third shot while we wait for your commercials to run again. Enjoy the beautiful Scottish coast in SD, and remember if ABC and TNT weren't carrying the broadcast you could watch the BBC's golf commercial-free all tournament long. True Dat.
Posted by: Brian | Jul 15, 2009 9:17:13 AM
Hats off to the folks putting the Tour on in HD. I cannot imagine a tougher sporting event to get the logistics rightin regards to broadcasting. The dang thing is played out over scores of miles every day. I find it fascinating despite the fact that I have not been on a bicycle in probably 20 years.
Posted by: Allen | Jul 15, 2009 6:04:21 AM
Welcome to the world of a government monopoly. No competition therefore no incentive to offer higher quality service. Mmmm, give me a big helping of government -run medicine too. Oh, wait, I get that at the VA hospital.
Posted by: Dan | Jul 14, 2009 9:34:48 PM
If, like myself, you want to send a nasty email to BBC Sport, here's the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/3701180.stm
My fear is that they'll keep the British Open in standard def as long as possible so that the condition of their teeth remains a national secret.
Posted by: Kris | Jul 14, 2009 3:50:52 PM
Don't expect the R&A to drop the BBC any time soon. The Open Championship is one of the national sporting events that are required by law to be available to non-subscriber viewers - i.e. on network TV. BBC are the only game in town. The R&A can twist their arm, but they can't ditch them.
Posted by: Kevin | Jul 14, 2009 10:10:13 AM
Believe the Euro tour events you see on the GC have been upscaled from SD content to fit on the HD format without the black borders on the sides. This is how the Open will look as well, though a slight bit better because they will do what they can to ensure a clean upscaling.
Posted by: Joe | Jul 14, 2009 8:16:00 AM
Please bear in mind that the quality of the BBC SD feed will beat your NTSC SD hands down every time. So it's not quite as bad although HD would clearly be preferred.
Posted by: Duffysdad | Jul 14, 2009 7:11:42 AM
The BBC cannot afford to telecast the Open in HD because it spends a large portion of its license fees (if you live in the US don't ask!)on the pension payments for its overpaid senior managers and egregious sums for (non) talent like Russell Brand. At least those of you living and viewing in the US will not have to put up with BBC's announcers like Sam Torrence and Gary Linaker
Posted by: Ringo Demaret | Jul 14, 2009 4:28:05 AM
I spend over $100 per month for HD satellite spaceship powered TV every month yet I won't go get a pair of spectacles. I might as well be watching the old Dumont from behind alcohol-soaked gauze over my eyes. Can I detect the tempo of the swing? Is the form of the player discernible? Is that how one spells discernible? Or is it with an "a"? Tee it up. May the best 2-iron-off the-tee-player win.
Posted by: palmstring | Jul 13, 2009 11:58:32 PM
No wonder when I watched the 2008 Dubai Desert Classic, I couldn't get the exact details of Tiger's upper fist pump at the 18th hole in the final round without viewing other angles. The picture showing the Europen Tour events on TV is still slightly fuzzy despite the HD format.
Posted by: Will | Jul 13, 2009 11:20:18 PM
Royal and Ancient, well at least they got the ancient part right. Oh yeah, and fix the food before the tv because at least the tv is watchable.
Posted by: Robert | Jul 13, 2009 7:32:35 PM
What's the limmy's problem with Tirico? I find him nice enough, and an effective gateway to the analyst's comments. The Brit's need to get it together regarding HD. Golf televisions, as opposed to other sports, has gained the most from the technology. Wake up BBC!!!
Posted by: keeko | Jul 13, 2009 5:47:40 PM
this is absurd: the two highest-paid athletes in the world are golfers; what would people say if the NBA finals were in SD???
Posted by: Jim Jones | Jul 13, 2009 5:44:32 PM
Thats a pretty outrageous comment you make about Carnoustie there. Just because the best test of golf on the Open Rota isn't the prettiest course in the world doesn't mean you should disrespect it in such a way. Your comment there is quite insulting for someone who is a member there
Posted by: Angus | Jul 13, 2009 4:52:35 PM
BBC should join everybody in the 21st Century.
Posted by: Matt | Jul 13, 2009 3:34:16 PM
I couldnt agree more, every European Tur event in the UK is broadcast in HD, except for those on BBC, they treat golf like a minority sport in this country, which it most certainly isn't. They get former-footballers (soccer) to present the broadcast whose knowledge of the game is based around playing on a saturday morning, its truly shocking that the oldest championship in the sport, the one event that HD would really do justice to is treated in this way
Posted by: John | Jul 13, 2009 3:34:09 PM
I wish the British Open would get dropped from ABC completely. Mike Tirico is one of the absolute worst sportscasters. Ever. I hate hate hate him.
Posted by: Brian | Jul 13, 2009 3:27:05 PM
Ok, focusing on the positive. Takes up way less space on the DVR. Otherwise - awfull, horrendous, terrible - it will look like thursday coverage of the LPGA.
Posted by: SH | Jul 13, 2009 3:18:50 PM
Shocker! Unbelievable.
But may be not so unbelievable.
But then again I am shocked.
What a disappointment.