Billiards Television and Televised Billiards
11/8/2008 2:14:02 PM
Billiards Television and Televised Billiards
Some of you know that I have been running a website called "Billiard Television" and have an interest in TV and naturally, it's "depiction" of the sport of billiards.
I was watching the US Open 9-Ball Championship on SportsNet East (a Canadian Cable Television Network) and I just felt that something was lacking. I mean, we've made comparisons here before between billiards and the big 4 sports (hockey, football, basketball, baseball) and I just didn't think that billiards broadcasts were up to the standards of the broadcasts of the big 4 sports.
So here is my question...
Do you all think that the televised billiard matches are as good as they can get? Do they need improvement? Better directing? Better players? (Think how theatrical Alex Pagualayan can be - A treat to watch in my opinion)
What would you change, if anything?
Like I said before, I've been into a lot of online television stuff lately, including the taping of live shows. In a few years, we might be in a position to get in there and do some live broadcasts. Any input now would help!
billiardsforumBilliards Television and Televised Billiards
Replies & Comments
quickshot on 11/8/2008 5:45:19 PMIf you felt that something was lacking, then it probably was. And not by accident. I honestly believe the TV stations are just being condescending toward the sport for one simple reason. See my other post on the subject cue sports on television. I do not want to be repetitious.
Mitch Alsup on 11/8/2008 10:59:43 PM
I think that the matches I have seen in the last year on TV are about at the level of PBA Bowling. They are not even at the level of professional Poker.
I also think that this is due to the budget these organizations provide/allow for the TV crews/announcers/equiptment.
One thing that rattles my cage is when one of the announcers says "That was a really great shot", and yet to me (an APA 6) it was not that hard to make the ball, nor hard to get the position, nor miss anything between the hither and yon. If you are goind to make such a comment, the TV broadcast needs to insert a several sentance reply as to WHY that was a great shot. Almost like an instant replay showing the table and paths of the balls. Since this is no where close to live--suspend the time at the table and discuss WHY--that is make the fans more informed about the skills being employed.
I also dislike comming back from commercial and having a summary of a game I won't get to see. Either show the game or not. Don't go half way.
Nova67 on 2/2/2013 12:45:17 PM
More money on the line. Sponsors have to come up with bigger prizes in order to entice the viewing public along with growing the sport. One only has to look at Poker as an example. Ppl show up when there s a lot of money to be made.
Finding the right play by play guy with the right voice and enthusiasm(not necessarily super skilled person) but someone that knows the game extrememely well.
And invite past greats for a one on one....creating excitement is what s needed.
Zeke on 2/3/2013 8:26:12 AM
The pool tables used, the balls used, the felt manufacturer used, even the bridges used are NOT selected on quality or some noble effort to provide superior equipment.
They are provided, along with large bags of cash, by sponsors that out bid each other, so their brand names can appear on TV, thereby implying their gear is what the best players on earth have chosen to use, and if the viewer wants to also play their very best, must go out and buy those products or forever be "inferior."
It is the marketing machine at its finest.
Bob ford on 11/23/2013 8:36:43 PM
Have you visited this site. Wpbltv.com bonusball. I was at a couple of games in Las Vegas and loved it.
Bob, FYI you just posted to a thread that was dead for almost a year...
Not that there's anything wrong with that - other than "relevance." ;) ?
I noticed that after I posted. The signs of a newby. Sorry
Fenwick on 11/25/2013 9:35:08 AM
Don't be sorry. Post where ever you want. Don't let anyone discourage you. If you have something to add, add it. Bonus ball is new but I'm afraid it just a gimmick to bring new players into the game. I wouldn't watch it but that's just me. Have you seen what bowling is doing to bring a semi dead sport back. Colored oil on the lanes.
Billiards Television and Televised Billiards
- Title: Billiards Television and Televised Billiards
- Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
- Published: 11/8/2008 2:14:02 PM
