NBC may have embraced online video for this Olympic Games more than ever before, but its constricted online viewing regime, where certain events are “bottled up” for airing on traditional TV means many fans are being left disappointed.
The event that really showed this lack of respect for viewers was the 100 metres sprint final, a showcase event for as long as the Olympics has been running (a very long time).
Bottled Lightning
Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt won convincingly, setting a new world record and still having time to celebrate his win in the last quarter of the race, looking left and right, and thumping his chest.
But people using NBCOlympics.com weren’t able to see this landmark event as it was one of the occasions, just like the opening ceremony, where coverage was held up and not shown online until hours later.
Delays Disappointing
While Jeff Zucker, President of NBC Universal may be proud of the online offerings his company has provided for Beijing 2008, many viewers aren’t happy at being forced to miss live coverage of certain key events.
I really hope NBC learn from the reactions to the live coverage it has provided this time around and change its strategy for next time. The amount of footage is great, but the delivery and method leave a lot to be desired.
- NBCOlympics.com Will Stream Olympic Games but With Restrictions
- UK Users: Watch the Olympics Online at the BBC website
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- NBC Olympics Live Online Coverage To Be Used As Research Lab For Future Multimedia Events
- Will NBC Free Olympic Coverage Be Successful? | Media Mogul John Malone Thinks It Is Absurd
- Pirate Olympics: Alternative Ways to Watch The Olympics
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