timing belt pack...
 

Any reason they don't use the precision timing mechanism for NCAA tournament games? I don't recall a lot of timing issues in the tournament, but you would think for the highest profile games the sport has, they would use them.

They've been using them in our high school championships for a few years now, it seems that the NCAA would catch on.

It was just an observation. Interested to hear other people's thoughts.

I actually spoke with Mike Costabile after the first weekend of the tournament. Great guy! We got on the topic about several timing issues they had during the opening rounds. Basically he said the NCAA didn't want to give up the money to have PTS at the sites.

Hopefully, after all the issues they've had this year, they'll spend the money. It's not like they don't have it.

I agree. If this year isn't free advertising for the system, I don't know what is.

you know thats so weird. You would think at all the arena's they are at would be euipt with it. I have always wanted to wear one of those little black boxes, they look so cool.

It's not the arenas. They are placed accordingly in arenas that have a contract with PT, which are most of the major conferences. So it's not that the arenas can't use the system (in terms of operating capable), it's that they don't have a contract to use the system.

Wow - that's really interesting information. I was about to start compiling a list of which stadia do and don't have the PT system already in place. Guess there's no need at this point. I, for one, always just assumed that you bought the system and that was that.

I'm sure that Costabile doesn't want to give up any of his trade secrets, but did he perhaps drop any hints as to how much the licensing/contract fee would be for the entire tourney? I can't think it's enough to be prohibitive to the NCAA.

As way of comparison, I believe the current NCAA contract with CBS gives the NCAA $545 million/year (averaged over the term of the contract).

ALL of the D-I championships added together cost about $40 million.

He didn't really say what it costs. I have to agree with you that it can't be that much compared to everything else and what's on the line.

I would think that CBS might even be willing to pay for the use of the PT system. I'd bet that the producers HATE every time the refs go to the monitor to correct a timing (not timer's :cool: ) mistake that could have been prevented.

It's politics, not money.

I would think that CBS would like all the game interruptions to check the monitor for timiing issues...that's just another chance to run a commercial!

Except they usually don't go to commercial (unless they happen to do the review during a team-called or media TO) because they don't know how long the review is going to take.

Also, at the end of a close game, they want their audience to be happy by finding out how the game ends!

Speaking of commercials, I'm still unsure as to whose country this is...:confused:

Damn you.

I was just getting that tune outta my head, and now you put it back in there. :D

They must be using this in some games. I was watching a first round game when the camera zoomed in on a player. The official was was in the background and only his waist was visible and there on his belt was a little black box. I was going to post a question of what it was used for, but forgot.:confused:

I'm not sure what you saw, but if it was the NCAA tournament, it wasn't PTS. However, if you look close enough all of them are using the PTS lanyard, probably due to the fact that's the only kind of lanyard they have.

Methinks you were watching an NIT game.

Tjones - any idea on why the licensing is approved for the NIT but not the NCAA D-I tourney?

Mark,

Not sure, it may be that the first rounds are usually played on one team's home court. Therefore, if they have the system they may be allowed it use it.

How do these things work? Is there like a priority mechanism that the official responsible for starting the clock has the primary, or can any official start the clock. Has there ever been times where the clock was accidentally started by an official. Also, with the remote technology, it is possible for somebody to jam the system. Just curious!

I believe the FCC can jam the system if they so desire; however, they have to invoke the PATRIOT Act and the Riot Act by calling the FBI and CIA. They try to keep the DOD out of it, though.

Only if it benefits Duke.

He's now a perfect 542 for 542.

Stay tuned.

Correct.

It was NOT used in the NCAA tournament.

The lanyards are the same. The only difference is a plastic clip that holds the mic.

The NCAA doesn't own the NIT, anymore than it owns the Great Alaska Shootout.

Any of the 2 or 3 officials can start the clock with the pack.

Of course, the clock is started accidentally from time to time.

Now, why in the hell would someone won't to jam it? Good grief.

Actually, the NCAA does own the NIT, Tony.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/2005-0...purchase_x.htm

[QUOTE=Mark Dexter]Methinks you were watching an NIT game.


Mark,

You probably correct. Watched toooooooo much basketball this year.:eek:

Beat me to it.

Although I think my question was regardless of the NCAA/NIT relationship.

Right, I'm just seeing that most of them aren't taking the clip off.

Well, you learn something everyday. I knew that it was owned by the NY area schools. I did not realize the NCAA had purchased.

With that in mind, I would agree that the decision to use PT is a local decision with all the early games being played at the higher seed. Let's wait to see if PT is used tomorrow night in MSG.

And if they do, the greater question is, will terrorists jam the signal? http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...otallthere.gif

That's because it can be a 8itch to get back on!

Could be the end of civilization as we know it.

Can we have the FBI investigate Old School?

Jealousy is such a petty emotion.:D

Yep, very true.