View Full Version : VEX Worlds on ESPN2 20 July 9 PM
Next week, ESPN2 will feature the 2016 VEX Robotics World Championship in a 1 hour long segment! Tune in Wednesday, July 20 at 9 PM EDT to relive key moments, matches, and team interviews from the event. This was a record year for VEX Worlds, and we can't wait for the World's Largest Robotics Competition to make its debut on national TV.
Starring Karthik, Paul C and others! Along with some of the most complex robots you can fit in an 18x18x18" cube. Very cool!
This is fantastic and great news for the visibility of VEX and all robotics programs. Now we're just waiting for FIRST to do the right thing and find a way to follow VRC's lead.
FiMFanatic
17-07-2016, 18:33
This will be an awesome show. Great to see it showcased on one of the best channels possible. Hopefully ratings are going to sustain more robotics on TV in the future.
Tune in Tune in Tune in!!!!
:] :] :] :] :]
This is fantastic and great news for the visibility of VEX and all robotics programs. Now we're just waiting for FIRST to do the right thing and find a way to follow VRC's lead.
+1. I believe the next step to getting FIRST out there even more than it is already is to promote it on some sort of platform that is easily accessible to the general public. Also, congrats to VRC for advancing competion robotics worldwide!
I really think FIRST needs to get a full partnership through Twitch and go full online.
cbale2000
18-07-2016, 08:27
I really think FIRST needs to get a full partnership through Twitch and go full online.
This would be great, maybe then our streams won't keep getting taken down.
I really think FIRST needs to get a full partnership through Twitch and go full online.
Correctly or incorrectly, TV is still viewed as much more significant than the internet. I think FIRST needs to leverage their relationship with Comcast NBC and air a special or miniseries of Einstein on NBC on a Friday or Saturday night. It would be really cool for FIRST and allow NBC to compete with BattleBots, which I assume is doing well since they made a second season.
ThaddeusMaximus
18-07-2016, 13:26
I really think FIRST needs to get a full partnership through Twitch and go full online.
Correctly or incorrectly, TV is still viewed as much more significant than the internet. I think FIRST needs to leverage their relationship with Comcast NBC and air a special or miniseries of Einstein on NBC on a Friday or Saturday night. It would be really cool for FIRST and allow NBC to compete with BattleBots, which I assume is doing well since they made a second season.
Why not both? :rolleyes:
This would be the first time I've ever watched ESPN, by the way. ESPN will be attracting some new viewers. (though, they probably won't stay) :P
Why not both? :rolleyes:
This would be the first time I've ever watched ESPN, by the way. ESPN will be attracting some new viewers. (though, they probably won't stay) :P
Yeah, honestly FRC would probably get 10 times as much visibility if it was featured on the front page of Twitch and Youtube than it would on ESPN2.
I really think FIRST needs to get a full partnership through Twitch and go full online.
I think YouTube Live is better from a spectators and perhaps even from a streamer's standpoint. It seems way easier because YouTube processes and archives the webcast after it's done, as Twitch has no DVR feature.
I think YouTube Live is better from a spectators and perhaps even from a streamer's standpoint. It seems way easier because YouTube processes and archives the webcast after it's done, as Twitch has no DVR feature.
It actually has a VOD system, you just have to activate in the streamer menu. The better part about Twitch than YT is that YT will take down a video with copyright song claims, Twitch will just mute the bad sections but the video will remain.
They also implemented a new system where you can "clip" the previous 30 seconds of a stream. It's really cool to quickly grab a 30 second segment from a livestream rather than waiting for the stream to end and then having to search through the VOD for it.
JohnFogarty
18-07-2016, 14:03
Yeah, honestly FRC would probably get 10 times as much visibility if it was featured on the front page of Twitch and Youtube than it would on ESPN2.
You say that and it was on the front page of twitch and I don't remember the view numbers being that much better than usual.
You say that and it was on the front page of twitch and I don't remember the view numbers being that much better than usual.
Yes but that was just a regular event stream from the back of the stands. I think if this happens, we would really need people to move forward with more copies of The Roboshow at every event so that chat can have more interaction and understanding of what they are watching.
Having never been able to make it out to VEX Worlds, I'm really looking forward to watching!
Having never been able to make it out to VEX Worlds, I'm really looking forward to watching!
Me too! I always hear such great things about VEX Worlds and I'm so excited to see it showcased in such a big way, so those of us who haven't made it out (yet) can watch!
REC Foundation
18-07-2016, 15:36
Glad to see excitement building around VEX Worlds debut on ESPN2! Be sure to check our latest post for a sneak preview and details about international viewing: https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=149525
Share among your network and help build viewership for competitive robotics!
JohnFogarty
18-07-2016, 23:30
Yes but that was just a regular event stream from the back of the stands. I think if this happens, we would really need people to move forward with more copies of The Roboshow at every event so that chat can have more interaction and understanding of what they are watching.
The only time I saw FIRST on the front page of Twitch was the Gamesense stream of worlds.
Monochron
18-07-2016, 23:50
Glad to see excitement building around VEX Worlds debut on ESPN2! Be sure to check our latest post for a sneak preview and details about international viewing: https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=149525
Share among your network and help build viewership for competitive robotics!
Shoot, not sure how I'm going to watch it. Cut the cord on cable a while ago. Maybe it will go up on their site with adds later on.
XaulZan11
19-07-2016, 00:01
Shoot, not sure how I'm going to watch it. Cut the cord on cable a while ago. Maybe it will go up on their site with adds later on.
Sounds like a good time to take advantage of Sling TV's 7 day free trial.
It actually has a VOD system, you just have to activate in the streamer menu. The better part about Twitch than YT is that YT will take down a video with copyright song claims, Twitch will just mute the bad sections but the video will remain.
They also implemented a new system where you can "clip" the previous 30 seconds of a stream. It's really cool to quickly grab a 30 second segment from a livestream rather than waiting for the stream to end and then having to search through the VOD for it.
I think YouTube Live is better from a spectators and perhaps even from a streamer's standpoint. It seems way easier because YouTube processes and archives the webcast after it's done, as Twitch has no DVR feature.
Why not both? It's possible to stream to both with something like OBS Studio, and even then, you can single-stream to Twitch with the VODs enabled, record it locally as well, and then export it to YouTube separately as needed. The system can be automated. Either way, I think that FIRST and FRC on the front page of Twitch would be an incredible way to spread the cause to technophiles all over the world.
The turning point would be announcers (a la The International or VRWC now) to make it easier to digest for the "casual" viewer. For the rest of us, GameDay will have to do for now...
The main problem with Twitch is that many (most?) schools and work places block Twitch altogether (rightfully so). YouTube is often left unblocked or at least semi-accessible in both the education and professional environments as it can contain content required for both environments. This is not only a problem for viewers, but for events hosted in schools like district events, it prevents another hurdle to go through when convincing the school administration/IT department to let the event stream.
The only time I saw FIRST on the front page of Twitch was the Gamesense stream of worlds.
Competitions have been on the front page a lot.
Cothron Theiss
19-07-2016, 08:48
The main problem with Twitch is that many (most?) schools and work places block Twitch altogether (rightfully so). YouTube is often left unblocked or at least semi-accessible in both the education and professional environments as it can contain content required for both environments. This is not only a problem for viewers, but for events hosted in schools like district events, it prevents another hurdle to go through when convincing the school administration/IT department to let the event stream.
I've actually experienced the opposite. YouTube is blocked at the school, but Twitch isn't.
EDIT- As Andrew mentioned, the chat is often blocked when Twitch itself isn't, which is fine.
The main problem with Twitch is that many (most?) schools and work places block Twitch altogether (rightfully so). YouTube is often left unblocked or at least semi-accessible in both the education and professional environments as it can contain content required for both environments. This is not only a problem for viewers, but for events hosted in schools like district events, it prevents another hurdle to go through when convincing the school administration/IT department to let the event stream.
At least in my school, I could watch Twitch streams through TBA, though the chat was still blocked.
Hey everyone,
This is a show you're not going to want to miss. The producers and crew did a fabulous job capturing the essence and energy of the VEX Robotics Competition and VEX Worlds. During the one hour special there's 10 matches being featured from the High School Round Robin (VRC's version of Einstein) and the High School finals, along with features on some of the 15 division winning teams. The show is hosted by myself, Kristen Kenney, Paul Copioli, with Paul and I on match commentary.
Paul and I were recently in Chicago doing some final taping for the show. It was a pretty cool experience, working with the production team and seeing what goes into a television show on a major network.
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s1080x1080/e15/fr/13643044_1742172499380279_264577094_n.jpg
Also, if you watch carefully, you'll see a bunch of faces familiar to the FRC community.
I urge you guys to check it out and share it with your friends and family. If the ratings and social media buzz are strong, it'll prove to the networks the competitive robotics has a place on TV, and open up all sorts of doors for future projects.
Here's the trailer in case you missed it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gofrhbkm4Tk&feature=youtu.be
Billfred
19-07-2016, 11:14
Sounds like a good time to take advantage of Sling TV's 7 day free trial.
Or PlayStation Vue. (I gave both services a look, but PSVue's price and package aligned better with what I enjoy watching.)
Ryan Dognaux
19-07-2016, 12:39
Really looking forward to watching this - VEX Worlds puts on an incredible show every year. Even if you've never competed in VEX, I'd highly recommend checking out this special just to see how many students are inspired by this event.
Very excited for this. I am really impressed you got 10 matches in. I cannot wait to see what you folks have put together with ESPN.
In my opinion, this special is the biggest thing for high school robotics to happen in a long time. Kudos to the VEX team for working with ESPN to create this special, they are really pushing robotics competitions to exciting new levels.
Having been at this year's VEX Worlds I have to say that the finals featured some of the best matches in any competition I have ever seen. I am thinking of one moment in particular that sent shivers down my spine that was up there with any sporting event I have ever seen.
I can't wait, it is going to be a great show!
In preparation for tonight's show, Youth Robotics is now a category on the ESPN website!
http://i.imgur.com/GTBM9EQ.png
Any way to watch this for those of us who have cut the cable?
Any way to watch this for those of us who have cut the cable?
Solder it back together? :D
Any way to watch this for those of us who have cut the cable?
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/
This site does however require that you authenticate through a cable provider.
notmattlythgoe
20-07-2016, 11:54
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/
This site does however require that you authenticate through a cable provider.
When Karthik said something to me at the World Championship:
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1767382/jd-faint-o.gif
BotDesigner
20-07-2016, 13:27
If we don't get a spam post with a link to watchvexworldsonESPN2 I am going to be really sad.
Cothron Theiss
20-07-2016, 13:33
If we don't get a spam post with a link to watchvexworldsonESPN2 I am going to be really sad.
With the title of the thread talking about a random soccer match.
That's almost worth making an anonymous account for.
I hope the VEX Worlds Special hits it out of the park !
In my opinion, this special is the biggest thing for high school robotics to happen in a long time.
Just to be clear, Battlebots is the best TV event in a long time for Robotics (possibly since original BattleBots).
Educational Robotics needs to ride the BattleBots wave and start securing TV deals for Robotics shows.
Culture and entertainment money is changing fast!
FIRST needs to be calling the big networks and lining up Live TV specials of Einstein matches.
Greg Needel
20-07-2016, 19:09
I hope the VEX Worlds Special hits it out of the park !
Just to be clear, Battlebots is the best TV event in a long time for Robotics (possibly since original BattleBots).
Educational Robotics needs to ride the BattleBots wave and start securing TV deals for Robotics shows.
Culture and entertainment money is changing fast!
FIRST needs to be calling the big networks and lining up Live TV specials of Einstein matches.
In light of this thought I was wondering how the ESPN deal came to be. ESPN & ABC are both Disney companies so it might be actually one network drafting on the other based on Battlebots (which vex is actively involved in).
Did ESPN come to vex/RECF? or they did VEX/RECF go to ESPN?, if it is the latter who paid for the expenses of making the show and putting it on the air? Is it a paid program slot like the Will.i.am special a few years ago? or is ESPN betting on ad revenue to cover the production costs?
I think if we want to see FIRST to start making these same type of TV impact it is important to see what models have worked before to get things on the air.
I'm really excited to see this tonight, I haven't been to VEX worlds in years and look forward to seeing how it has grown.
So is there no good way to watch this without having an ESPN/Cable subscription? That is disappointing...
So is there no good way to watch this without having an ESPN/Cable subscription? That is disappointing...
A bit confused about why having a competitive High School robotics special air on an international prime time spot is disappointing...
Sperkowsky
20-07-2016, 20:20
So is there no good way to watch this without having an ESPN/Cable subscription? That is disappointing...
I am assuming you have a friend with cable.
Sounds like a good time to show them robotics.
indubitably
20-07-2016, 22:21
At a place that was serving wings, all of the TVs that were showing it were very popular.
Great program. I look forward to watching it again.
A bit confused about why having a competitive High School robotics special air on an international prime time spot is disappointing...
It is not disappointing that a competitive high school robotics special is airing on an international prime time spot. My disappointment lies more with the industry insisting that I pay ~$80 a month to watch tv maybe three times. My gripe is not with VEX, or ESPN specifically, but with the cable industry as a whole.
Did ESPN come to vex/RECF? or they did VEX/RECF go to ESPN?, if it is the latter who paid for the expenses of making the show and putting it on the air? Is it a paid program slot like the Will.i.am special a few years ago? or is ESPN betting on ad revenue to cover the production costs?
If I had to guess VEX or someone affiliated with VEX spent a decent amount of money on the show based on how many Vex/hexbug commercials there were.
JamesBrown
21-07-2016, 17:25
So is there no good way to watch this without having an ESPN/Cable subscription? That is disappointing...
I'm disappointed i missed this post yesterday. Buffalo Wild Wings always has all the ESPN channels on at least one TV, even if it is the spelling bee on.
Also for those like me who missed it, the watch espn app has it archived and it looks like it will air again 8/13 on ESPNU
CMBrandon
21-07-2016, 19:39
Any idea on how many people tuned in?
Any idea on how many people tuned in?
~129,000!!!!
(Source: http://sportstvratings.com/giants-red-sox-pardon-the-interruption-ncwts-racing-top-cable-sports-tv-ratings-for-wednesday-july-20-2016/5505/ )
Cothron Theiss
21-07-2016, 23:22
I'm disappointed i missed this post yesterday. Buffalo Wild Wings always has all the ESPN channels on at least one TV, even if it is the spelling bee on.
Also for those like me who missed it, the watch espn app has it archived and it looks like it will air again 8/13 on ESPNU
Thank you thank you thank you thank you.
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