Living in a suburb of Boston, racing is not on the forefront. So when I asked my local cable provider why I can’t get TVG or HRTV, they didn’t even know what either were. I said dish network carried both as well as other providers, but truthfully, Comcast couldn’t care less.
Then suddenly one day, I was clicking through the channels, and woo-la there was TVG. TVG is great for me as I have horses running at Monmouth and Suffolk. Of course I also have one at Arlington, and in the winter Maryland, so I will be out of luck for the time being, and will have to catch races on my computer.
But alas that wasn’t the point of this post. The point is to say, we need HD programming. The races on TVG are ok, but lack the clarity of HD we have come to know and love. When you watch the Triple Crown or Breeder’s Cup in HD, it is magnificent. I know the tracks would have to have HD cameras, and TVG would have changes, so this may not happen. The expense is too high, blah, blah. It is a shame as watching sports on non-HD is so inferior. Those of you who read my ramblings know I always point to Keeneland as the example for all other tracks to follow. Once again they didn’t disappoint. They will become the first HD racetrack this fall. [ Read More ] Of course when you read this you will see why other tracks won’t be quick to follow. You will still need a HD-compatible telecast.
In my perfect racing world, everyone in America can see every race on his or TV, and all programming is in HD. A pipe-dream? Perhaps, but I still love racing, and we need to embrace the best technologies, not lag behind as racing has done in every area.