Announcing the SoCon Digital Network

With the purchase of more than $2 million worth of video and audio equipment for its member institutions, the Southern Conference will launch the SoCon Digital Network, a free streaming service that will be available for live broadcasts and on demand, in late August, 2014.

The SoCon Digital Network will will broadcast in high definition (HD), and will be accessible through the member schools’ websites and the Southern Conference’s official site.

"The network will feature live broadcasts of games not selected for carriage on national or regional outlets, as well as highlight packages, coaches’ shows, student-athlete features and more". In other words, don't expect to see games selected for ESPN3 or the American Sports Network (ASN) this fall to also be shown on the SoCon Digital Network. However, in my opinion, this seem to be the only negative in today's announcement, as I'm sure the SoCon has to give up broadcast rights to games for these other outlets.

Western Carolina fans will be able to watch four events at once, picture-in-picture, and the broadcasts will feature DVR rewind, pause and fast-forward controls. The network will have the ability for replays during games. Catamount fans will be able to view broadcast from a variety of mobile devices, including smartphones, iPad and Android tablets, and laptops and PCs.

“The creation of the SoCon Digital Network is a milestone for this conference,” SoCon Commissioner Iamarino said during today's announcement. “This has long been one of our primary goals to enhance the value our institutions and their student-athletes receive from being affiliated with the Southern Conference.”


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