DENVER, Colo.—Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers has chosen Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) to provide Managed Channel Origination for its team-controlled regional sports network, Rangers Sports Network (RSN).
“Comcast Technology Solutions has been instrumental in supporting our vision to establish a more independent and efficient broadcast platform,” said Angie Swint, senior vice president of broadcast at the Texas Rangers. “Their expertise in managed services and comprehensive broadcast solutions enables us to focus on delivering an unparalleled experience for Rangers fans, while also providing us with more control over our distribution channels and future growth.”
RSN will deliver live broadcasts of Rangers’ games and related content across selected broadcast, cable and satellite television platforms in the team’s designated viewing areas.
Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company and RSN produce and distribute games and other content. As the exclusive local television home of the Rangers, RSN will oversee the production and distribution of game broadcasts, including selecting on-air talent, managing camera and audio resources, directing broadcast technical elements and coordinating behind-the-scenes staffing, CTS said.
CTS’ Managed Channel Origination delivers a fully managed service aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing capital expenses and future-proofing the ability of users to monetize high-quality viewing experiences at scale, it said.
Managed Channel Origination provides media companies and broadcasters with a platform for a unified video workflow from content acquisition through delivery and is a core capability of the CTS SportsHub, it said.
Through this solution, CTS will manage the origination of live events, including content acquisition, commercial insertion and distribution to MVPD partners. RSN features a broad range of live game broadcasts, pre- and post-game coverage and other team-related content, which will leverage the MCO solution, it said.
RSN has partnered with cable and digital providers to televise Rangers game broadcasts this season, with each distributor offering a specific channel for pregame, game, and postgame coverage, it said.
For the first time since 2014, the Rangers are also offering free over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, with 15 games scheduled, primarily on Friday home contests. Fans outside of the Rangers’ television territory can stream games via MLB.TV.
More information is available on the company’s website.