Side-By-Side (graphic)
Encyclopedia
Side-By-Side is a television graphic originally introduced by ESPN
which allows the broadcast to show commercials and live sports simultaneously. It is primarily associated with ABC
's telecasts of the IndyCar Series
and ESPN
's coverage of NASCAR. When utilized for NASCAR, it goes by the name of NASCAR Nonstop.
and soccer) not having natural breaks in action to fit in necessary commercial breaks
. Sports such as football and baseball have timeouts and scheduled breaks, which allow for commercial time without viewers missing any actual game play. Auto racing had long suffered from commercial breaks interrupting live action, as races are never purposely halted outside of emergency situations. The only time during races which commercials could be shown without missing much action was during caution periods, but they are random and could not be counted on for regular intervals. In addition, the racing action technically does not stop during caution periods either, as competitive pit stops (an important aspect of the race) occur during yellow periods.
to show the feed of the live sports event on one side with no audio, while the traditional commercial is placed on the other side, with full audio. Typically, the square used for the commercial is larger and more prominent than that of the event. Sometimes, a small graphic showing the lap count and leaders' names accompanies the square. Side-By-Side is used during all national commercial breaks during the race but full-screen local breaks are still utilized. Side-By-Side is not used during pre-race coverage, but is used during the post-race segments immediately after the conclusion of the race. During red flag stoppage conditions, Side-by-Side has been used, but during lengthy delays, such as rain delay, commercials revert back to traditional full-screen format.
ESPN first used Side-By-Side for an IndyCar event on March 19, 2005 during the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway
. It was adopted for the entire season outside of Indianapolis
. The format was first used for the Indianapolis 500
in 2006
.
Starting in 2011
, ESPN's coverage of the NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series Chase, began featuring the format. Dubbed NASCAR Nonstop, the format was nearly identical to IndyCar's Side-by-Side. For NASCAR, however, the format was only to be used during the second half of the race.
uses a modified split-screen format for their broadcast of the NASCAR
Coke Zero 400
at Daytona
. Branded under the moniker Wide-Open Coverage, the format was used for the first time on July 7, 2007.
The screen is divided into two segments, upper and lower, with race coverage utilizing the upper part (approximately 78%) in a widescreen layout. The advertisements are aired along the bottom portion of the screen that takes up about 22% of the total image. The bottom banner is occupied by the scoring ticker and other statistical information, and features a box that on selected intervals, airs commercials. Many of the commercials are unique and/or specially created for the race broadcast, and last up to 1-2 minutes in duration (as opposed to the 15-30 second duration of normal advertisements). When the commercials are played, the race audio is muted. Still image ads also circulate at various intervals, but the race audio is not muted during those instances.
TNT is required to provide approximately three minutes per hour to the cable and satellite providers to air full-screen local commercials, which bypass the TNT feed entirely. An attempt is made to complete that task with limited interruption, and if possible, it is accomplished during caution periods.
, Versus
became a new television partner with the IndyCar Series. During the race broadcast, they introduced IndyCar Non-Stop with a format and appearance nearly identical to that of Side-By-Side.
(RDS, the French sister network of TSN
), which is partially owned by ESPN, adopted a Side-By-Side-styled split-screen for its Formula One
race coverage beginning in 2006. As TSN simulcasts the British feed, it was able to initially use ITV1
's commercial breaks. With the transfer of F1 rights to the BBC (and the fact that the BBC feed does not contain commercial breaks), Side-By-Side was introduced for F1 races on TSN beginning in 2009.
TSN also uses split-screen commercial breaks whenever it is simulcasting an ESPN event that uses Side-By-Side. During the Coke Zero 400
, commercial breaks created by its "Wide Open Coverage" are also implemented using the setup.
has not adopted a similar format, however, executives have been open to exploring the idea. In 2011, they conducted one experimental commercial break with a split-screen format. Through 2011, FOX has preferred to air traditional, full-screen commercial, and if any action occurs during the break, their policy is to interrupt the commercial and return back to the live action.
The format receives criticism because it potentially devalues the advertisements, costing networks revenues, and waning the interest of the advertisers.
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
which allows the broadcast to show commercials and live sports simultaneously. It is primarily associated with ABC
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
's telecasts of the IndyCar Series
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
and ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
's coverage of NASCAR. When utilized for NASCAR, it goes by the name of NASCAR Nonstop.
Background
The technology was adopted due to certain televised sports (such as auto racingAuto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
and soccer) not having natural breaks in action to fit in necessary commercial breaks
Television advertisement
A television advertisement or television commercial, often just commercial, advert, ad, or ad-film – is a span of television programming produced and paid for by an organization that conveys a message, typically one intended to market a product...
. Sports such as football and baseball have timeouts and scheduled breaks, which allow for commercial time without viewers missing any actual game play. Auto racing had long suffered from commercial breaks interrupting live action, as races are never purposely halted outside of emergency situations. The only time during races which commercials could be shown without missing much action was during caution periods, but they are random and could not be counted on for regular intervals. In addition, the racing action technically does not stop during caution periods either, as competitive pit stops (an important aspect of the race) occur during yellow periods.
ESPN and ABC
The technology uses a split-screenSplit screen (film)
In film and video production, split screen is the visible division of the screen, traditionally in half, but also in several simultaneous images, rupturing the illusion that the screen's frame is a seamless view of reality, similar to that of the human eye...
to show the feed of the live sports event on one side with no audio, while the traditional commercial is placed on the other side, with full audio. Typically, the square used for the commercial is larger and more prominent than that of the event. Sometimes, a small graphic showing the lap count and leaders' names accompanies the square. Side-By-Side is used during all national commercial breaks during the race but full-screen local breaks are still utilized. Side-By-Side is not used during pre-race coverage, but is used during the post-race segments immediately after the conclusion of the race. During red flag stoppage conditions, Side-by-Side has been used, but during lengthy delays, such as rain delay, commercials revert back to traditional full-screen format.
ESPN first used Side-By-Side for an IndyCar event on March 19, 2005 during the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway is a race track in Homestead, Florida southwest of Miami.Since 2002 Homestead has hosted the final races of the season in all three of NASCAR's series: the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and the Camping World Truck Series...
. It was adopted for the entire season outside of Indianapolis
2005 Indianapolis 500
The 89th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29, 2005. It was the premier event of the 2005 IndyCar Series season, and the tenth Indy 500 sanctioned by the Indy Racing League. Dan Wheldon won the race under a yellow flag...
. The format was first used for the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
in 2006
2006 Indianapolis 500
The 90th Indianapolis 500 was held on Sunday, May 28, 2006. Sam Hornish, Jr. won the race by passing rookie Marco Andretti on the final straightaway, about 450 feet from the finish line...
.
Starting in 2011
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was the 63rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States. The season included 36 races and two exhibition races, beginning with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and ending with the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The...
, ESPN's coverage of the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup Series Chase, began featuring the format. Dubbed NASCAR Nonstop, the format was nearly identical to IndyCar's Side-by-Side. For NASCAR, however, the format was only to be used during the second half of the race.
TNT
NASCAR on TNTNASCAR on TNT
NASCAR on TNT is the tagname for any NASCAR series race that has been broadcast on Turner Network Television by Turner Sports.-Prior to 2001:...
uses a modified split-screen format for their broadcast of the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Coke Zero 400
Coke Zero 400
The Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona is a 160 lap, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race held annually, beginning in 1959, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida; the second major stock car event held at Daytona on the Sprint Cup circuit...
at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
. Branded under the moniker Wide-Open Coverage, the format was used for the first time on July 7, 2007.
The screen is divided into two segments, upper and lower, with race coverage utilizing the upper part (approximately 78%) in a widescreen layout. The advertisements are aired along the bottom portion of the screen that takes up about 22% of the total image. The bottom banner is occupied by the scoring ticker and other statistical information, and features a box that on selected intervals, airs commercials. Many of the commercials are unique and/or specially created for the race broadcast, and last up to 1-2 minutes in duration (as opposed to the 15-30 second duration of normal advertisements). When the commercials are played, the race audio is muted. Still image ads also circulate at various intervals, but the race audio is not muted during those instances.
TNT is required to provide approximately three minutes per hour to the cable and satellite providers to air full-screen local commercials, which bypass the TNT feed entirely. An attempt is made to complete that task with limited interruption, and if possible, it is accomplished during caution periods.
Versus
Beginning in 20092009 IndyCar Series season
The 2009 IndyCar Series season was the 14th season of the IndyCar Series. The 17-race season began on April 5, and its premier event, the 93rd Indianapolis 500 was held May 24. All races were broadcast on ABC or Versus in high-definition...
, Versus
Versus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
became a new television partner with the IndyCar Series. During the race broadcast, they introduced IndyCar Non-Stop with a format and appearance nearly identical to that of Side-By-Side.
TSN and RDS
The French Canadian sports channel Réseau des sportsRéseau des sports
Réseau des sports , is a Canadian French language Category C specialty channel showing sports and sport-related shows. It is available in 2.5 million homes, and is owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc....
(RDS, the French sister network of TSN
The Sports Network
The Sports Network, commonly abbreviated as TSN, is a Canadian English language Category C specialty channel and is Canada's leading English language sports TV channel. TSN premiered in 1984, in the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels...
), which is partially owned by ESPN, adopted a Side-By-Side-styled split-screen for its Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
race coverage beginning in 2006. As TSN simulcasts the British feed, it was able to initially use ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
's commercial breaks. With the transfer of F1 rights to the BBC (and the fact that the BBC feed does not contain commercial breaks), Side-By-Side was introduced for F1 races on TSN beginning in 2009.
TSN also uses split-screen commercial breaks whenever it is simulcasting an ESPN event that uses Side-By-Side. During the Coke Zero 400
Coke Zero 400
The Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona is a 160 lap, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race held annually, beginning in 1959, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida; the second major stock car event held at Daytona on the Sprint Cup circuit...
, commercial breaks created by its "Wide Open Coverage" are also implemented using the setup.
Criticism
Side-by-side and its similar counterparts have been generally received with positive reviews from viewers, sponsors, and sanctioning bodies. It has been criticized by others. FOX, who also covers NASCARNASCAR on Fox
NASCAR on Fox is the Emmy-winning branding used for Fox Sports's broadcasts of NASCAR races airing on the Fox network since 2001. The production has been in high-definition since 2005.-Background:...
has not adopted a similar format, however, executives have been open to exploring the idea. In 2011, they conducted one experimental commercial break with a split-screen format. Through 2011, FOX has preferred to air traditional, full-screen commercial, and if any action occurs during the break, their policy is to interrupt the commercial and return back to the live action.
The format receives criticism because it potentially devalues the advertisements, costing networks revenues, and waning the interest of the advertisers.