Summer Olympics live online ---sort of

RL Boutelle                                                   Tower Bridge in London

I was not happy watching the men's downhill on NBC during the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics. The premier winter event of Alpine sports was allotted a miserly 20 minutes of prime time viewing.  Some of the best runs never aired including some American team members, were never shown. As a skier, it was a major disappointment. The error in judgment is the best reason that NBC and others who broadcast major events, show the events in real time on the internet. The figure skating dominated that evening because it is a ratings winner and pays the bills for NBC.

We now have the option with a computer using streaming internet. Why not take advantage of this segment by offering direct live internet broadcasting. The events are being broadcast live  all over the world anyway.   As the internet and TV merge, it is getting harder for broadcasters to find a winning financial model to sustain both mediums.

I applaud NBC's decision to announce that this 2012 Summer Olympics from London would have live streaming. It's a very good start, but I hope they continue to refine. There have been some notable restrictions to watching the Olympics. Number one being that you you will need to verify that you subscribe to a cable, satellite or telco video tier that includes CNBC and MSNBC.  That leaves those viewers with off air viewing unable to access the internet streaming.

The restrictions:  Tonight's Opening ceremony in London will NOT be on line for live broadcast. I'm sure there will be other restrictions as the games progress.

To NBC:  Why not offer to broadcast via the internet for a small fee?  I am able do that each winter for the Universal Sports Network broadcast of the FIS Alpine World Cup. You own it. Why not use it?

Come on NBC. Start thinking outside the box!

NOTE:  Be aware that there are several web sites offering live broadcasts. Any outside broadcast via the internet will be blocked to your computer. Be careful before you part with you money