[SIZE="4"]Free access to Cup highlights on web[/SIZE]
Sydney Morning Herald wrote:
. . . For the first time in the history of this most watched quadrennial event, fans around the world will be provided internet access to video highlights of all 64 matches to be played at Germany 06.
What's more surprising is that the official site, FIFAworldcup.com, will offer the video clips free of charge and without the need for user registration.
A two-minute professionally produced video will be available within an hour of the final whistle of each game, FIFA announced today.
Unlike some regions, Australian and Pacific internet users will get access to the video clips straightaway, Andreas Herren, FIFA's head of media told smh.com.au.
"Clips will be available as close as possible to final whistle of each game, which practically means 30 to 45 minutes after the game," Mr Herren said.
Web surfers in Asia and the Middle East will face a 24-hour delay to access the videos online, while in Germany there will be a 48-hour block due to legal restrictions.
Mr Herren said the embargo was due to some "high value deals" secured in the Asian and Middle East markets by Infront Sports & Media, the holder of the worldwide broadcast rights for the event.
. . . A unique feature of the FIFA video service will be on-demand, searchable highlights that will allow fans to locate their favourite moments such as all the goals by their chosen team, while also getting a taste of the atmosphere within the 12 German stadiums.
. . . The FIFA site will also offer fans a mobile phone service. Using a mobile phone browser, fans will have instant access to the latest tournament news in eight different languages.
Fans would have to download a Matchcast client application for mobile phones from the official website, which will feature minute-by-minute commentary including all the goals, historic match-ups, trivia and more.
They can also sign up for SMS alerts for all games, bringing the excitement of each match to their fingertips.
. . . The 18th edition of the World Cup will also feature complete digital broadcasts in high-definition television and 16:9 widescreen format . . . more
