Video streaming brings senior championships to the world

THE reach of the GAA becomes truly global this weekend with the launch of a service providing video streaming of the All-Ireland senior championships over the internet.

From tomorrow, anyone on the planet with the correct technology can pay to watch the football and hurling campaigns on Setanta.tv. Until now, the technology was used only for the All-Ireland Finals.

The Connacht SFC semi-final replay between Leitrim and Roscommon will be the first game on offer with the historic new development. The network will broadcast the other provincial semi-final between champions Galway and Mayo along with the Munster SHC Final between Waterford and Cork. These games will cost $7.49 each to download and the service is only available to viewers outside of Ireland.

“Yes, all events will be broadcast for a broadband audience only,” a spokesperson said yesterday. “Most events will be broadcast at a speed of 300 Kbps. You will therefore need a DSL or High Speed Cable Internet connection to view events on Setanta.tv. If you do not have a broadband connection to the internet, you will be unable to view the event.

“We will use Windows Media V8 video to broadcast the matches. In order to view the broadcast, you will need to have Windows Media Player V8 or above installed on your computer. You can test the compatibility of your system with Setanta.tv by viewing our demo.

“On the homepage, click "Watch" on the event you want to buy. If you have not already done so, you will be prompted to register for Setanta.tv before proceeding to the payment page. As part of the process of subscribing, you will be invited to view a test clip. This will give you an indication of the quality of the live broadcast.”

Alternatively, click "Free Demo" on the Setanta.tv home page and play the test clip.”