Badminton fans all over the world should be rejoicing as a new tool will allow them to catch all action from all top events in the comfort of their own home, on their computers, thanks to the launch of the new Website “World of Badminton” (www.wob.tv) for the Japan Open semi-finals. World of Badminton is the first ever dedicated Web TV service created for badminton fans globally.

It had been a while since the demand for such a tool was increasing amongst the fans, who had no other option – for those who couldn’t catch it on TV – than to get some friends to record it to them and send it over. Or use forbidden peer-to-peer networks. Now, anybody will have the opportunity to watch live streaming through a very simple and well-designed website, created by IEC in Sport, the company which holds the right for badminton coverage of all top events.

This new website allows people from countries where badminton is hardly broadcasted on TV to enjoy just as much action as their friends from top badminton countries in Asia. A simple Internet connection is needed (a minimum of 512 Kbp -through ADSL or VDSL- is however required for a comfortable viewing). The costs are also very reasonable (a range of prices from a three months subscription for 24,99 US $ or 9,90 US $ per event)

You will then be able to follow not only live action from all major events (not only Super Series and BWF events, but also some other tournaments listed online), but also enjoy the bi-weekly show called “World of Badminton” with exclusive player’s interviews and other great content.

WOB.tv will offer video streaming using state-of-the-art servers to ensure viewers enjoy a high quality badminton experience. IEC, together with its’ technical partner will be ensure to geo-block territories so as not to conflict with rights granted to other media stakeholders. Which means fans will either be able to watch it on TV or online, no matter where they are.

“By launching WOB.tv, IEC in Sports makes a further commitment to take the sport into the 160 countries, where badminton is not regularly scheduled on television. Also to nations where the hunger to follow players and there best matches is immensely strong. This IEC investment into digital media also offers a possible template for other sports. “ said Jonas Persson, CEO of IEC in Sports.
The launch of the service will be held in Tokyo, Japan this week end for the Super Series semi finals on September 15th.

Badzine is also involved in a partnership with IEC in this project as our website has given its news feed for the News section of WOB.tv. A way of welcoming and supporting this great idea – and tool.

"I believe this is a great tool and this is why I wanted Badzine to help out to promote it by offering our news feed for their website" said Raphael Sachetat, head of Publication for Badzine International (www.badzine.info). "I also hope that people all around the world will realize that this is a unique way of getting the footage we've been lacking, live from tournaments, and visible from all around the world. Before there was no other way than "steeling" footage and sharing it with peer to peer softwares. With the arrival of this website, let's hope that common sense will stop people from sharing videos under copyright now that they can do it legally. The costs are very reasonable and all the fans should help this website get bigger in order to get more programs and more live coverage - it's a key to the development of our sport" added the French.

Badzine wishes all the best to IEC in Sports for this new adventure that combines the best of badminton and technology.

Copyright © 2007 Badzine.com