The Nine Network announced today that it would provide multiview coverage of the Carlton One-day Cricket finals on Wednesday, February 7, Friday, February 9 and Sunday, February 11 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

This will be the first time Nine has broadcast multiple views of a sporting event since the commencement of digital television on January 1.

In addition to its normal analogue and digital free-to-air cricket broadcasts, the Network will provide three extra digital channels - Nine Action 1, Nine Action 2 and Nine Action 3. This will let viewers dictate for the first time how they watch Nine's cricket coverage.

Nine Action 1 will give viewers the view from Stumpcam; Nine Action 2 will provide a high wide shot of the on-field action; and Nine Action 3 will allow continuous access to a range of statistical information such as batting, bowling cards, batting charts and scoring graphs.

Each of the four digital channels will be broadcast in widescreen and will carry Nine's full on-air commentary. The digital broadcast provides a clearer picture and sharper sound than the current analogue broadcast.

Viewers will be able to access the multiview channels if they have a digital set top box (STB).

Interested viewers will also be able to see STB demonstrations of the cricket multiview in the following locations;

• David Jones (Chadstone in Melbourne, Market St and Chatswood Chase in Sydney and the Queen St Mall in Brisbane)
• Grace Bros./Myer (major stores)
• Harvey Norman (most stores)
• Crown Casino in Melbourne
• The Olympic Hotel in Sydney

The first Carlton One-day Final will be played at the SCG in Sydney on Wednesday, February 7 with Nine's coverage beginning at 2.20pm. This match will be seen live in Sydney as the match is officially sold out.

The second final will be played at the MCG in Melbourne on Friday, February 9. The Australian Cricket Board has given Nine permission to broadcast its digital multiview of this match in Melbourne, despite the match not being sold out.

Nine will also broadcast a multiview of the deciding Carlton One-Day final on February 11 in Melbourne should the match be played.

© 2001 Nine Network Australia