The first content available on ESPN Player will be the majority of the second half of the 2009-10 NHL season, including the playoffs.
The ESPN Player has several additional features to its American cousin ESPN360. These include the "NHL Highlight Marker", that allows viewers to stop, rewind and jump to goals. The Player will also have "HD Adaptive Streaming" - a feature to ensure less buffering and smoother, higher-quality video.
ESPN Head of Commercial Affairs Robin Ashton said the service is targeting two major groups of sports fans: Europeans and Americans living overseas. Ashton believes that one of the most attractive features for the European market is the multi-language option.
“We want [customers] to feel comfortable with the product and transaction process,” Ashton said. “Having the FAQ in their native language will them have us trust us more and will make the process easier.”
