Overview

This article details the functionality and data collection practices of a video player embedded on Sportsnet.ca, specifically focusing on a video titled “Breaking Down Hockey Canada’s Roster options on the Blue Line.” The player utilizes a Brightcove video solution and incorporates tracking via ScorecardResearch.

Brightcove Video Player Implementation

The video is powered by Brightcove,⁤ a leading online‌ video platform. The code⁤ snippet indicates the ⁤use of the `SNPlayer` function, a custom implementation⁢ built on top of Brightcove’s player technology. This suggests Sportsnet has ‍customized the player’s appearance and functionality.

Key configuration parameters include:

• `bc_account_id: “1704050871”`: Identifies the‍ Brightcove account associated with Sportsnet.
• `bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”`: Specifies the unique identifier for the Brightcove player instance.
• `bc_videos: 6385937605112`: The ID of the ​specific video being played.
• `thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6385937605112-1024×576.jpg”`: The URL of the video’s ⁣thumbnail image.
• `direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/breaking-down-hockey-canadas-roster-options-on-the-blue-line/”`: The direct link to the video page on Sportsnet.ca.
• `is_has_continuous_play: “false”`: Indicates that continuous (automatic) playback of videos is disabled.

The `$( document ‌).one( ‘ready’, function() { …});` block ensures the player is initialized only after the entire page has‌ loaded, preventing potential errors. The commented-out `autoplay` settings suggest that autoplay functionality was‍ considered but ultimately disabled.

Data ⁢Tracking with ScorecardResearch

The⁣ code also includes a script that integrates with ScorecardResearch, a video analytics and advertising ‌platform. The line‍ `el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” +⁢ (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );` dynamically injects ‍a⁢ JavaScript file from ScorecardResearch into the page.

This script is responsible for⁤ tracking user ⁢engagement with the video, such as:

• Video views
• Completion rates
• Playback ​duration
• User ⁣demographics (perhaps, depending on ScorecardResearch’s data collection policies and ​user consent)

The use of `document.location.protocol` ensures the ‍correct protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) is used for the ScorecardResearch script, maintaining security and compatibility. ⁣ The `unescape()` function decodes the URL-encoded script tag.

Implications for Users

The combination of Brightcove and⁣ ScorecardResearch allows Sportsnet to deliver a high-quality video