Puck Tracking coming to NHL telecasts?

[asianflow]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colum...McCarthy_N.htm

As long as this type of garbage doesn't come to CBC, TSN, or Sportsnet I'm fine with it.

I thought the glowing puck on Fox was terrible.

[SPTO]

I read elsewhere that the folks at VS are catering to the purists yet they went to play around with this crap?

They're supposedly going to test it out over the summer and if it gets the OK they'll be introducing it during their studio show. The only positive to this is that technology has changed to the point that it shouldn't be such an eyesore.

[Qb]

Ugh. Doesn't HD pretty much take care of the 'problem' already? I know my wife never complains anymore about not being able to see the puck...

I think a better alternative to making the game televise better would be to experiment with different camera angles. Specifically ones that would allow viewers to get a better feel for the flow of the game. This would require less of a focus on zooming in on the action around the puck, but it allows for a greater understanding of how plays develop. When you go to game in person (assuming you're in the cheap seats like I am which I prefer) you can see the whole ice, the action away from the puck and see why things happen.

I'd like to see a camera high behind each goal and perhaps in opposite corners (also higher up than those currently used). I'm sure there are logistical problems that would probably prevent some of this due to arena structure, but I think it needs to be tested. TV networks are scared to try new primary camera shots as they don't want to take viewers out of their comfort zone. Instead, they introduce gimmicks like glowing pucks and 'rail-cams' on top of glass that don't even work properly.

[mkharsh33]

NBC does a fairly good job with their camera angles...i'm with q-bert - with the HD presentation it's really not much of an issue. like others have said, the old FOX "glowing puck" was laughable.

[slickdtc]

We can all agree that Versus broadcasts are complete trash. They are just ridiculously bad.

NBC ones aren't bad at all. I think they have a wider angle then most. My hometown Comcast Sportsnet camera has always been to my liking.

But I think a chaser sky camera would be perfect.

[pk500]

God help us if the glow puck returns. It's a black puck on white ice -- how much more of a contrast do you need?

Take care,
PK

[MassNole]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

I read elsewhere that the folks at VS are catering to the purists yet they went to play around with this crap? They're supposedly going to test it out over the summer and if it gets the OK they'll be introducing it during their studio show. The only positive to this is that technology has changed to the point that it shouldn't be such an eyesore.

Eric Bischoff says it best when it comes to purists, who cares what they say, they won't abandon you and they don't do a thing to generate a bigger audience (okay I paraphrased a lot). Granted that HD makes following the puck much easier, but for the casual fan who is the fan VS and the NHL want, it can be quite challenging. I liked that concept when Fox had and I find it a shame they gave into the vocal minority when it was removed.

[pk500]

Quote: Originally Posted by MassNole

Eric Bischoff says it best when it comes to purists, who cares what they say, they won't abandon you and they don't do a thing to generate a bigger audience (okay I paraphrased a lot). Granted that HD makes following the puck much easier, but for the casual fan who is the fan VS and the NHL want, it can be quite challenging. I liked that concept when Fox had and I find it a shame they gave into the vocal minority when it was removed.

So, would you be offended if Fox put an orange halo around the ball when a pitcher threw a pitch or put an orange halo around a golf ball when it is driven off the tee? Those two objects are pretty damn hard to follow due to their velocity, too, but you never hear discussion of telecasts of either of those sports being soiled with such a gimmick.

The whole idea is an effing joke.

Take care,
PK

[MassNole]

Quote: Originally Posted by pk500

So, would you be offended if Fox put an orange halo around the ball when a pitcher threw a pitch or put an orange halo around a golf ball when it is driven off the tee? Those two objects are pretty damn hard to follow due to their velocity, too, but you never hear discussion of telecasts of either of those sports being soiled with such a gimmick. The whole idea is an effing joke. Take care, PK

That actually wouldn't be a bad idea for professional golf, but then again they aren't a former Big 4 league attempting to regain their lost popularity and are happy with their current ratings and television situation. Baseball is a poor analogy because it isn't nearly as fast paced as hockey is, hence no need.

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by pk500

So, would you be offended if Fox put an orange halo around the ball when a pitcher threw a pitch or put an orange halo around a golf ball when it is driven off the tee? Those two objects are pretty damn hard to follow due to their velocity, too, but you never hear discussion of telecasts of either of those sports being soiled with such a gimmick. The whole idea is an effing joke. Take care, PK

PK Golf should do that. That's another reason why I can't watch it. It's nearly impossible to see where the damn ball is going.