SPEED TV Formula 1 coverage in the United States [merged]
#1
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:19
For one, there were way too many commercials. I believe there was one on lap 40-42, and then another one on lap 46. As luck would have it we also missed Webber's pass on Alonso. I read on another forum that FOM restricts picture-in-picture commercials similar to Indy Car, where you still see the race in the corner. Does anyone know about this?
Aside from that, the new graphics are atrocious. Here in the first year of high-definition F1, we have graphics so large that they cover the action on screen. During the parade lap, SPEED displays driver pictures and names showing their starting position. OK, but do these graphics have to take up nearly half of an HD picture? While there is not much action on a parade lap, I'd still like to be able to see the cars.
Of course, the fact that we only have Will Buxton on location is also problematic. It would be nice to have more on-location content. Then again, that probably just reflects F1's popularity in the US. I envy fans overseas who talk of watching F1 in a pub. The day I get to watch a GP during the evening at a pub while enjoying some hops is the day I die happy. I don't even have any friends remotely interested in F1. People give me blank stares when I speak of it.
As for the commentators, I don't really want to complain. Unless we know of people who would certainly be better, I am fine with Bob, David, and Steve.
...and if Will Buxton keeps saying 'unlucky' every time a driver retires I might just mute the TV.
Thoughts?
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#2
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:31
I think the over-played commercials is just the American thing. On almost every networks (except for those like HBO) commercials are supposed to be there every 12 minutes.Thoughts?
I like the Speed pictures better than BBC, though not so sure this year since I haven't watched BBC HD on TV. Commentators are good, even though I wouldn't say better than MB and DC, but definitely much better than JA/Legard.
Coverages are of course, not as good as BBC, but considering they don't have BBC's budgets, I'm fine with that.
One thing might increase the audience is to move F1 from Speed to local FOX networks, as Speed is on cable.
The only thing I'm unhappy with is the race time It's not American-friendly that unless you're on the East Coast, almost every race is supposed to either start too early or too late. In order to better market F1 in the US, Bernie has to work!
Edited by Yolandy, 08 May 2011 - 23:39.
#3
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:32
I read on another forum that FOM restricts picture-in-picture commercials similar to Indy Car, where you still see the race in the corner. Does anyone know about this?
I can tell you that it's not restricted, with 100% confidence.
#4
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:34
#5
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:36
#6
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:40
I like the Speed pictures better than BBC, though not so sure this year since I haven't watched BBC HD on TV.
Do you mean the quality of the broadcast or the direction? I thought all broadcasters took the same world feed so had the same visuals from a few minutes before the off 'til the end.
#7
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:44
and why does speed feel the need to put its own graphics over fom's? As a bbc viewer it seems like a no brainer.
#8
Posted 08 May 2011 - 23:58
But even given all that, I prefer watching them to finding the BBC broadcast through other means. You may miss out on some things but it's a more enjoyable experience overall.
#9
Posted 09 May 2011 - 00:11
I would like to see SPEED calm down on the graphics. I'm sure there's a way to gracefully show data while leaving as much actual picture as possible.
I've always liked Varsha and Hobbs. Matchett I think is getting better. He doesn't ramble on as much but someone needs to take his telestrator away. Will Buxton needs to calm down a bit, but he's a lot better than Windsor.
IMO.
#10
Posted 09 May 2011 - 00:18
#11
Posted 09 May 2011 - 00:31
I'm not too crazy over Will Buxton, but I actually prefer him over Ted Kravitz who just comes across as being TOO LOUD ON TELEVISION. Will is less knowledgeable, but he is easier on the ears at least.
Edited by UPRC, 09 May 2011 - 00:31.
#12
Posted 09 May 2011 - 00:32
As for FOM and picture-in-picture commercials, there is a thread at speedtv.com but I didn't sort through it all, but it was definitely a discussion. I'll try and find out what's going on. However, while searching I did find that Bob Varsha and Will Buxton participate in the forums, and at least appear to be looking for fan input. I'd participate there as well, but being primarily an F1 fan there is more discussion over here.
I've watched SPEED's coverage for several years now. I really like the commentators a lot and feel that they're pretty much the best we're going to get after Brundle and Coulthard. Hobbs is a silly old man who usually makes light of driver misfortunes and so forth. Steve Matchett, while his 1990s knowledge is starting to fail on occasion, he's still pretty insightful at times and the RPM segments are somewhat interesting. Bob Varsha is fantastic as a lead commentator. He just strikes me as a guy who really likes F1 and enjoys commentating, he's very likable. I usually feel a little sad when Leigh Diffey is standing in when Bob is away sick or covering the car auctions.
I'm not too crazy over Will Buxton, but I actually prefer him over Ted Kravitz who just comes across as being TOO LOUD ON TELEVISION. Will is less knowledgeable, but he is easier on the ears at least.
I agree about Bob Varsha. His enthusiasm for the race carries over to me, especially at the start when he says something like "Turn up your volume! The Grand Prix of Canada starts now!"
Edited by T-Mobile, 09 May 2011 - 00:34.
#13
Posted 09 May 2011 - 01:14
I think they use the live timing from f1.com as a source of laptimes but beyond that they are just guessing.
it would be interesting of they could be at the track with full access during the weekend.
#14
Posted 09 May 2011 - 01:32
#15
Posted 09 May 2011 - 04:10
That's right. Considering where they are and what they have access to, I think they do a fantastic job with what they have.we have to remember that they are not at the race. they are in a studio commentating on the feed from FOM. they get no extra data too assist them in understanding how the race is unfolding.
I think they use the live timing from f1.com as a source of laptimes but beyond that they are just guessing.
it would be interesting of they could be at the track with full access during the weekend.
#16
Posted 09 May 2011 - 04:44
I read on another forum that FOM restricts picture-in-picture commercials similar to Indy Car, where you still see the race in the corner. Does anyone know about this?
TSN shows "picture-in-picture commercials" during the race feed from BBC.
#17
Posted 09 May 2011 - 10:18
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
#18
Posted 09 May 2011 - 10:30
Just out of curiosity - Do guys in the US who have watched BBC find the Scottish accent of DC and to a lesser extent the English accent of MB to be a problem at all.
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
That's just punishment for being selected as an American Idol judge.
You really shouldn't watch that ****, btw...
As an Aussie ex-pat with Scottish parents living in the States. no problem at all.
As much as i like Varscha and Hobbs, I will never watch Speed's coverage.
I will forego HD visuals for the BBC's FP1, FP2, FP3, Qualifying and race commentary, with no commercials, via a stream on the PS3.
Edited by gm914, 09 May 2011 - 10:32.
#19
Posted 09 May 2011 - 10:30
we have to remember that they are not at the race. they are in a studio commentating on the feed from FOM. they get no extra data too assist them in understanding how the race is unfolding.
I think they use the live timing from f1.com as a source of laptimes but beyond that they are just guessing.
it would be interesting of they could be at the track with full access during the weekend.
The issue is when an educated fan can out-analyze the Speed team with the same tools.
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#20
Posted 09 May 2011 - 10:31
Just out of curiosity - Do guys in the US who have watched BBC find the Scottish accent of DC and to a lesser extent the English accent of MB to be a problem at all.
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
Not at all.
#21
Posted 09 May 2011 - 11:13
I"ve said for years that they should be at the track. However, for being in the studio, they do a great job.we have to remember that they are not at the race. they are in a studio commentating on the feed from FOM. they get no extra data too assist them in understanding how the race is unfolding.
I think they use the live timing from f1.com as a source of laptimes but beyond that they are just guessing.
it would be interesting of they could be at the track with full access during the weekend.
Ditto to what others have said on there being too many commercials.
Neil
#22
Posted 09 May 2011 - 13:03
In the States we are having a new "British Invasion" on TV. For some unknown reason most of the cable news organizations have hired Brits in the last year. Don't really know why that is.Just out of curiosity - Do guys in the US who have watched BBC find the Scottish accent of DC and to a lesser extent the English accent of MB to be a problem at all.
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
Back on Topic - I think the 3 amigos do a good job but I actually kind of tune out the announcers during the race. I think Will Buxton brings nothing to the party.
#23
Posted 09 May 2011 - 14:11
Now, if Speed didn't have commercials and let you watch every session online the week after...
#24
Posted 09 May 2011 - 14:13
The issue is when an educated fan can out-analyze the Speed team with the same tools.
Educated fans can out-analyze the BBC team as well.
#25
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:10
Pricks.
#26
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:12
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
There's quite a difference in intelligence between your average American Idol viewer and your average F1 viewer, I suspect.
#27
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:26
There's quite a difference in intelligence between your average American Idol viewer and your average F1 viewer, I suspect.
Not to mention Cheryl Cole.
#28
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:28
Too many commercials for sure and unlike our major sports, the play doesn't stop while they go to commercial breaks. They are way better on the replays this year in terms of allowing us to see the missed action, so that is good. They are "on time" now too, so kudos for that. And a huge congrats to them for getting the 1st and 3rd practice to us via 'sights and sounds' on the website - that is very cool to watch. I LOVE no commentating and just hearing the drivers and crew, cars and others - sweet stuff.
I am used to getting up early to watch, so no complaints there. That was the nice bit about living in Europe. But getting up early in the USA with coffee and bleary eyes has its own kind of charm. Besides, the first few races are awesome for the West coasters. Prime time TV.
Edited by bourbon, 09 May 2011 - 15:29.
#29
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:34
That's just punishment for being selected as an American Idol judge.
You really shouldn't watch that ****, btw...
As an Aussie ex-pat with Scottish parents living in the States. no problem at all.
As much as i like Varscha and Hobbs, I will never watch Speed's coverage.
I will forego HD visuals for the BBC's FP1, FP2, FP3, Qualifying and race commentary, with no commercials, via a stream on the PS3.
I dont even watch the British Idols leave alone the American ones..
I just found it amusing when I read somewhere that Cheryl Cole had to take speaking lessons ( quite humiliating if you ask me )
#30
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:45
I have the F1 race on Speed playing on the TV and the BBC feed on the Laptop. When speed goes to commerical, I mute the TV and un-mute the laptop giving me 100% of the action.
Also I like to watch the F1 Forum on the BBC feed after the race since the Speed Race coverage after the race is non existent.
Also I feel the HD is improved but no where close to the HD quality picture one receives when I watch American football or any other sport now covered in the US.
#31
Posted 09 May 2011 - 15:48
I've never had a problem with English/Scottish accents at all. May be because there are a good number of English people living in Atlantic Canada. I don't know, it's the same language and everything so it shouldn't be very hard for anyone I would imagine.Just out of curiosity - Do guys in the US who have watched BBC find the Scottish accent of DC and to a lesser extent the English accent of MB to be a problem at all.
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
Edited by UPRC, 09 May 2011 - 15:50.
#32
Posted 09 May 2011 - 16:19
btw - we have picture in picture commercials so at least we are not missing any action here in Canada.
Edited by Louis Mr. F1, 09 May 2011 - 16:22.
#33
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:03
They rarely do repeat showing of practice and qualifying. I rather sleep in once and awhile.
#34
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:03
They rarely do repeat showing of practice and qualifying. I rather sleep in once and awhile.
SPEED is way too Nasty Car oriented.
Edited by David M. Kane, 09 May 2011 - 17:05.
#35
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:17
we have to remember that they are not at the race. they are in a studio commentating on the feed from FOM. they get no extra data too assist them in understanding how the race is unfolding.
I think they use the live timing from f1.com as a source of laptimes but beyond that they are just guessing.
it would be interesting of they could be at the track with full access during the weekend.
The Speed crew utilizes the live FOM world feed, highlight/video playback feed, timing & scoring feed, iPhone F1 app video, and a real-time statistics program as the basis for their commentary.
#36
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:22
What's really entertaining are the Speed commentators calling a GP2 race. They're a lot more laid back and quite funny sometimes.
Edited by biercemountain, 09 May 2011 - 17:22.
#37
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:26
#38
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:30
However the commercials are far far too frequent and long for me, therefore I watch F1 on speed as a last resort, plus the BBC coverage for this year is IMO the best F1 coverage ever, so its hard to pass up.
#39
Posted 09 May 2011 - 17:56
Educated fans can out-analyze the BBC team as well.
Yes but the Speed team holds the audience's hand. They rehash the same rules over and over. They are catering to possible newcomers every race.
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#40
Posted 09 May 2011 - 19:14
Yes but the Speed team holds the audience's hand. They rehash the same rules over and over. They are catering to possible newcomers every race.
It is not an unreasonable approach to tailor commentary with an toward less savvy, new-to-F1 viewers. Besides which, the Speed crew, particularly Matchett, delves into a rule explanation in order to give some event context. It's done rather deftly, in my opinion: being informative for newcomer without making F1 veterans feel like they are being spoken down to.
#41
Posted 09 May 2011 - 19:16
The hyper-ventilating comment fits Leigh Diffey to a T, when he sits-in for Varsha. The guy would be a great radio announcer, but for TV, he's just too much.As an American living in the UK, I'd take Varsha, Machett, and Hobbs over Brundle and Coulthard any day. More entertaining and a little more level-headed. They don't have a problem sitting back and letting the pictures speak for themselves, whereas the BBC crew seem to be hyperventilating the whole race (at least Legard got the boot).
Now, if Speed didn't have commercials and let you watch every session online the week after...
#42
Posted 09 May 2011 - 19:32
#43
Posted 09 May 2011 - 19:44
The hyper-ventilating comment fits Leigh Diffey to a T, when he sits-in for Varsha. The guy would be a great radio announcer, but for TV, he's just too much.
Yes, true. I always hate watching Speed and finding that Varsha is gone...
#44
Posted 09 May 2011 - 19:56
The commentators are fine with me. The new graphic of race position-strung across the bottom of the picture with 3 letter driver idents...well, I can' read it as it is too small.
Man, you really have to pay attention with all the pitstops now...that has got to be a challenge for the speed commentators.
#45
Posted 09 May 2011 - 20:09
#46
Posted 09 May 2011 - 20:11
Varsha just posted thanks for well wishes on the SPEED board. Troubling is that he also posted this:Yes, true. I always hate watching Speed and finding that Varsha is gone...
"In all seriousness, my issue is in fact a big one, but we're working on the treatment and I hope to be back in the chair for Spain."
Get well Bob!
#47
Posted 09 May 2011 - 20:30
Varsha just posted thanks for well wishes on the SPEED board. Troubling is that he also posted this:
"In all seriousness, my issue is in fact a big one, but we're working on the treatment and I hope to be back in the chair for Spain."
Get well Bob!
Wow, definitely sad to hear that. Hopefully he makes it through as he is a big asset to SPEED. While I did post to initially complain, Bob is a big reason for my enjoyment of F1 on Speed. He is also rather good at commenting on the auctions (however I don't watch these all that often).
Get well Bob! We look forward to seeing you back!
---
On another note, I completely forgot to mention races that are tape delayed by FOX. Throughout the season, 4 races are typically aired on FOX rather that SPEED, but using the SPEED crew. The only race of those 4 that isn't tape delayed is Canada, I believe. Really sucks that Silverstone gets delayed. While some people don't mind it, I prefer watching live even if it means getting up in the middle of the night. Then again those races are usually in Europe and wouldn't have too unreasonable of a start time.
#48
Posted 09 May 2011 - 20:45
#49
Posted 09 May 2011 - 20:56
Just out of curiosity - Do guys in the US who have watched BBC find the Scottish accent of DC and to a lesser extent the English accent of MB to be a problem at all.
I ask because there was an issue with Cheryl Cole getting diction classes when she was up for a job of American Idol judge..
Cheryl Cole speaks? Who cares?
I like Hobbes and Varsha. Specially when Hobbes is all crotchety.
I also like DC and MB.
Just different styles.
#50
Posted 09 May 2011 - 21:25
I can tell you that it's not restricted, with 100% confidence.
Bob Varsha stated in an interview with the Austin Statesman that the contract with FOM specifically prohibits the practice.
http://www.statesman..._formula_austin
Is there a reason Speed doesn’t do split screen or banner ads during commercials? Can you speak to that?
It’s not something that Formula One, which controls our broadcast rights, or the sponsors were terribly excited about. I guess that’s the best way to put it.
Our contract — and this is another one of the myths of Formula One television that I think a lot of folks are not aware of — is everybody in the world uses the same feed. Some folks think those are Speed cameras bringing Formula One into their homes; they’re not. It’s a world feed that every broadcaster in the world uses by contact, and we are bound by contract not to manipulate that feed in too many distinct ways.
We put our own graphics on it, we put some replays and that sort of thing. But we are typically not supposed to do anything from the time the cars line up on the grid until the podium ceremony is over. So the idea of side-by-side action during commercial breaks is not something that Formula One is allowing us to do.