Post by dkennedy on Mar 17, 2005 7:11:25 GMT -5
HDTV Show Review: ESPN's SportsCenter
The highlights show can be a challenge on the eye.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (March 16) -- ESPN launched the high-def version of SportsCenter last year, but the HD production is still a work in progress. The daily highlights show can make a high-def owner feel like he needs an eye exam.
Most of the live studio shots, which are produced at ESPN's expensive new production facility, are shown in beautiful and crystal-clear HD. You feel like you can reach out and shake hands with SportsCenter's top anchor, Dan Patrick.
However, most game highlights are still broadcast in fuzzy analog because the events are not originally produced in high-def. This is understandable. However, after viewing a HD-produced studio segment, the analog clip looks even muddier than normal. The effect causes you to reach for your glasses to see if they need cleaning.
Even worse, SportsCenter will often run a split-screen with the studio anchor in HD on the left side of the screen and a guest expert in analog on the right side of the screen. To paraphrase a favorite saying of SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn, "Oh, for the love of optometry." When shown next to the HD picture, the analog guest looks like he's broadcasting from Venus.
Still, overall, the HD version of SportsCenter is well worth your time, particularly when the show provides highlights of big events, which are usually produced in high-def. It's a great way to catch the action in HD if you missed the game.
Now, as we always do, OnHD.TV looks at what (and who) looks better and worse in HDTV:
Better
Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas and Reporter Rachel Nichols
The two are coupled here because they shine in HD for the same reason: their eyes. Bilas, who ESPN's Tony Kornheiser calls the network's "beefcake," and Nichols, one of the few ESPN female reporters, have piercing blue eyes that pop in high-def.
HDTV Highlights
When SportsCenter shows a highlight from a game produced in high-def, it's a sight for sore eyes, particularly after squinting through a series of analog clips.
Graphics
The show's on-screen graphics are all done in high-def and they look great.
Worse
"Digger" Phelps
"Digger" should be short for grave digger. The college basketball analyst wears so much makeup, he looks like he's been embalmed. I realize that the former Notre Dame coach is in his 60s, but don't close the casket on him yet!
Linda Cohn
She's a solid anchor with a dry wit, but the 40-ish Cohn could use some of that Phelps pancake.
Chris Berman
The veteran SportsCenter anchor now makes infrequent appearances on the big show. But now in his late 40s, Berman is looking a little grizzly for high-def; his five o'clock shadow looks like it kicks in at about three.
Phillip Swann is president & publisher of OnHD.TV. if you would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com
The highlights show can be a challenge on the eye.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (March 16) -- ESPN launched the high-def version of SportsCenter last year, but the HD production is still a work in progress. The daily highlights show can make a high-def owner feel like he needs an eye exam.
Most of the live studio shots, which are produced at ESPN's expensive new production facility, are shown in beautiful and crystal-clear HD. You feel like you can reach out and shake hands with SportsCenter's top anchor, Dan Patrick.
However, most game highlights are still broadcast in fuzzy analog because the events are not originally produced in high-def. This is understandable. However, after viewing a HD-produced studio segment, the analog clip looks even muddier than normal. The effect causes you to reach for your glasses to see if they need cleaning.
Even worse, SportsCenter will often run a split-screen with the studio anchor in HD on the left side of the screen and a guest expert in analog on the right side of the screen. To paraphrase a favorite saying of SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn, "Oh, for the love of optometry." When shown next to the HD picture, the analog guest looks like he's broadcasting from Venus.
Still, overall, the HD version of SportsCenter is well worth your time, particularly when the show provides highlights of big events, which are usually produced in high-def. It's a great way to catch the action in HD if you missed the game.
Now, as we always do, OnHD.TV looks at what (and who) looks better and worse in HDTV:
Better
Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas and Reporter Rachel Nichols
The two are coupled here because they shine in HD for the same reason: their eyes. Bilas, who ESPN's Tony Kornheiser calls the network's "beefcake," and Nichols, one of the few ESPN female reporters, have piercing blue eyes that pop in high-def.
HDTV Highlights
When SportsCenter shows a highlight from a game produced in high-def, it's a sight for sore eyes, particularly after squinting through a series of analog clips.
Graphics
The show's on-screen graphics are all done in high-def and they look great.
Worse
"Digger" Phelps
"Digger" should be short for grave digger. The college basketball analyst wears so much makeup, he looks like he's been embalmed. I realize that the former Notre Dame coach is in his 60s, but don't close the casket on him yet!
Linda Cohn
She's a solid anchor with a dry wit, but the 40-ish Cohn could use some of that Phelps pancake.
Chris Berman
The veteran SportsCenter anchor now makes infrequent appearances on the big show. But now in his late 40s, Berman is looking a little grizzly for high-def; his five o'clock shadow looks like it kicks in at about three.
Phillip Swann is president & publisher of OnHD.TV. if you would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com