[Chester]

1st of all, I'm just itching to make comments on Honda Racing today but realise that many people haven't seen the re-run yet; I won't spoil it for you!

I thought I'd get this little rant off my chest... With HD broadcasting just around the corner, the BBC with plans to broadcast some of their key programmes in HD, I feel it's a great shame to be watching ITV's coverage of Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, in 4:3.

I mean, what's the hold-up in going at least 16:9 widescreen? Many fans, just about everyone I know who watches the sport has at least a widescreen CRT, all of the circuits have millions of dollars invested in them, yet the actual footage shown is only 4:3!

I can understand WRC coverage been shown in this format because of the amount of physical landscape they've got to cover, and even spectators DV camcorders are used for an amount of the footage. F1 being circuit racing does not have this problem.

I for one would like to see some better quality pictures from F1, and I think this starts at widescreen. Anyone else have them same thoughts? Any other opinions on F1 broadcasting?

[Richard46]

Yep; this is irritating. Is it because the ITV have to take their feed for race shots from the local TV companys?

[Tides2002]

I agree but don’t blame ITV for this one as they get what they are given, same for all the other broadcasters around the world.

[Westindieman]

I was about to comment on this too.

[richard plumb]

OK then, what do the F1 broadcasters use? Are there any plans to go HD or even 16:9?

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Chester

1st of all, I'm just itching to make comments on Honda Racing today but realise that many people haven't seen the re-run yet; I won't spoil it for you!

?

You can have your rant about Honda now

[Starburst]

Originally Posted by richard plumb

OK then, what do the F1 broadcasters use? Are there any plans to go HD or even 16:9?

It used to be that the host country gave the TV rights to one of their broadcasters and a world feed was supplied that was bought by whoever wanted it. Obviously the coverage was then only as good as the host broadcaster could do and many a time they had no real experience of large scale live motorsport. After the closure of Bernies F1+ style coverage F1 itself took over TV production for certain GP's and since the market was/still is mainly 4:3 that is what we get.
Now F1 is owned by investment banks and other interests they may choose to invest in HD to increase potential sales or stick to what they have safe in the knowledge no broadcaster will stop buying F1 just because it isn't 16:9 or HD.

[brendan_dj]

I just thought that I'd show off my F1 viewing experience here in this thread.

I had my computer logged in to the official live-timings page on www.f1.com. Re-sized my computer screen resolution to 400x300 so that the Java-app fills the screen.

Plug this in to the VGA input of my Pioneer 435 XDE

Remember of course to disable any screen-saver on the PC, and pres F11 to remove the menu and toolbars from Internet Explorer...

The result is...

[ian_c_uk]

heh, nice setup!

..and I agree with the original poster, world cup matches in HD, and yet F1 is still in 4:3!??

We (me and the ever tech aware missus) were discussing this during the race on sunday, if it really the "the peak of technology" then you would think the broadcast would reflect this.

An even greater irony is Panasonic's "HDF1" advert shown during the race, with toyota, showing a dream that is a long *long* way off!

Ian
(off to setup a small LCD alongside the TV for the timings from the next race )

ever since itv took over the rights from the beeb, they've ruined it... adverts while the race is in motion they really are taking the pee.

i used to love the F1, but so far this saeson i've yet to bother to even watch a race

regards: tickahtnac

[Starburst]

Originally Posted by tickahtnac

ever since itv took over the rights from the beeb, they've ruined it... adverts while the race is in motion they really are taking the pee.

i used to love the F1, but so far this saeson i've yet to bother to even watch a race

regards: tickahtnac

That's a shame, all three races have been pretty good and recording the GP's or time shifting them takes care of the ads.

[bulldoze]

Sport in 4:3 just seems to be ITV these days, I am currently watching Champions league in 4:3 on ITV and very low bit rate, I do not believe that ITV are at the mercy of the local broadcasters, SKY for all their faults do not show sport in 4:3, for the big events its always high bit rate widescreen, BBC are very good as well.

[brendan_dj]

Originally Posted by bulldoze

Sport in 4:3 just seems to be ITV these days, I am currently watching Champions league in 4:3 on ITV and very low bit rate, I do not believe that ITV are at the mercy of the local broadcasters, SKY for all their faults do not show sport in 4:3, for the big events its always high bit rate widescreen, BBC are very good as well.

You cant blame ITV on this one. It all boils down to the technology available in the stadium.

Champions League "away" games are always in 4:3, Even on Sky.
All Champions League games played in this country are always shown in 16:9 no matter what broadcaster has the rights.
Last week's Arsenal v Juventus (Home in Highbury) was in 16:9 on ITV


Brendan

[speedymct]

Originally Posted by brendan_dj

I just thought that I'd show off my F1 viewing experience here in this thread.

I had my computer logged in to the official live-timings page on www.f1.com. Re-sized my computer screen resolution to 400x300 so that the Java-app fills the screen.

Plug this in to the VGA input of my Pioneer 435 XDE

Remember of course to disable any screen-saver on the PC, and pres F11 to remove the menu and toolbars from Internet Explorer...

The result is...

Quality! Have to try that next race