3,927 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jul 26, 2021 18:53:23 GMT
So far I've watched a couple of things on Eurosport. The mountain biking was reasonably good but they had a poor balance between the commentary and the environmental sound so there were times when I struggled to understand what the commentators were saying underneath the sound of the helicopter. The artistic gymnastics was just a choice of unedited live feeds for each apparatus, with no commentary and loads of dead time. I agree about the mountain biking commentary. Thanks for the warning about the gymnastics. I was thinking of catching up on some but not sure I want to with no commentary.
|
|
2,389 posts
|
Post by peggs on Jul 26, 2021 19:08:45 GMT
What about the triathlon start where half of them couldn't dive because there was a boat in the way?!
I still regret not going to London 2012 Olympics, I was worried when you had to ballot for tickets that I'd suddenly have loads and get billed and had no one to go with. I went to the Paralympics when I fully understood what I was missing and it was amazing. I'd be much more inclined to go to a large sporting event over here now if we hosted something even if it was to see other countries play if it was rugby, football or something. Just that big crowd experience. Well if we ever get back to that.
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jul 26, 2021 19:51:52 GMT
For me it's suffering because the BBC can only show limited footage and Eurosport isn't quite up to the job. So far I've watched a couple of things on Eurosport. The mountain biking was reasonably good but they had a poor balance between the commentary and the environmental sound so there were times when I struggled to understand what the commentators were saying underneath the sound of the helicopter. The artistic gymnastics was just a choice of unedited live feeds for each apparatus, with no commentary and loads of dead time. It might be better next time, once they have experience. But let's not forget that when Channel 4 won the contract to cover the Paralympics they did a fantastic job of it right out of the gate.
ETA: I'm watching another event now and it's better, so perhaps I just got unlucky for the first things I watched.
Japanese coverage isn’t it? BBC would be getting the same streams The difference is in the presentation. With the artistic gymnastics the BBC switches between streams so they're always showing something going on: while one gymnast waits for a score they switch to another gymnast's performance on a different apparatus. If Eurosport have something similar I couldn't find it: they have individual streams for each apparatus but there's no editing other than the real-time changes of camera, so you get a minute of performance and three to five minutes of listening to events happening off camera before the next interesting thing happens on screen. Very complete but not very watchable.
The commentary is added by the broadcaster so the levels are entirely under their control. They do have an "ambient sound" option that offers the audio without commentary and that's a good feature, but they kind of messed up the levels for the commentary channel.
|
|
4,158 posts
|
Post by HereForTheatre on Jul 26, 2021 19:56:51 GMT
What about the triathlon start where half of them couldn't dive because there was a boat in the way?! I still regret not going to London 2012 Olympics, I was worried when you had to ballot for tickets that I'd suddenly have loads and get billed and had no one to go with. I went to the Paralympics when I fully understood what I was missing and it was amazing. I'd be much more inclined to go to a large sporting event over here now if we hosted something even if it was to see other countries play if it was rugby, football or something. Just that big crowd experience. Well if we ever get back to that. As I mentioned, the commonwealths next year in Birmingham? That's the next biggest thing to the Olympics really in terms of a multi sport event. Tickets are available via ballot in September I believe. Yes that was one of the reasons i didn't end up going to the London 2012 games as well, one I didn't really have anyone to go with and 2nd the ballot was a bit overwhelming. Now I don't mind going anywhere on my own and I did back then, so it wouldn't bother me now if I couldn't find anyone to go with and I'm definitely going in for Birmingham tickets regardless.
|
|
1,330 posts
|
Post by CG on the loose on Jul 26, 2021 21:11:04 GMT
What about the triathlon start where half of them couldn't dive because there was a boat in the way?! I still regret not going to London 2012 Olympics, I was worried when you had to ballot for tickets that I'd suddenly have loads and get billed and had no one to go with. I went to the Paralympics when I fully understood what I was missing and it was amazing. I'd be much more inclined to go to a large sporting event over here now if we hosted something even if it was to see other countries play if it was rugby, football or something. Just that big crowd experience. Well if we ever get back to that. As far as I'm concerned, you missed nothing by going to the Paralympics rather than the Olympics ... both supreme demonstrations of the talent, passion and sheer dedication needed to reach the top in any sport. I've just applied for a shed load of tickets for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year (as locals, we get priority access) - if I get everything I've applied for, I may have to skip a show or several to cover the cost, but I can't pass up the opportunity to see (some of!) the world's best athletes so close to home.
|
|
893 posts
|
Post by vdcni on Jul 26, 2021 21:51:42 GMT
Japanese coverage isn’t it? BBC would be getting the same streams The difference is in the presentation. With the artistic gymnastics the BBC switches between streams so they're always showing something going on: while one gymnast waits for a score they switch to another gymnast's performance on a different apparatus. If Eurosport have something similar I couldn't find it: they have individual streams for each apparatus but there's no editing other than the real-time changes of camera, so you get a minute of performance and three to five minutes of listening to events happening off camera before the next interesting thing happens on screen. Very complete but not very watchable.
The commentary is added by the broadcaster so the levels are entirely under their control. They do have an "ambient sound" option that offers the audio without commentary and that's a good feature, but they kind of messed up the levels for the commentary channel.
Eurosport 1 and 2 should be more like the BBC experience with presenters, commentators and interviewers. I know Greg Rutherford was interviewing the swimmers after their races for Eurosport. I would have thought they'd shown the gymnastics but I was watching it on the BBC so not definite. But even when the BBC added extra channels dedicated to certain sports they tended to include commentary and some element of presentation most of the time.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jul 26, 2021 22:57:03 GMT
I definitely think Tom Daley deserves his gold, for no other reason - than just going head first off that so high board. There be no chance of me doing that, I hate heights and felt dizzy and light headed looking at it.
Great gold for Tom and richly deserved.
|
|
|
Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 27, 2021 2:06:02 GMT
Great result in the 200m freestyle for men. First GB Gold and Silver in the same swimming event in more than century
|
|
4,158 posts
|
Post by HereForTheatre on Jul 27, 2021 7:26:17 GMT
I don't know anything about Taekwondo really but what I do know is that in every match I've watched with a Team GB fighter they have ended up losing in literally the last few seconds. It seems a trend that possibly needs looking at....
|
|
398 posts
|
Post by maggiem on Jul 27, 2021 9:11:35 GMT
For me it's suffering because the BBC can only show limited footage and Eurosport isn't quite up to the job. So far I've watched a couple of things on Eurosport. The mountain biking was reasonably good but they had a poor balance between the commentary and the environmental sound so there were times when I struggled to understand what the commentators were saying underneath the sound of the helicopter. The artistic gymnastics was just a choice of unedited live feeds for each apparatus, with no commentary and loads of dead time. It might be better next time, once they have experience. But let's not forget that when Channel 4 won the contract to cover the Paralympics they did a fantastic job of it right out of the gate.
ETA: I'm watching another event now and it's better, so perhaps I just got unlucky for the first things I watched.
Japanese coverage isn’t it? BBC would be getting the same streams The television coverage is from the Olympic Broadcasting System. You can sometimes see the umbrellas/parasols they use to shield their camera operators from the sun. Each nation provides its own commentaries. At London 2012, there were so many things being shown that the the BBC didn't have their own commentary for everything. They could however put a few extra cameras for the broadcast. I remember they had an overhead camera for the rowing at Eaton Dorney.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 9:50:10 GMT
Japanese coverage isn’t it? BBC would be getting the same streams The television coverage is from the Olympic Broadcasting System. You can sometimes see the umbrellas/parasols they use to shield their camera operators from the sun. Each nation provides its own commentaries. At London 2012, there were so many things being shown that the the BBC didn't have their own commentary for everything. They could however put a few extra cameras for the broadcast. I remember they had an overhead camera for the rowing at Eaton Dorney. I'm a big fan of Matt Baker for the gymnastics and Aggers for the equestrian commentary
|
|
7,505 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Jul 27, 2021 10:00:23 GMT
Where is Clare Balding this time, I've not seen her so far.
|
|
4,158 posts
|
Post by HereForTheatre on Jul 27, 2021 10:44:20 GMT
Where is Clare Balding this time, I've not seen her so far. She does the evening highlights/round up show with Alex Scott.
|
|
7,505 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Jul 27, 2021 10:55:37 GMT
Where is Clare Balding this time, I've not seen her so far. She does the evening highlights/round up show with Alex Scott. Thanks. That's why I've not seen her as I've not watched the evening show yet.
|
|
4,158 posts
|
Post by HereForTheatre on Jul 27, 2021 11:03:05 GMT
She does the evening highlights/round up show with Alex Scott. Thanks. That's why I've not seen her as I've not watched the evening show yet. I love Clare Balding, such a great sports presenter.
|
|
4,559 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by Mark on Jul 27, 2021 12:38:24 GMT
Simone Biles going out of the group gymnastics has opened this wide up!
Edit: Well done Team GB Ladies for winning the Bronze!!! Fantastic achievement.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 12:58:10 GMT
Simone Biles going out of the group gymnastics has opened this wide up! Edit: Well done Team GB Ladies for winning the Bronze!!! Fantastic achievement. Gutted for Simone, come on the horse dancers
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jul 27, 2021 13:05:30 GMT
I was thrilled for the Russian Olympic Committee team, winning the gold in the team event for the first time as a country in their own right. I like the Russian artistic gymnasts; they've kept the tradition of routines that are beautiful to watch instead of being demonstrations of strength. They're the sort of gymnasts I grew up with.
As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 13:16:56 GMT
I was thrilled for the Russian Olympic Committee team, winning the gold in the team event for the first time as a country in their own right. I like the Russian artistic gymnasts; they've kept the tradition of routines that are beautiful to watch instead of being demonstrations of strength. They're the sort of gymnasts I grew up with. As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand. Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. Had to go checking, the Russians have had Nellie Kim and Olga Korbut in the same team. That would have been a hell of a team to beat them. But you fooled me with Soviet Union/Russia split.
|
|
|
Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 14:09:28 GMT
Tom Pidcock almost made a mockery of his competitors, just seemed to be in another race especially when considering it is not his usual discipline and had to do a couple of races earlier in the year just to qualify as hadn’t raced mountain bikes for a number of years. Suppose 40K is not much when you came top ten in some of the 250K classics earlier in the year and his endurance fitness seemed a step above the others, only thing that could diminish the win was van doer Poel crashing out his nemesis from cyclo cross and the road. He now has his sights on the Road Race and Time Trial in Paris and will likely win a Grand Tour in the interim as he is just a phenomenal cyclist, this year he has won a Spring Classic on the road, a Cyclo Cross race where he beat the World Champion and now an Olympic Gold in mountain biking and wouldn’t be surprised if he was top 3 in the Vuelta (Spanish equivalent to the Tour de France) in a couple of weeks time. He won’t be top three in the Vuelta because in an Ineos team probably containing Yates, Bernal and maybe even Carapaz they won’t let him. Going for stage wins only.
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jul 27, 2021 14:36:24 GMT
As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand. Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 14:49:22 GMT
Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar.
|
|
|
Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 15:11:53 GMT
It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar. One of you is discussing the women’s cycling road race and the other the men’s. I’m afraid the comical mix-up in the women’s race where two of them celebrated winning gold when they crossed the line (a minute apart) plus the rather graceless comments of the GB rider in 11th place didn’t reflect well on the former. Who do you reckon for the men’s TT ? Hard to see past Ganna but the course isn’t ideal for him.
|
|
2,389 posts
|
Post by peggs on Jul 27, 2021 16:50:46 GMT
What about the triathlon start where half of them couldn't dive because there was a boat in the way?! I still regret not going to London 2012 Olympics, I was worried when you had to ballot for tickets that I'd suddenly have loads and get billed and had no one to go with. I went to the Paralympics when I fully understood what I was missing and it was amazing. I'd be much more inclined to go to a large sporting event over here now if we hosted something even if it was to see other countries play if it was rugby, football or something. Just that big crowd experience. Well if we ever get back to that. As far as I'm concerned, you missed nothing by going to the Paralympics rather than the Olympics ... both supreme demonstrations of the talent, passion and sheer dedication needed to reach the top in any sport. I've just applied for a shed load of tickets for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year (as locals, we get priority access) - if I get everything I've applied for, I may have to skip a show or several to cover the cost, but I can't pass up the opportunity to see (some of!) the world's best athletes so close to home. Oh I agree I'd just have liked to have done both! If I lived nearer to Birmingham I'd try, I wouldn't not go to something as it was me on my own but I'm not great on staying away on my own, mainly cos I get lost and worry a lot rather than I need someone to talk to. I particularly liked the video of Tom Dean's family watching and going mad, I'm a sucker for crying/celebrating family and friends.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 17:52:54 GMT
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar. One of you is discussing the women’s cycling road race and the other the men’s. I’m afraid the comical mix-up in the women’s race where two of them celebrated winning gold when they crossed the line (a minute apart) plus the rather graceless comments of the GB rider in 11th place didn’t reflect well on the former. Who do you reckon for the men’s TT ? Hard to see past Ganna but the course isn’t ideal for him. As you say course not set up for him. Can I sit on the fence and say WVA or Roglic. Or Dumoulin as a bit more of an outsider
|
|
|
Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 20:19:06 GMT
Sure, say who you like ! For me it’s a third gold of the games for Ineos - Ganna or Dennis. Thomas to crash obviously.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 20:34:10 GMT
I hate whenever the outcome is framed as a preordained conclusion for any sport or athlete. No athlete or team is infallible and on any given day injury or a lapse in concentration can occur.
|
|
3,927 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jul 27, 2021 20:41:37 GMT
As you say course not set up for him. Can I sit on the fence and say WVA or Roglic. Or Dumoulin as a bit more of an outsider Much as I would like it to be Ganna, having looked up the parcours Van Aert or Roglic do seem the more likely. Does anyone know why Pogacar's not doing it? Does Slovenia only have one slot?
Not looking forward to getting before 6am tomorrow but I feel it's just about not-impossibly-early enough that I feel obliged to do so, especially having been spoilered for the road race.
Today I watched the dressage team final. Fortunately this time there was the correct accompanying sound. I felt Britain were lucky to get the bronze, after visible mistakes from two of the three riders. I very much doubt there's any chance of an individual medal tomorrow. For anyone who compains certain sports are "hideously white": while all the riders were white all but one of the horses were various shades of brown (bay, chestnut, etc.) so that's pretty much 50% of competitors non-white!
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jul 28, 2021 3:39:53 GMT
"Quadruple sculls" sounds metal as f— until you realise it's just people in boats.
|
|
2,206 posts
|
Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 28, 2021 7:59:28 GMT
Sure, say who you like ! For me it’s a third gold of the games for Ineos - Ganna or Dennis. Thomas to crash obviously. Great use of the word obviously
|
|