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MLSNet.comWatching the game between Chicago fire at CD Chivas USA, last night, we were struck by what seemed like yet another increase in the production value of the broadcast. From the pre-game show to the slightly higher field of view and the sideline camera angles, everything just looked much better than at the start of the season. We were not sure if it was just usor if there really has been an improvement. Maybe it was just the raucus atmosphere playing tricks on us?
Well we didn't know, so we decided to compare two ESPN broadcasts from the same venue. One from last night's match and one from the debut of Beckham for the Galaxy in a friendly vs Chelsea
07/21/07 Chelsea FC at LA Galaxy
6/19/08 Chicago Fire at Chivas USA
Our view is there has been an upgrade. Could it be the coverage of the EURO 2008 competition that has caused this? Or maybe its MLS's partnership with the Bundesliga, paying dividends? What do you think?
also noticed they stopped doing the stupid sports center cut ins during the run of play, 30 at 30 or whatever. this may have changed before last night, but it was the first time I noticed it.
Now, if they could get rid of the ticker at the bottom, we would be in business. With that being said, the coverage looks a lot better to me.
I really enjoy the axis they are using in the Euro. That is come cool technology
when Tommy Smyth is the pinnacle of commentating out of the two videos, you've got problems.
No American commentator is worth listening to period.
Anything that gets Wynalda out of the commentating box is an improvement. I do like Tommy Smyth though. After living here in Glasgow for the past year and enjoying not just the SPL but all the different leagues across Europe, I must say the second video is a least reaching the bottom rung of commentating here.
Let's hope the 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' gets its act together...
Tommy Smyth is worthless as an in-game analyst. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched the replay of a foul and said to myself, “Wait, there was no contact”… and it didn’t even merit notice from Smyth. The point of an analyst is to enlighten us, not to figure out some way to shove his favorite catchphrases down our throats.
And give ESPN credit. This has been by far the best TV production ever seen in this country for a major soccer tournament. Yes, I’d like to see the ticker disappear but they’re treating it seriously, giving it good studio coverage and they have the mostly the right people in place. Seriously, when you go from Dave O’Brien and Marcello Balboa to Derek Rae and Andy Gray, it’s a huge leap forward. Kudos ESPN!
The higher field of view is typical of the HDC. But they are learning from covering these other events. It is nice to not have a cameraman trying to force a NFL (No Fun League) camera angle into a much more fluid sport.