General Hockey Talk - Injuries, signings, factoids + other news from around the league

Thanks, Tim. I can always count on you to say something dismissive, insulting and, usually, not very helpful.

Here's a hint of blacking out the stands:

https://www.google.com/search?q=nhl+in+the+50s&safe=strict&client=ms-android-xiaomi&sxsrf=ALeKk037wa_a6qWdtfgto77XDxhdJDBIkQ:1596126349996&source=lnms&tbm=isch

Pictures from the 50s for blacking out the stands. Interesting?

So to accomplish that, they just dim the lighting? Anyway, it doesn't make sense and you haven't explained your rationale for this or how it would be accomplished.

PTFlea wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:So it wasn't totally weird watching hockey with no fans.  The NHL is missing a real opportunity here though.  They should be turning up the ice-level mics, micing up players/coaches/refs/whoever.  They could've done something unique but instead seem just happy with the status quo and piped in crowd noise.

Then you carve away a portion of your audience with the horrific swearing youd hear.

I fully get it would become an adults-only broadcast if you could hear the on-ice stuff. They could have two audio tracks for the broadcast...one with the normal feed and fake crowd noise, and one with the on-ice mics turned up. This could be easily accomplished with today's technology. They had a real opportunity to do something unique and cool here, but have gone the lazy, status quo route.

tim1_2 wrote:Pictures from the 50s for blacking out the stands.  Interesting?

So to accomplish that, they just dim the lighting?  Anyway, it doesn't make sense and you haven't explained your rationale for this or how it would be accomplished.

Back in the 50s the over surface was lit and the staff were dark. It was like sitting in a movie theatre.

I'm not sure if that would be possible today as the lights for the ice probably light up the seats a bit. But green/blue screen technology could be used (they do this all the time for reporting weather, just replace the map with solid dark slate).

Video insertion/overlay techniques are already bring used during broadcasts with the ads on the glasd behind the goals. More of the safer is coming. They probably didn't have enough time to do a proper job with CGI spectators but if the next season starts without fans in the seats I would but be surprised if they at least tried something like that.

Don't keep saying something is a dumb ideas just because you can't wrap your brain around how it could be implemented.

They should definitely consider all revenue-generating ideas:

a) mic'd up players (I agree a huge opportunity was missed there)
b) more on-ice advertisements
c) advertisements in certain sections of the stands (only sections that are visible by camera)
d) in many arenas they could actually make masks mandatory and only sell a 10-30% of seats at premium pricing to ensure social distancing (I think the NFL was talking about possibly doing this)
e) less between period analysis and more tv time-outs
f) ads on jerseys

Parking is a huge revenue loss for a team like Ottawa. They should be looking into ways to optimize their parking space right now. I am not sure what is going on with the DND Carling Campus and how many people have returned to work, but they could definitely shuttle people to and from the Canadian Tire center for those who do not have access to on-campus parking.

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Pictures from the 50s for blacking out the stands.  Interesting?

So to accomplish that, they just dim the lighting?  Anyway, it doesn't make sense and you haven't explained your rationale for this or how it would be accomplished.

Back in the 50s the over surface was lit and the staff were dark. It was like sitting in a movie theatre.

I'm not sure if that would be possible today as the lights for the ice probably light up the seats a bit. But green/blue screen technology could be used (they do this all the time for reporting weather, just replace the map with solid dark slate).

Video insertion/overlay techniques are already bring used during broadcasts with the ads on the glasd behind the goals.  More of the safer is coming. They probably didn't have enough time to do a proper job with CGI spectators but if the next season starts without fans in the seats I would but be surprised if they at least tried something like that.

Don't keep saying something is a dumb ideas just because you can't wrap your brain around how it could be implemented.

So you want a computer-generated black void beyond the boards, instead of just the arena with the seats covered. Sounds DUMB. Like SUPER DUMB. What's wrong with what they have now? Oh yeah, nothing is wrong with it.

If you think they're going to try CGI spectators...well...I would put that at a distant longshot for next season. Seems really pointless and dumb. I imagine they would just stick with the seats being covered like they have done now.

DefenceWinsChampionships wrote:They should definitely consider all revenue-generating ideas:

a) mic'd up players (I agree a huge opportunity was missed there)
b) more on-ice advertisements
c) advertisements in certain sections of the stands (only sections that are visible by camera)
d) in many arenas they could actually make masks mandatory and only sell a 10-30% of seats at premium pricing to ensure social distancing (I think the NFL was talking about possibly doing this)
e) less between period analysis and more tv time-outs
f) ads on jerseys

Parking is a huge revenue loss for a team like Ottawa. They should be looking into ways to optimize their parking space right now. I am not sure what is going on with the DND Carling Campus and how many people have returned to work, but they could definitely shuttle people to and from the Canadian Tire center for those who do not have access to on-campus parking.

The parking issue at Carling Campus is non-existent, and will be non-existent well into 2021. Even then, they have existing shuttles now to parking lots that are much closer than CTC. And the existing shuttles and accompanying lots were barely being used before the pandemic too.

Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me. Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling. You can do better.

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats. It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands. CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb. You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI. Think about that. A rink in the middle of a black void. Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.

Man, baseball is having the scrap more series...Maybe they made a large mistake.

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

The NBA has a CGI fanbase with players' parents, fans, etc. It's pretty cool.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/24/nba-will-have-virtual-fans-at-games-in-orlando/

DefenceWinsChampionships wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

The NBA has a CGI fanbase with players' parents, fans, etc. It's pretty cool.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/24/nba-will-have-virtual-fans-at-games-in-orlando/

Except it's not CGI at all. It's going to be live video of the fans.

"And we’re not talking about those creepy CGI fans that Fox is going to try with their MLB games. The NBA plans to feature more than 300 virtual fans on 17-foot video boards surrounding the court when the season restarts next week at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Those fans will be able to interact with each other digitally during the game through Microsoft’s “Together Mode.”"

Props to the NBA for trying new things. The NHL really missed an opportunity here. Maybe they'll surprise me once we get a little deeper in the playoffs.

tim1_2 wrote:

DefenceWinsChampionships wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

The NBA has a CGI fanbase with players' parents, fans, etc. It's pretty cool.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/24/nba-will-have-virtual-fans-at-games-in-orlando/

Except it's not CGI at all.  It's going to be live video of the fans.

"And we’re not talking about those creepy CGI fans that Fox is going to try with their MLB games. The NBA plans to feature more than 300 virtual fans on 17-foot video boards surrounding the court when the season restarts next week at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Those fans will be able to interact with each other digitally during the game through Microsoft’s “Together Mode.”"

Props to the NBA for trying new things.  The NHL really missed an opportunity here.  Maybe they'll surprise me once we get a little deeper in the playoffs.

omg... is that gonna be televised? that could go wrong in so many ways

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

I very clearly (and purposefully) said "stop acting like a..." I know it's a technicality, but I was very careful to content on the actions and not the individual.

tim1_2 wrote:

DefenceWinsChampionships wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

The NBA has a CGI fanbase with players' parents, fans, etc. It's pretty cool.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/24/nba-will-have-virtual-fans-at-games-in-orlando/

Except it's not CGI at all.  It's going to be live video of the fans.

"And we’re not talking about those creepy CGI fans that Fox is going to try with their MLB games. The NBA plans to feature more than 300 virtual fans on 17-foot video boards surrounding the court when the season restarts next week at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Those fans will be able to interact with each other digitally during the game through Microsoft’s “Together Mode.”"

Props to the NBA for trying new things.  The NHL really missed an opportunity here.  Maybe they'll surprise me once we get a little deeper in the playoffs.

I'll repeat that I was not mandating the actual implementation, just pointing out an issue bothering me (empty stands) and suggesting two possible solutions.

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:

wprager wrote:Tim, first, stop acting like a jackass. Second, the empty seats is distracting. I watched a couple games and it was jarring to me.  Whether the solution is CGI fans or cutouts (like the MLB) or simply blacking out the stands are just potential solutions. The specific implementation method is secondary, and I was just providing some possible implementation ideas just to show that it is feasible.

You failed to provide any alternatives or, really, even any constructive criticism. Instead you restored to name calling.  You can do better.

I said I was happy with the way they covered the seats.  It's their broadcast that needs help, not what is in the stands.  CGI and a computer-generated black void is incredibly dumb.  You suggested blacking out the stands with CGI.  Think about that.  A rink in the middle of a black void.  Jesus.

It's funny you tell me to "do better" after calling me a jackass.  

I very clearly (and purposefully) said "stop acting like a..." I know it's a technicality, but I was very careful to content on the actions and not the individual.

And I said your ideas were dumb, I didn't say you were dumb...although I could be easily swayed.

Ahaha, the throws of summer...you can tell when it arrives

PTFlea wrote:Ahaha, the throws of summer...you can tell when it arrives

Well at least hockey is back in like an hour. Still not sure how much I'll watch but next see we know they'll announce the lottery winner, and the draft will come quicker than we think.

AHL announced a target return to play in December. Lets focus on the positives.