Is it just me? Broadcast quality of races lacking.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by GoIrish

Ten feet from a wall of glorious flat screen TVs in the Monmouth Park teletheater and I have a hard time distinguishing saddlecloths to the point where I have to watch the chicklets. Is it just me or is the broadcast quality of everyday races terrible? I used to think it was the TVs, but MP has nice new flat screens. Why is every sport in the US broadcast in HD except horse racing?

I try to get my boyfriend to watch racing with me, but he said until he can clearly see the screen he's not interested. I kind of feel the same way though -- I'll always watch and play the tracks with the better video.

[NTamm1215]

Until changes are made, Keeneland is MILES ahead of everyone else with regards to the quality of their broadcast display.

[PatCummings]

For as many problems as we see day in and day out with the regular simulcast signal, the national broadcasts in HD leave something to be desired as well.

HD is 100% useless, USELESS, when showing any portion of a live race, let a lone a Grade 1, via helicopter or blimp. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, check out the NBC replay of this year's Breeders' Cup Mile, or the 2010 Kentucky Derby. Replays linked below to remind you, and I assure you, it doesn't matter if they are in HD or not on Youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYUQhefukU4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjaQzlN82fg

Our sport is compelling, the nuance of a trip is great. I'm no producer, but I literally cannot imagine a SINGLE benefit to a blimp/copter cam where you cannot identify a single horse.

A daily simulcast signal IS better than these NBC race broadcasts in that sense.

I'm personally of the belief that the day-to-day view of the race must change, HD would only be a benefit. But the current methods simply aren't compelling. I think it is going to take a single track to start moving beyond the norm to break away and do it differently...

Oh, and Trakus. That is all.

[Gate Dancer]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Until changes are made, Keeneland is MILES ahead of everyone else with regards to the quality of their broadcast display.

Amen..............