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BBC Launches Linux Powered Weather Format
nzkaha writes "BBC launches new weather format using Weatherscape XT. This may be one of the higher profile deployments of Linux based systems. Weatherscape XT supplies weather graphics for all UK BBC channels plus the BBC World Service. The system relies completely on openGL graphics and there are demonstration clips of the system in use at Metra.info . Developed in NZ by MetService as a cross platform system for Linux, OS X and Windows, the BBC solution has been deployed on Linux with MySQL DB. Data is replicated to remote studios and displayed live by the Weatherscape application using Nvidia Graphics and drivers. Future deployment options will depend on customer choice and platform support."
Why is 2D insufficient? I much prefer the non-distorted 2D weather map, even if it means I don't get to see as much area. That's usually ok.
2D seems much more precise. Where are all those raindrops falling? You can't tell from a still image.
If they put it out on the internet, is that considered piracy because the US wants private industry to charge for the same service?
The new graphics sure are pretty and I love to see Linux deployed, but it's now not possible to enterpret the map.
The graphics move constantly, so by the time you've looked in the corner to see that the map is talking about mid-day on tuesday, the map has moved again. Also, the forecasts no longer include important information like isobars or wind speeds.
MacBook Pro. Worst name since the Bicycle
Because thats what slashdot does? Some times it's nice to just hear the DIN of linux acceptance.
Pretty Pictures!
Yes I think they need a big overhaul on it. You shouldn't dumb down TV just because you think the masses would understand it more - fuck the masses, if they can't handle seeing isobars on screen for 10 seconds then they need to be put down. TV should be at a higher level to encourage people to learn.
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"People preferred the old format because it [...] didn't swoop around"
/. to burst the ego of the BBC weather presenting team but I feel that an awful lot of people got their weather information without actually listening all that much to the presenter.
This is a crtical point that I think sheds some light on the whole fiasco. Far be it from
In the old system people would focus on the informative map in the background and pick up on the weather in their area. They'd tune in and out of what the presenter was saying as they talked about the UK weather, maybe picking up on something if they mentioned a place name near them or they said something of general importance. For the most part though, people would study the wind speed, temperature, front position and cloud cover for their area.
With the new style system, they've basically forced everyone to pay attention to them as they take the map on a stomach churning ride around the UK at a speed that doesn't allow most people to get any appreciation of the weather in their area. If you tune in too late to the report you'll have missed your chance to hear about the weather in your area at all.
Most disconcertingly, the camera only seems to stay still for a couple of seconds. For those that haven't seen it yet, imagine that the camera was on a piece of elastic. As it reaches its maximum extension near, say, Cornwall it slows...comes to a stop...then accelerates away.
That's pretty much the way they've set it up so far.
The astonishingly London-centric decision to set the camera angle such that viewers have to strain to even read the temperature in the north of the UK was just profoundly stupid. I think what was most disturbing was the way that they didn't seem to even understand what people were complaining about. I used to feel sorry for the BBC being shipped up in some numbers to Manchester (and I still think it'll all end in tears/yet more wasted license payers money) but now I'm not so sure that it isn't the right thing to do.
That's just a small overview of a few of the problems with the approach. Makes you worry about where the Beeb is really heading....