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BBC Launches Linux Powered Weather Format

Posted by Zonk on from the penguins-in-the-sky-with-diamonds dept.

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."

3 of 214 comments (clear)

  1. not all that great... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    ... even the BBC have admitted that they have had hundreds of complaints about the look of the new service already. They had to tweak it once already because the north of England, and Scotland, were disproportionately small.

    People preferred the old format because it was clearer, didn't swoop around, and conveyed all the relevant information quickly and effectively. This new system is unnecessarily complicated and confusing.

  2. DIY Weather Channel by CommanderNacho · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Why use web based Weather feeds when you can pick the data off the satellite's directly???

    Connect a 137-138MHz FM communications receiver or scanner to your soundcard and get colour images directly from overhead weather satellites. You can either build your own like I did or just buy a receiver.

    For an explanation try:
    http://www.emgola.cz/www_fa/meteosat_englisch_how. html

    and for a great tool: http://www.wxtoimg.com/

    --
    PORN
    PORN
    PORN
    PORN
  3. NZ Version by kumachan · · Score: 5, Informative

    The NZ version is used on TV 1 and TV 3 here.

    People have mentioned a lack of isobars, wind direction, strength, muddy colours etc.

    On our version we get an isobar map first, which shows the bars changing, fronts coming through etc. Then a broad sweep over the country showing weather effects like cloud/rain + temperature/wind info overlayed by town.
    Then a close up on the major centres (6 are shown).
    The weather is very nice showing what the temperature will go down to tonight, in the morning, and afternoon.

    Perhaps the BBC is doing something different and leaving out some of the info we see here. That would be their decision.

    As for the muddy colour of the map. Perhaps the British should wake up and realise that their green-and-pleasant land isn't a vibrant shade of green any more. AFAIK it uses true colour satillite images of the landscape. So that mud colour is what your country looks like.