The LEB Sports

Explaining to my wife why I'm buying the same video game each year is proving to be more and more difficult.  But my addiction to this year's new online dynasty mode has given her enough evidence to understand (somewhat). My video ...

One minute I think I've figured out how the yellow first down line in televised football games works and the next I think of something that shatters my answer. Repeat. I figured I was way over thinking something really simple. However, as it turns out, it couldn't be more complex the way it's actually done. Here's how the pros do it... Three Key Components to the Yellow Down Marker A special camera mount A 3-D computerized model of the field Color palettes Camera Mount The TV cameras used throughout the game sit on top of a special mount that encodes every movement. 1 3-D Model Prior to game time a 3-D model of the field is created, accounting for the length and width of the field, the crest of the field (fields aren't flat, but rather are higher in the middle to help water run off), and the various camera placements. 2 Color Palettes Color palettes are created that account for the colors of the field, colors of the uniforms, and colors of the other paint on the field. During the game one person is assigned to the task of updating the color palettes for change in lighting, weather, etc. 3 In tandem, the camera and 3-D model figure out what is being shown on the TV and designate where the line should be shown while the color palettes add the yellow line in the right places and eliminate it from others. Four People and Eight Computers! I never would have guessed four people had to be involved in this process (not to mention the camera men). One guy is in the press box relaying where the marker should be at while the guy on the receiving end is entering the position into the computer (kind of seems redundant to me, but what do I know). Like I said already, another guy is updating the color palette and the remaining staffer is a troubleshooter. 4 The providing company is probably loaded between ESPN's and FOX's usage of this technology so having four guys on the clock probably doesn't hurt anyone. The constant calculations being made (identifying the camera changes and colors on the field) and data that is stored is so intensive on the computers that it takes eight to do the job. There are four special SGI computers, one PC, and one computer on a minimum of 3 cameras. All For Your Entertainment I'm always bewildered by enormous amount of money spent by the entertainment industry. This example solved an incredibly small problem -- emphasizing the first down line -- and costs millions of dollars to implement, but money oozes out of sports entertainers and is worth it for the networks trying to out-entertain viewers. In the end, I think its worth it for the viewer. It makes watching a game easier, and even more exciting by giving a glaringly obvious goal to reach and for fans to cheer for. I'm a fan of technology in sports.

Today at 4:30 The Hardline featured The LEB Sports guest post from Grubes. If you missed it, you can listen to the entire segment here. Mike reads Grubes' post while Corby and Danny give him props for being a great board op. Not unlike any other day, the conversation digresses ...

Hi! I'm Michael "Grubes" Gruber, board operator for BaD Radio and The Hardline on Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket. MDIT has asked me to write a guest column on the fascinating world of drop artistry, and I hope to provide a better idea of how it all ...

With the NBA Championship games kicking off tomorrow night between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics and with the NHL Championship game (games?) between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings finishing up, you're gonna wanna watch. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you're unable ...