Why must ESPN-HD ruin SportsCenter with that box on the right side showing what's upcoming? So now when a highlight is in HD you only get the widescreen portion on the left side. Just show the damn highlights.

Because the public is stupid. :)

Why must ESPN-HD ruin SportsCenter with that box on the right side showing what's upcoming? So now when a highlight is in HD you only get the widescreen portion on the left side. Just show the damn highlights.

What bugs me is when they are in the "ESPN Digital Center" during half time breaks and they an SD sized window and nothing else with an NFL draft like ticker on the left.

Worthless

If you think SportsCenter's "The Rundown" screws up the highlights on ESPN-HD, take a look at the SD channel.
It's a total ripoff of FSN's Final Score.

I HATE HATE HATE HATE this!!!!!!! Give me my !##%*@#ing screen back!

Only will appear on overnight re-airs though no live shows at this point.

There is way too much visual pollution guys. Get rid of the needless and obstrusive graphics.

There is way too much visual pollution guys. Get rid of the needless and obstrusive graphics.

No kidding I don't even bother watching anymore it is so annoying

Only will appear on overnight re-airs though no live shows at this point.

Well I record the first morning airing (usually 5 am) since it's hard to know when the live ones begin or end due to games. I guess I'll have to try recording the 2 am live show. If that doesn't work I'll just stop watching.

No kidding I don't even bother watching anymore it is so annoying

Agreed entirely.

Well, all things go in cycles since they ruined the audio portion years ago so they might as well ruin the video as well. God, I'd kill just to get a bunch of real sports anchors back who are more interested in reporting the sports news and highlights in a straight forward way rather than the increasingly inane nonsense that now permeates the entire show. There doesn't seem to be a straight line with any of the guys anymore, it's just a constant run a repetitive "Look How Cool The Announcer Is" style taglines/sound bytes which has lost any sliver of humor that may have once been part of the show. Scott and Mayne have just lost any semblance of credibility. I really miss Bob Ley and his cohorts and really miss having an alternative product when CNN had Nick Charles and Fred Hickman were on equal standing with ESPN.

Grumpy Old Fart rant over.

eh, people have been complaining about espn hd since it launched, mostly about that damned ticker that cuts the bottom of the picture off. everyone complains, yet everyone still watches. nothing, therefore, is accomplished...

Can any of you post any pics?

I am stuck at school with no HD for only another week!

Well, all things go in cycles since they ruined the audio portion years ago so they might as well ruin the video as well. God, I'd kill just to get a bunch of real sports anchors back who are more interested in reporting the sports news and highlights in a straight forward way rather than the increasingly inane nonsense that now permeates the entire show. There doesn't seem to be a straight line with any of the guys anymore, it's just a constant run a repetitive "Look How Cool The Announcer Is" style taglines/sound bytes which has lost any sliver of humor that may have once been part of the show. Scott and Mayne have just lost any semblance of credibility. I really miss Bob Ley and his cohorts and really miss having an alternative product when CNN had Nick Charles and Fred Hickman were on equal standing with ESPN.

Grumpy Old Fart rant over.

Agreed

ESPN2HD has added enormous graphics to the top of the screen on NASCAR Busch races too. It's just silly.

Well, all things go in cycles since they ruined the audio portion years ago so they might as well ruin the video as well. God, I'd kill just to get a bunch of real sports anchors back who are more interested in reporting the sports news and highlights in a straight forward way rather than the increasingly inane nonsense that now permeates the entire show. There doesn't seem to be a straight line with any of the guys anymore, it's just a constant run a repetitive "Look How Cool The Announcer Is" style taglines/sound bytes which has lost any sliver of humor that may have once been part of the show. Scott and Mayne have just lost any semblance of credibility. I really miss Bob Ley and his cohorts and really miss having an alternative product when CNN had Nick Charles and Fred Hickman were on equal standing with ESPN.

Grumpy Old Fart rant over.

Sportscenter really is a circus now. I haven't seen an interview on in awhille where tough questions were asked. The Budweiser Hotseat, where we actually saw a few decent questions asked in the beginning, has turned into a forum for ESPN reporters to do more bland reporting (we don't even get athletes anymore). The whole thing is more of an "Entertainment Tonight" for sports. Their obvious preferences for covering ESPN-aired sports have completely destroyed any credibility Sportscenter or ESPN.com may have had. Sometimes huge events that don't have deals with ESPN in some way or another just get shoved under the rug (ESPECIALLY on ESPN.com). Heck, we even have Dancing With The Stars highlights now. I can honestly say that's the most shameless plug for another memeber of a corporate family that I've ever seen.

I can't believe I thought Sportscenter had reached the botton when they started showing the awful Ultimate Highlight. They've done much worse since then.

I see good and bad in this.

The bad: I don’t like more graphics taking up screen space, but this is where we are and I don’t see any going back. I guess I’m getting to the point where they have fed this stuff to us so much that I’m getting worn down from bitching about it so much.

The good: If I tune in I can see what’s coming up that I have an interest in. I don’t have to wait like I did in the past where they would do the teaser about what was coming up; leaving out the fact that what’s coming up might be 20 minutes or longer. Now, I just switch over to Mike & Mike, NFL Total Access, or some other channel until what I’m interested in comes up. This time of year I have one basic interest; the NBA playoffs. So this isn’t bothering me as much as I’m sure it will in the fall when college BB, the NBA, and the NFL are in full swing. If I had a choice I’d say do away with it. However, I don’t have a say in the matter, and obviously the rest of the public doesn’t either.

I would think sponsors would have a concern over how many people like myself could see the good in the new graphics and thus not see their ads. Although, PTI has been doing this since it’s beginning, so they obviously don’t have a problem with the potential that people will tune out a portion of the show.

It sucks. Period!

I saw it this morning, it doesn't bother me when an Anchor is talking or a highlight is not in HD, but when you have an HD highlight, it needs to go away.

OK now i see what everyone is screaming and b!tching about. yeah that is horrible, they are trying to use the right side of the "pillar", which is ok on 4x3 highlights but damnit, cuts off 16x9 highlights. if you think that's bad, look at the SD channel. there are graphic overlays everywhere! SD watchers should also raise hell about this.

I watch Sportscenter in the AM on the SD TV in the bedroom. Prior to the new graphics package, I would always have Sportscenter on, waiting around for the NBA highlights. Now that I can see what is coming up (and not have to wait 15-20 mins for a highlight I want to see), I am more likely to turn the channel and watch something else more visually appealing (http://www.star-collector.net/autographs/robinmeade2.jpg).

...everyone complains, yet everyone still watches. nothing, therefore, is accomplished...

Well, *I* don't still watch -- at least, not like I used to. I'll watch an occasional game on ESPN/2 if it is featuring one of "my" teams, but I hardly ever watch other games of more casual interest any longer. The full-time ticker on college and MLB games just annoys the hell out of me. As for SportsCenter, I can't stomach it these days and don't watch it.

I'm a major sports fan. ESPN used to be on my TV a large portion of the time...but that hasn't been true for some time, and they're getting worse instead of better. IMHO.

Well, *I* don't still watch -- at least, not like I used to. I'll watch an occasional game on ESPN/2 if it is featuring one of "my" teams, but I hardly ever watch other games of more casual interest any longer. The full-time ticker on college and MLB games just annoys the hell out of me. As for SportsCenter, I can't stomach it these days and don't watch it.

I'm a major sports fan. ESPN used to be on my TV a large portion of the time...but that hasn't been true for some time, and they're getting worse instead of better. IMHO.

Very well put.

I watch PTI every night I also watch all the football games and baseball if the Sox are on but that really is about it. ESPN is no where close to what they used to be or maybe I anm just not the demographic they are looking for which I am sure is the case. To me there are nothing but a bunch of blowhards on that network these days save for a few.

Well, *I* don't still watch -- at least, not like I used to. I'll watch an occasional game on ESPN/2 if it is featuring one of "my" teams, but I hardly ever watch other games of more casual interest any longer. The full-time ticker on college and MLB games just annoys the hell out of me. As for SportsCenter, I can't stomach it these days and don't watch it.

I'm a major sports fan. ESPN used to be on my TV a large portion of the time...but that hasn't been true for some time, and they're getting worse instead of better. IMHO.

Same here. I used to watch ESPN (Sportscenter specifically) all the time. I'd have it on just to have it on. Now I won't watch unless I'm looking for a specific highlight. It's just too silly anymore. I wonder how many once-regular viewers have been turned off by the dumbing-down (for lack of a better term) of the network and its flagship shows.

Very well put.

I watch PTI every night I also watch all the football games and baseball if the Sox are on but that really is about it. ESPN is no where close to what they used to be or maybe I anm just not the demographic they are looking for which I am sure is the case. To me there are nothing but a bunchj of blowhardson that network these days save for a few.

I'm a major sports fan. All of them. And I too can't stand ESPN anymore. With the self-indulgent announcers and the 1 second shot of 15 different sports at one time. I only watch it when a favorite team is playing if I can help it.

I'm a major sports fan. All of them. And I too can't stand ESPN anymore. With the self-indulgent announcers and the 1 second shot of 15 different sports at one time. I only watch it when a favorite team is playing if I can help it.

I think the personalities on ESPN have as big if not bigger egos then the atheletes they cover.

When I watch PTI I always FF through the SC part. I wish they would take SC out of PTI but seeing as PTI brings in such strong ratings it will never happen

There is way too much visual pollution guys. Get rid of the needless and obstrusive graphics.
Amen to that. At times this year when watching hockey on VSHD I was able to zoom in on the picture and lose the graphics w/o losing much if any game action. It was very refreshing to watch with NO graphics on the screen!

Just turn on to ESPNNews. I can't wait for it to go HD. Sportscenter has been worthless for quite a while now. ESPNnews atleast shows highlights.

Same here. I used to watch ESPN (Sportscenter specifically) all the time. I'd have it on just to have it on. Now I won't watch unless I'm looking for a specific highlight. It's just too silly anymore. I wonder how many once-regular viewers have been turned off by the dumbing-down (for lack of a better term) of the network and its flagship shows.
I don't watch it anymore. I used to always watch Sunday nights but Kenny Mayne has really turned into a joke of a sportscaster. I've turned to local news.

Because the public is stupid.

Here's a thought...maybe it's not the public. But the people who produce the shows. IMO graphics of all types are ruining sports. There are just too many of 'em.

Blame all of this on PTI. If they weren't innovative and successful all of this aping by the Sportscenter producers wouldn't be happening. Actually it isn't just sportscenter, think about all of the "rundown" lists present on other networks as well. It all started with Tony and Mike.

Listen to the PTI podcasts on the way to work in the morning....much more efficient than watching. TiVo the shows in case they refer to a highlight or something visual you want to see. The entire show is a 25 minute podcast w/no commercials and no SC in the middle. Perfect.

Listen to the PTI podcasts on the way to work in the morning....much more efficient than watching. TiVo the shows in case they refer to a highlight or something visual you want to see. The entire show is a 25 minute podcast w/no commercials and no SC in the middle. Perfect.

If they had one channel with one ticker line for one sport, then under it another ticker line for a different sport, etc until all sports are covered. That would put some of these bozos out of a job. Many times I just want to know who won the darn game! But trying to find that little nugget in the graphics-announcer spin-camera-work can be quite tiring.

If they had one channel with one ticker line for one sport, then under it another ticker line for a different sport, etc until all sports are covered. That would put some of these bozos out of a job. Many times I just want to know who won the darn game! But trying to find that little nugget in the graphics-announcer spin-camera-work can be quite tiring.
that's what the internet is for. there are some people that enjoy being entertained by their sports news.

that's what the internet is for. there are some people that enjoy being entertained by their sports news.

Unfortunately I don't have an internet connection to my big screen tv in my living room. Nor do I want one.

I have actually heard a sportscaster claim (this was a football guy) that "if it wasn't for the announcers there would be no game of football." Funny, we used to play football in the yard and no announcer was present. Unfortunately that's the way a lot of them think. And that's whats wrong. Between the obtrusive graphics, the MTV-wannabe cameramen and the "I'm bigger than the sport" broadcasters, sometimes it's fairly difficult to pick out the product that is paying all of their salaries.

I mean, I know what this site is all about and everything, but you specifically said all you wanted was a ticker with text scores... Which is easily accomplished by looking it up online. Why you would need to look at them on your big screen tv is beyond me, if all you wanted was text scores in a ticker to begin with.

And anyway, even if you do want to look at them on your big-screen: ESPNNews. It's pretty much exactly that.

I mean, I know what this site is all about and everything, but you specifically said all you wanted was a ticker with text scores... Which is easily accomplished by looking it up online. Why you would need to look at them on your big screen tv is beyond me, if all you wanted was text scores in a ticker to begin with.

And anyway, even if you do want to look at them on your big-screen: ESPNNews. It's pretty much exactly that.

That's just great. Then you should petition for a channel that is nothing but these so-called sportscasters that can tell jokes, crack on each other and entertain you 'til the cows come home. No game..no scores...just these idiots that never played a minute of sports in their lives, sitting around playing "look at how many ways I can get attention to myself" all day. Wait a minute . . .There already is a show like that. It's called "The View".

What age group are some of you guys in?? Looks like some of you guys want an "older" look to the broadcast or in other words a "traditional look and feel".

I don't see anything wrong with the SportsCenter presentation at all, I like that they try new things, and update the look. Infact I'm happy they did bring in the "The Rundown" because now I know exactly what segment is coming up next if I need to change the channel. Hopefully they will put a timer next to each segment on "The Rundown".

I'm an old fart and I want all the extraneous crap off the screen. Give me back my wide screen TV!

What age group are some of you guys in?? Looks like some of you guys want an "older" look to the broadcast or in other words a "traditional look and feel".

I don't see anything wrong with the SportsCenter presentation at all, I like that they try new things, and update the look. Infact I'm happy they did bring in the "The Rundown" because now I know exactly what segment is coming up next if I need to change the channel. Hopefully they will put a timer next to each segment on "The Rundown".

And along with a timer let's add another window with video previews of what is coming on at that exact time the timer is displaying.

What age group are some of you guys in?? Looks like some of you guys want an "older" look to the broadcast or in other words a "traditional look and feel".

I don't see anything wrong with the SportsCenter presentation at all, I like that they try new things, and update the look. Infact I'm happy they did bring in the "The Rundown" because now I know exactly what segment is coming up next if I need to change the channel. Hopefully they will put a timer next to each segment on "The Rundown".

I just want the highlights in HD, that's the only reason I watch SportsCenter. I can get SD highlights and scores from many other sources. Before getting my HD DVR I stopped watching SportsCenter. Now I tape it so I can just watch the highlights and skip all the filler and talking heads. As of today I now record the 2 am live show instead of the 5 am repeat because it doesn't have "the rundown". If it migrates to the live shows and they don't remove it when showing a HD highlight I will stop watching again.

What age group are some of you guys in?? Looks like some of you guys want an "older" look to the broadcast or in other words a "traditional look and feel".

I don't see anything wrong with the SportsCenter presentation at all, I like that they try new things, and update the look. Infact I'm happy they did bring in the "The Rundown" because now I know exactly what segment is coming up next if I need to change the channel. Hopefully they will put a timer next to each segment on "The Rundown".

I'm 26, so I'm by no means a grumpy old man. I'm just tired of the entertainment aspects taking the place of actual reporting. It seems now like the graphic overlays are part of the overall dumbing down of broadcasts. When used properly, these overlays are informative (like in basketball games where stats flash on-screen for a few seconds and then GO AWAY) but the type of garbage pasted all over Sportscenter now is just too much.

I'm an old fart and I want all the extraneous crap off the screen. Give me back my wide screen TV!

I am with you on that

I am with you on that

Wouldn't it be great to watch just one football game without all the crap you have to look under to see the actual game? Maybe just the score down in the corner? Now you'll have to excuse me, I've gotten something on my drool bib.

I for one gave up on Sportscenter along time ago along with anything on ESPN2HD. Why? The ticker and graphic pollution of course. The graphics guys are like kids with cans of spray paint, adding graffiti to my screen.

I for one gave up on Sportscenter along time ago along with anything on ESPN2HD. Why? The ticker and graphic pollution of course. The graphics guys are like kids with cans of spray paint, adding graffiti to my screen.

There used to be a sports channel a few years back with a girl broadcaster. Her name was "Carrie" something I think. Anyway she did what now it takes 3 Cray graphic generator computers, and 4 of these sportscaster tools on ESPN to do. Covered all the sports. . .And man! She was a lot better to look at.

I don't see anything wrong with the SportsCenter presentation at all, I like that they try new things, and update the look.

You are losing some the picture. I don't watch it often, but I wont watch at all anymore.

You are losing some the picture. I don't watch it often, but I wont watch at all anymore.

True.. but it doesn't bother me at all.

Heck, we even have Dancing With The Stars highlights now. I can honestly say that's the most shameless plug for another memeber of a corporate family that I've ever seen.
What's next, a recap of Lost? They did play golf on an episode last year. Ridiculous.

Did anyone ever see that skit on SNL a few years ago when they were making fun of CNBC and all the junk they have on their screens? The news people were having to move all around the place just so they can be seen. I wish I could find a copy of that somewhere. Sadly Sportscenter is turning into that.

ESPN is simply the MTV of the sports world. I can no longer take it seriously.

i really had no idea how horrible sportscenter really had become until i got Bell Expressvu. the Sportscentre on TSN blows about the US version. they don' use all the unnecessary retarded calls and catchphrases they actually just show you the highlightes. they don't use all this slang urban grammar. all the canadian stations Rogers, TSN, and The Score kill our Sportscenter, especially if you are interested in hockey.

All they ever talk about on ESPN is the Yanks and the Sox. My team the Cleveland Indians have the best record in the AL and I haven't heard anything on them all season on ESPN. Very annoying..

Well I was very happy to see that the 2:00 am ET live SportsCenter didn't have "The Rundown". I will be recoding that one the 6 days a week it runs so I get my full screen highlights. On Sunday nights/Monday morning the only live one is 11:00 PM but it can start early or late depending on the baseball. I guess I just need to program a longer record window to avoid "The Rundown".

I saw it this morning, it doesn't bother me when an Anchor is talking or a highlight is not in HD, but when you have an HD highlight, it needs to go away.

Ping, fully and totally agree, once the clips are being shown make it disappear already. Sportscenter hss been the pits for a while now but this was a new low for them. Absolutely awful. I hope they hear about this because it is absolutely dumbed down highlight presentation. HD clip being shown and a whole side of the clip is covered.

A little off topic here but I have noticed on NESN the last 2 nights that the big scoreboard across the top is no longer there instead every once in a while a display will pop up on the lower right hand corner with the score and that is it while the sd version still has the big scoreboard at the top. I don't know if this is intentional or not but what a difference watching a game without all the clutter even my wife said something about it.

One horrible thing about the new graphics is that they are accompanied by annoying sound effects. It's exactly like those bloops and whooshes in Windows for every click, that everyone turns off during the first hour that they have a new PC.

But, on TV, you can't turn them off.

All this is made much worse by HD. Why? Because now the HD channels have 5.1, so I want to have my AV receiver hooked up when I watch TV.

One day, I had on CNBC, and went to the bathroom. Suddenly, it sounded like war had broken out in the neighborhood. I quickly went to the living room, and discovered that every time a chart appeared on the screen, a sound effect with bass going down into the ultra low bass occurred ! :( News banners now sound like the Death Star being blown up. :(

ESPN has some of the same sound effects on their graphics, and I think that many other channels do also. Unfortunately, while you can turn them off in Windows, you can't turn them off on your TV channels. :(

Another side effect of TV production being done on 15 inch monitors with two 3 inch speakers...

One day, I had on CNBC, and went to the bathroom. Suddenly, it sounded like war had broken out in the neighborhood. I quickly went to the living room, and discovered that every time a chart appeared on the screen, a sound effect with bass going down into the ultra low bass occurred ! :( News banners now sound like the Death Star being blown up. :(
.......

Another side effect of TV production being done on 15 inch monitors with two 3 inch speakers...
Actually, I have it on good authority that most of the non-linear edit rooms at ESPN have five good sized speakers plus a large .1 sub in them. The control rooms have similar audio setups. In addition, the control rooms have 30 - 40" widescreen montors for their program and preset views.

Of course, did you ever think making you fly out of the bathroom to look at your TV is exactly the goal?

BTW - for those of you who are complaining about the graphics:

Have you written to ESPN to express your displeasure? They aren't going to change if all they hear is feedback from consultants and focus groups.

I agree wholly with NETWORKTV. Write ESPN and complain if you don't like something . ESPN has gotten in the nasty habit of having focus groups dictate a lot of what you see on the air (who are generally comprised of people who are uneducated about the television process) and may not necessarily comprehend the difference between what goes into making Kudlow & Cramer versus making Baseball Tonight. Two very different disciplines of news television. The fact is ESPN does what it does solely because the brass beleive this is what the viewers want. Period. That is mission statement number one that gets drilled in everybody's head at ESPN: to serve the fan (sometimes they put the fan's opinion over their own employees who are TV professionals and know better). And that is what they believe they are doing with all those graphics (and this is what focus groups and marketing research tells them they are doing succesfully), so if you feel this is not the case then by all means be as vocal as you can. If enough people speak up, they'll listen. ESPNHD went to crap last fall and people started writing articles and posting notes on wikipedia and on forums like this and (as far as I can tell) it looks a lot better this spring than it did 8 months ago (except on D* but that's another story). Speak up!

Is it just me or has "the rundown" now disappeared from the taped SportsCenter's? I switched to recording the live one but a couple of mornings I switched to ESPNHD and it wasn't there on the taped ones.

What's next, a recap of Lost? They did play golf on an episode last year. Ridiculous.

Did anyone ever see that skit on SNL a few years ago when they were making fun of CNBC and all the junk they have on their screens? The news people were having to move all around the place just so they can be seen. I wish I could find a copy of that somewhere. Sadly Sportscenter is turning into that.

Don't give them any ideas!

Sportscenter has been a joke for years. I stick to espnNews for scores. I couldn't care less about watching stuart "cyclops" scott in HD.

BTW - for those of you who are complaining about the graphics:

Have you written to ESPN to express your displeasure? They aren't going to change if all they hear is feedback from consultants and focus groups.

Actually, I'd be happy to write.

Is there an email address that doesn't go to CS reps who merely pick a canned response from their list, and then file your email away on a hard drive ?

-----

However, extraneous effects and graphics are usually done - like most human actions in the corporate world - to preserve one's employment.

In 90% of situations, simpler TV production would be far better - no zooms, no constant changing of cameras. no slow motion or "black-and-white" effects, etc. (except slo-mo as needed in a replay, of course). But that would allow them to lay off half the TV production crew.

Near the beginning of mainstream DVD production (6 or 7 years ago), elaborate menus appeared with spoilers of the movie ! The most famous of these was Crouching Tiger, which has the climactic finale of the film as the menu where you choose "play" :eek: I know the head of DVD production for a major film director, and asked that guy why this occurs and he replied that the production people need to impress their bosses. None of those people care about "spoilers" - either the production people or their bosses. (My friend was a rare exception because he worked directly for an artsy filmmaker who had his own DVD production company.)

All paid actions in the world are done for the purpose of continuing employment.

PS To ABCTV99: Kudlow and Cramer split into two separate programs two years ago. It's ironic that you mention that show in this thread, as Cramer's show is famous for using more graphics and sound effects than any other show on TV (in a similar fashion to Deadwood having used more F-words than any other show).

Is it just me or has "the rundown" now disappeared from the taped SportsCenter's? I switched to recording the live one but a couple of mornings I switched to ESPNHD and it wasn't there on the taped ones.

You sure it was a re-air? Might've been one of the weekend morning editions of the show. Or master control may have been having issues.


The point about Kramer is a valid one. Cable news in general seems to have completely jumped the shark in terms of excess (moreso even than ESPN)...The Situation Room is almost unwatchable and several of MSNBC shows go wild with all the monitor graphics and crazy jib moves (which are semi-appropriate on Sportscenter given its status as a pseudo-entertainment) but MSNBC and CNN border on tasteless; to do sweeping jib moves across plasma screens to footage of the Virgina Tech tragedy or doing over-the-shoulder shots with a steadicam -- both of those would get someone near fired at ESPN.

You sure it was a re-air? Might've been one of the weekend morning editions of the show. Or master control may have been having issues.

Well the rundown was on during the 5:00 am re-air this morning. The only time it was off was during the feature story and commercials.

I watched the Tigers and Twins last night and the picture was great. Most of the time they only had the thin line score, outs, ball count, pitch mph. It doesn't take up a lot of room, but then they bring in some statistics for the individual player and its in about a 75 million arial font. Why does it have to be so BIG? Why do they think that all fans that are interested in statistics have the eyesight of Mr. Magoo?

I thought I was the only male in america who cant stand ESPN anymore. glad to see others feel the same way I do.
ESPN used to be running on my TV nearly 100% of the time. My internet homepage was ESPN.COM (dont get me started on that), now I never watch ESPN unless its a actual game. I will never visit ESPN.com ever again.

Sorry, I have nothing witty to add...just wanted to fuel the fire.

I thought I was the only male in america who cant stand ESPN anymore. glad to see others feel the same way I do.
ESPN used to be running on my TV nearly 100% of the time. My internet homepage was ESPN.COM (dont get me started on that), now I never watch ESPN unless its a actual game. I will never visit ESPN.com ever again.

Sorry, I have nothing witty to add...just wanted to fuel the fire.

Anyone who truly loves the sport they're watching couldn't possibly like these annoying graphics. It would be like sitting at a live football game and someone constantly holding up a sign obstructing your vision. Holding it up. Putting it down. Moving it here. Moving it there. And then some bozo next to you in your ear talking about everything but the sport you're watching. They have crossed the line. They think they are bigger than the sports they are covering.

Anyone who truly loves the sport they're watching couldn't possibly like these annoying graphics. It would be like sitting at a live football game and someone constantly holding up a sign obstructing your vision. Holding it up. Putting it down. Moving it here. Moving it there. And then some bozo next to you in your ear talking about everything but the sport you're watching. They have crossed the line. They think they are bigger than the sports they are covering.

+1

Between the tickers on both ESPN and ESPN2 and the graphics splashed all over the screen, the network is becoming unbearable. Sportscenter used to be a nightly watch for me, but I haven't turned it on for a couple of years now.

And then some bozo next to you in your ear talking about everything but the sport you're watching.
It isn't just ESPN though, I remember watching the an NFL playoff game on CBS. At the start of the halftime show the opening sequence was 5-6 minutes of Roger Federer and mens Tennis (CBS was broadcasting the tennis game after the NFL game).
I was hoping to hear some insight on the events of the 1st half and what changes each team should do in the 2nd half.
I only watch the games now, I cant watch the pre-game, the half time or anything else.

And dont get me started on these so-called 'Analysts'...all they do is regurgitate the same themes over and over. "I think the team that scores the most points has a good chance to win the game..."...etc etc

It isn't just ESPN though, I remember watching the an NFL playoff game on CBS. At the start of the halftime show the opening sequence was 5-6 minutes of Roger Federer and mens Tennis (CBS was broadcasting the tennis game after the NFL game).
I was hoping to hear some insight on the events of the 1st half and what changes each team should do in the 2nd half.
I only watch the games now, I cant watch the pre-game, the half time or anything else.

And dont get me started on these so-called 'Analysts'...all they do is regurgitate the same themes over and over. "I think the team that scores the most points has a good chance to win the game..."...etc etc

I'm with you on the pre-game and halftimes. I haven't watched either for 3 or 4 years myself. My new pet peeve is, like you said, now they run commercials during the game. I spend a lot of money on the NFL Sunday Ticket and I should at least be able to fast forward through the commercials. But no, now they wait 'til they're back and right before (or during) the first play they are advertising something they are showing later in the week, like "Desperate Housewives?". I don't think this should be allowed but it seems to be a new trend. I hate it.

If these stations want to continue claiming that these techniques are for the enjoyment/convenience of there viewers than they should do one thing.... invent a technology that allows people to choose what they want on screen. My cable company offers a button called "INFO" on my remote. :rolleyes: When clicked it tells me what show is on, what time it is, and what channel I am watching. With it I have no need for banners or channel logos. I would love to see something similar for ESPN's tickers, banners, and logos. If you actually like this screen graffiti than leave it on. If you don't, disable it. Just give is a damn choice on the matter.

I was hoping to hear some insight on the events of the 1st half and what changes each team should do in the 2nd half.


And dont get me started on these so-called 'Analysts'...all they do is regurgitate the same themes over and over. "I think the team that scores the most points has a good chance to win the game..."...etc etc
Who was going to give you those insights? Oh, that’s right, those ‘analysts’. ;) :D

Who was going to give you those insights? Oh, that’s right, those ‘analysts’. ;) :D

The best announcers are usually the one's that say the least. Sportcenter has robbed the sperm bank of the Kenny Mayne samples. Every sportscaster now sounds like a Kenny Mayne wannabe with his "dry wit", and his "monotone inflection". It's so transparent. Either that or they have to yell everything they say.

Count me as another who used to have ESPN on all the time. I've been scaling back my viewing time as well. Check out the SD channel though. Now THAT is an abomination. Did they actually squeeze the picture to fit the stupid rundown graphic?

Did they actually squeeze the picture to fit the stupid rundown graphic?

Yea they havent quite figured how to maintain a full 4:3 image and have the rundown going. I guess someone figured if FSN Final Score gets away with it and no one complains it must be okay for Sportscenter to do.

The powers that be at ESPN thought that "well, it (sidebar rundown) works for Pardon the Interruption, it should work just as well for SportsCenter". Judging by the reactions here, I would say not.

I don't know which editions the rundown has infiltrated, but it hasn't been on the late night (11:00 PM Pacific Time) editions.

I don't know which editions the rundown has infiltrated, but it hasn't been on the late night (11:00 PM Pacific Time) editions.

It's not on the live shows, only the morning repeats.

I just sent my negative comments in to ESPN. I suggest (along with others here) that you do the same.

I just sent my negative comments in to ESPN. I suggest (along with others here) that you do the same.

What address did you use? The standard addresses usually leave your complaints in CSR limbo.

The ESPN website contact us.

I just sent my negative comments in to ESPN. I suggest (along with others here) that you do the same.

I've emailed them so many times about stuff like this, its just a waste of my time

I've emailed them so many times about stuff like this, its just a waste of my time
The only other time I've complained to them was during the World Cup. While I very rarely watch SportsCenter at all, for the couple minutes per week I might watch I'd rather not see that stupid rundown.

Was it just me this morning? I had SC on ESPNHD while getting ready for work from about 7:40-8:00am and didn't see the "rundown" side bar at all. I saw the Budweiser Hot Seat, and the Top 10 basically, and didn't see it at all. I even RW'ed back to when I turned it on right as I was going to leave, and didn't see it appear once in the 20 minutes.

Did they get rid of it? The morning is the only time I watch TV till I get home from work, which isn't a bad thing.

Or maybe I wasn't awake and it was there :) But pretty sure it wasn't.

When I turned on the TV the rundown was on during the hot seat, I watched the news, and when I switched back to ESPN they were doing the top 10 and it wasn't on.

Was it just me this morning? I had SC on ESPNHD while getting ready for work from about 7:40-8:00am and didn't see the "rundown" side bar at all. I saw the Budweiser Hot Seat, and the Top 10 basically, and didn't see it at all. I even RW'ed back to when I turned it on right as I was going to leave, and didn't see it appear once in the 20 minutes.

Did they get rid of it? The morning is the only time I watch TV till I get home from work, which isn't a bad thing.

Or maybe I wasn't awake and it was there :) But pretty sure it wasn't.


When I turned on the TV the rundown was on during the hot seat, I watched the news, and when I switched back to ESPN they were doing the top 10 and it wasn't on.
Don’t get your hopes up; it was there earlier in the 7 o'clock hour.