Father-in-law Question: WTF is up with WGN's background audio

by Ivy Walls on Jul 24, 2008 4:04 PM CDT

We both noticed it as on cable out here in Colorado WGN's background audio seems turned up and there is this constant drone of the crowd that is drowning out the broadcaster's. It is very annoying.

Now he has tried satellite audio but it is so late, almost a play late in the delay. Watching FOX, ESPN there is not his audio problem. On MLB TV of course that is not the problem in that often I hear the opposing teams feed.

Al, you being an insider what is up?

BTW the new WGN graphic of the eyes is very much from the style of Japanese MONGA...my 17 year old noticed it......WGN is going to go very young folks.....

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Sometimes, the guy on the audio board

runs the crowd mic too high. Fox Sports is the master of this tactic. I really don’t hear what you hear on the WGN telecasts.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 24, 2008 4:24 PM CDT reply actions

Well, WGN AMERICA

is freshening up it’s stale, out-of-date look. They want to appeal to viewers of the ages 25-54, and become a competitor to TNT, FX, TBS, etc. WGN AMERICA (formerly WGN Superstation) has languished way too long, barely registering a ‘blip’ on cable ratings.

Look for less “Madlock” and more “24” when it comes to off-network shows, and Tribune Broadcasting is said to be offering Jay Leno a gig when he leaves NBC.

Also, expect more ‘stunting’ like the “Retro Nights” that have been aired lately.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 24, 2008 4:29 PM CDT reply actions

I haven't noticed this

But I’ve thought for the last few years the background audio on WGN telecasts has been too low. ESPN, TBS and the regional FOX network I get (FSN Midwest) have much louder crowd noise. Maybe I’m in the minority on this, but I like the louder crowd. It reminds me of radio broadcasts. It’s almost like WGN is broadcasting in a studio sometimes. I just have a regular analog television (mono even!), but WGN’s picture is also disappointing to me (very dull, not as crisp), compared to ESPN, TBS, etc.

"In an ocean or in a glass, cool water is such a gas."

by markleonette on Jul 24, 2008 9:15 PM CDT reply actions

Arne Harris..

...is rolling over in his grave, regarding your comment on sound!

The WGN feed might look different, depending how it’s being handled as it goes through the distribution chain en route to your cable system.

Now, you can compare the look/sound of Cubs telecats since EI (on cable) is now offering both teams cablecasts (when available) For example, in that third game of that last series the FSN AZ telecast (to me, anyway) seemed crisper & brighter than Comcast’s. I don’t know why that would have been , outside of some problem with Comcast’s feed after being distributed to EI’s chain, then out to the country’s cable/sat systems. As you flip through the games and look closely, you can see some feeds are great..others….not so good.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 25, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

It could very well be my cable company

As for your previous post, when do you think these big changes will take place. It’s already been a couple of months of the new WGN America, and outside of the logo and Retro Sunday’s, I haven’t really noticed anything different. Wouldn’t it have been a better idea to launch the name , logo and new, improved programming at the same time?

"In an ocean or in a glass, cool water is such a gas."

by markleonette on Jul 25, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Haven't heard it but...

...drowning out Len and Bob isn’t all that bad.

by DudeVf11 on Jul 24, 2008 11:16 PM CDT reply actions

Noticed This on Fox Broadcasts

There is some kind of warbling background noise, like the on-field mikes are giving off some kind of pulsing sound. It’s low but distinct. Started during the World Series last year. Anyone else know what I mean?

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 25, 2008 12:38 AM CDT reply actions

i don't think it looks that much like manga

just very stylized and a tad cartoonish. but not all that much in a manga style.

by nathew on Jul 25, 2008 12:51 AM CDT reply actions

I'm thinking that "WTF" isn't really appropriate language in a FanPost title.

Thank you.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 25, 2008 3:51 AM CDT reply actions

Two things...

I know they’re trying to skew younger but those eyes are just stupid. That’s really the best design they came up with?

As for the audio, if you have a DVR or Tivo you could just pause the tv broadcast for a few seconds then resume it as the radio broadcast catches up.

Also, I noticed it on the TBS feed one time where it was so bad I could barely hear the announcers. It was, however, totally normal on the non-HD TBS station so my guess was that HD feed had something to do with it. I know that the HD feed allows for 5.1 surround audio and I would bet the crowd noise is used for the rear surrounds. Different TVs without a surround setup might decode this differently or the guy in the truck may have just messed up the settings that day.

by CubFan81 on Jul 25, 2008 8:09 AM CDT reply actions

Wgn is now part of CW

the CW is bringing back a new version of Beverely Hills 90210. That alone says the type of audience they are trying to attract… and the type of audience they want to sending running.

"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly

by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 25, 2008 5:34 PM CDT reply actions