The Weather Thread

They only use the new mics on the forecasts from the balcony using the big screen. The CSO NC, Breakfast & WN forecasts use lapel mics.

I really don't see the point of those mics. At the launch they said they were so they could keep their hands free to focus on the forecase, but their hands were always free before with a lapel mic anyway. Plus the sound quality is pretty poor from them at times. Unless they're to cut out the noise of the noisy newsroom.

This.

I presume the poor sound quality (which only ever seems to be a problem with John Hammond) is either incorrect usage (not close enough), or some sort of noise reduction thing.

How long has the BBC Two weather after Newsnight had the presenter on the left as normal? Certainly wasn't like that when they moved into Broadcasting House - they were still on the right.

I think since the BBC Two refresh.

I think because he has a cult following, his mishaps (not always his fault) garner attention-- not least because of his personality and the often amusing way he deals with them. Does it really go pear-shaped for him, anymore than it does other forecasters? I suspect when it does happen to the others, we wouldn't hear about it (as much... Mr Deakin's C-bomb excepted!).

I feel it would be unfair to daub TS as hapless; because in unduly focussing on a few times where it has gone wrong, perspective is lost, and it overlook of the hundreds of flawless broadcasts he has done.

They are usually used in noisy environments, as they allow the mic to be much closer to the mouth (i.e. the sound source you want to hear) so it will be louder relative to the ambient background noise (which is significant in a balcony onto an open newsroom). A normal lapel mic mounted on a jacket or tie would be a lot further away, and thus speech would be quieter relative to the ambient noise.

They're known as DPAs I believe - and are in widespread use instead of lapel mics across much of Europe for many studio shows. The BBC mainly use them in noisy sports stadiums etc.

Is it possible that some sound reduction has been applied to them as well? When John Hammond's voice seems to "disappear" when he's talking, it sounds like noise reduction to me.

There could be some kind of gating being used as well (where the level is dipped on quiet sequences, say the gaps between words, to reduce the background noise in gaps where you would notice it more) However if the presenter is quietly spoken, they might not 'open the gate' enough to break through and be dipped when they are speaking?

That sounds like it could be the problem.

Double Sian Lloyd sound on the weather now, sound and vision started before the sponsorship sting ended, and another after the sting ended.