BBC buys NZ-made weather graphics

Lol I have no idea what she was saying I was busy on the PC. I've seen that sort of flyover before - it just seemed amazing that time round lol.

Those symbols / graphics as shown on the TVNZ forecasts have been going for at least five years, so they are hardly bang upto date anyway.

The BBC's symbols have a basic clarity and recognition that is really all anyone interested in the weather wants.

I agree with those before me who don't like the occasional BBC forecasts where the camera pans across the UK and the symbols look 3D. The forecasts where the forecaster stands in front of actual screen are also hard to make out.

There is never any need for change JUST for change's sake. What research has been done here suggesting a need for change anyway?

I look at this thread, and once again I see the typical British knee-jerk reaction to change.

Move on people! or shall we just go back to stick on weather symbols?

You might see that, but that isn't necesarily what people are saying.

No one is saying that the BBC shouldn't have dispensed with the sticky symbols and moved over to computer graphics.

But change for changes sake is not good practice - but I am open to persuasion if the new look is good / better.

This is Channel Nine's (Australia) weather graphics. They've been in use since about September 2000 I think. These are the basic National weather graphics, and we usually get a national fly-over on the Today show every morning, as well as a state fly-over in the local Nine bulletins every night.

http://www.rp-networkservices.com/tvforum/uploads/sami151203.jpg

http://www.rp-networkservices.com/tvforum/uploads/sami291203_2.jpg

BBC Weather have had the current set of graphics for a while in some shape or form. It might look okay on screen - but behind the scenes the systems powering all this could be falling apart. The world of I.T is always changing and with that things have to change. Most people here will realise themselves that after a few years or even a year their PC or I.T equipment has aged slightly and has it's downfalls. Change is change.

Get over it eh.

exactly!

I too think that the reason why the BBC's weather graphics have gone largely unchanged over the years is simply because there has never been any need for change.

If they can survive 19 years, why can't they survive longer? Surely a case for change could have been put in 1990, or 1995, or 2000?

In fact, the stylistic cloud symbols could have been dispensed with on the change from magnetic boards to computer, but they retained the symbols because they were already deemed to be the clearest, simplest and therefore most effective you could possibly get.

As nice as other broadcasters' graphics are, I find it difficult to decipher the basic information they are conveying because there is too much detail in the visuals.

I think the BBC will stick to the icons - as they have been in use for ever

remember thay are buying an off the self system - that dosent men it wont be customised to the look that the BBC want.

And why are the weather forecasters not as stunning on the BBC?

You never know, they be part of the new package they have baught!

I think they've already taken a load on from a BBC Talent scout they did a while back looking for weather presenters... and what a dowdy lot they are too...