BBC Two 50th Year Presentation

Since the BBC have been using automation, breakdowns haven't occurred as frequently as they used to. There are occasional breakdowns, but the advance in technology has been a factor in their reduction.

The majority of breakdowns now are either the automation in pres doing something unexpected and leaving a black hole where the junction should be or a live programme falling off air due to the link failing.

Once a recorded programme is on air it tends to stay on air these days. No tapes to get clogged up or telecine reel changes.

I don't know if this is a rare occurrence or not but before the Party Election Broadcast today on BBC TWO NI, Seascape played out. However, it lacked the soundtrack and instead just had the crashing wave sound effects.

Would've made a good sting!

That sounds excellent.

Well, this was the playout.

Have to say I like the "Temporary Fault" slide - compared to the usual wordy apology I don't think it leaves anything useful out.

I guess the only problem is using that when a programme does fail to return would look a bit silly.

I saw a short playout of Tent (Beach version) on BBC2 NI a few weeks ago, where it began from a point just after where the box logo disappears (hence no BBC TWO box logo shown), and where the soundtrack was just the ambient sounds from that beach scene.

Don't know if the playout of this version is a rare occurance or not.

Nice alternative with just the pure FX, very calm... Certainly sounds preferable to the opposite complete lack of atmos which leaves most of the network versions sounding incomplete. A short edit of that Seascape (as mentioned above with Tent Beach) could be ideal for such shorter links into more serious items. And true, not entirely unlike the stings in that regard.

Reminds me of just how effective the mute / short version of the Christmas symbol was last year - again used by NI before more serious programmes. An example of less is more.

The Seascape stings as still seen in Northern Ireland:

http://www.theidentgallery.com/misc/misc/BBC2NI-STINGS-SEASCAPE-1.mp4

Video link if not showing above

A nice alternative, particularly in comparison to this version with the horrible, loud, clashing, grating tune.

So NI still use the 2007 stings then?

I've never seen the first Seascape sting in the video, though I've seen the second on multiple occasions.

Yep, the Mirror and Seascape stings. They don't use the Sunroof one anymore though.

Network/Red Bee are clearly rather pleased with their 50 Years idents, aren't they.

Can they just keep them going all year. Or indefinitely. Maybe sort out a trail design too. I'd be more than happy to see this, just putting it out there.