X Factor: 2011

I don't think this has been covered in this thread but what are the double cue dots for during the x factor?

Am I right in thinking one is for the network while the other is for the regions... Or something like that?

Interestingly stv HD only has a single cue dot but stv SD had two...

The titles looked better on our version than the first impression I got from the US version - why they don't put the exec producer credits over the opening scenes rather than the titles I don't know. If it's good enough for drama it's good enough for reality TV.

I think though they needed some kind of resolution tonight - perhaps the judges each saving a contestant, or perhaps having them choose a contestant to face the public vote tonight with one of them being saved tomorrow. It just felt odd without the constant reference to phone numbers, and feels like we're waiting 24 hours just for Kelly Rowland to make her decision.

Usually one is to cue the sponsor sting, the other is to cue the ad break itself.

TV3 Ireland has a different sponsor, I believe so presumably they are the reason the sponsor cue dot would be needed and also why it doesn't appear on the HD feed.

Also because Olympic venues are advertising 'clean' - none is allowed within or a certain distance around them

WHO? I cant remember that winner from last year?

I think the 4 that were sent home were so predictable but also the right 4 went. I liked this twist better than wildcards.

The new titles/music are working well and are a welcome addition IMO. I wish they'd ditch that awful Beyonce 'Ring the Alarm' bed though.

Yes - the right four definately went although interesting that now we have no groups that auditioned together in the top 12. And based on last night and personally since the auditions Misha B is head and shoulders above the rest - so probably destined to finish second.

I think Sami is going to be the contestant who sticks around longer than she should - no doubt she's got the voice but absolutely no chance of anyone buying her album should she win (except those who fall for the "perfect gift for Mothers Day" line, much to the disgust of their mothers!). Gut instinct at the auditions was the next Michelle McManus - and last night she seemed to have a touch of Geraldine thrown in too!

I don't mind it, but I preferred when they used the instrumental of Katy Perry's Firework last year.

I disagree personally. I feel the new ones are a cheapened remix and lacks the punch and atmosphere of the old title music.
If they kept the original arrangement with the new graphics it would have been awesome.

Also, hello again steadicam! Nicely seen on The Risk, James Michael, Marcus Collins to name a few. Prior to this it was last seen in series 5 in 2008. Not sure why it wasn't used in 2009 or 2010.

The set - just echoing the views - again is marvellous, nice to see they keep it fresh and add new tweaks here and there from its debut in S6.
I guess this means a new set change in 2012 - inspired by the US (as they plan to have a whole new set for their live finals, correct?)

As I understand it there is a completely different set being designed by Florian Wieder for the US version of the show. I see from Applause Store USA that they are having their live finals at Stage 36 in CBS TV City, the same stage which is used for the AGT live shows.


Unfortunately, bye bye Stedicam! As I understand it wasn't used on Sunday's show and has been 'disposed of' for some reason.