Poll: “Tuning out” the Commentators

[Isk8NYC]

I once watched the Simpsons in Spanish for about 10 minutes, waiting for the punchline. Then, I realized that it wasn't a joke: one of my kids had switched the TV audio over to "Second Audio Programming" (SAP) because she was studying for a test by watching public television in French. It ended up being pretty funny in the end.



The experience has inspired me to begin a survey. Skating fans often state that they would like to hear a skater's program music without the sportscaster's commentary. Perhaps if enough people ask, the TV networks would be able to provide a music-only Second Audio Programming for us purists! (Of course, then we’d have to debate the inclusion of crowd noise, but that’s another survey!)


So, sound off in my survey!

[Oracle]

I voted no because I've never had a problem tuning out the commentators. I probably catch 1/2 of what they say. I always hear the music because I concentrate on it as well as the skating. That's what it is all about...the ability to concentrate on what is important & to overlook what is not.

[NJSk8Fan]

I also voted no. I can tune the commentators out pretty well on my own. However, without listening to Dick Buttons during my first years of viewing, I still wouldn't know an axle from a spiral. I keep listening to learn more about the sport, especially now that this new judging system is in place....and to also try to learn more about dance, which still leaves me wondering what is difficult/good and what is less difficult/not so good. Susie Wynne is helping me out a little with her commentating and explaining.

[Isk8NYC]

I keep listening to learn more about the sport, especially now that this new judging system is in place....and to also try to learn more about dance, which still leaves me wondering what is difficult/good and what is less difficult/not so good.

I don't disagree with the learning experience. That's why I thought of the SECOND Audio Program. If your TV supports it, you can listen to the regular music/crowd/comments OR switch over to SAP to hear just the music.

[Isk8NYC]

That's what it is all about...the ability to concentrate on what is important & to overlook what is not.

When I watch skating, I want to hear the music and become the skater, so to speak. I don't want to hear costume remarks, continuous "color" comments about past competitions, and chit-chat about the judging is distracting. That's why I propose using SAP: You have the option to CHOOSE one audio program or the other.


I don't agree that tuning the noise out is "What it is all about." It's about enjoying a performance by the performer. No offense intended. You're saying that you would NEVER want the option of removing the play-by-plays? Not me. Torvill and Dean didn't need the voice-overs. Their music was too lovely to miss a note.

[NJSk8Fan]

I guess a better answer for me would be:
Yes, an SAP to have the choice of would be good but I probably wouldn't use it too often.

[Sebby17JB]

I would enjoy having an option. I'd probably tape in both versions. Watch first with just the music and then watch it again with the commentary because, after all, they can pick up on more minor mistakes or bobbles and assess the effectiveness of the program more than I can. But yeah, the commentary is often annoying and distracting.

[flippet]

I'd love that option. I'm not averse to some commentary if I'm really chewing my nails over the 'competition' aspect...but that's not usually what I'm doing. I watch to see the beauty of the skating and the choreography--who wins or loses is a distant second in my list. I can get that from a results list. What I watch for is the art of the skating itself....and I don't need commentary to tell me a layback is lovely.

[Canadian Chick]

I said yes. The commentators don't usually bother me, but sometimes when they babble on about useless stuff, it would be nice to have the option to get rid of that.

[loveskating]

I am grateful that the commentators usually shut up during a truly great performance. I like commentary, just think less is more.

I wish that instead of making insulting remarks, more commentators were like Paul Wylie, who points out the less obvious mistakes and what they are worth...instead of saying things like, "Well, THAT was sloppy!"

I'm also puking sick of "she flails her arms" which has become the cheapeast shot possible.

[7302005]

if i could cut out Peggy's "she needs more stretch and Sasha has the best stretched out positions in skating"...yes, yes, yes!

[Hydroblade]

Well I think it would be worth it to have the commentators turned off some of the time.......like when Dick Button says:

"look at that awful line of that sitspin."

or

"that is the most beautiful layback in this competition" and then reapeats it for every other skater.

I think that somwtimes the commentation can be very useful and seem like other sports....like at worlds when Irina landed a triple Lutz triple Loop as her first jump and then Barb Underhill is just screaming into the microphone how great that was but it wasn't annoying to me when it's done at the right moment. so as long as you have a choice.