Commonwealth Games: Now, DD paints hazy picture on telecast

The high definition telecast of the Commonwealth Games is in jeopardy. There are major glitches with the lighting at three major sporting arenas that are likely to adversely impact conditions required for the promised high quality television.

At a review meeting on Monday, the DD team drew attention to certain features of stadia that affected light quality and said it needed to better control luminosity even during day time sporting events. This was needed for the telecast promised to viewers as well as advertisers as DD will be the major TV platform.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium's wrestling and weightlifting arenas, the light streaming in from high windows that are like skylights is a problem for the telecast. The windows need to be blocked out so that light conditions can be monitored to the satisfaction of the DD team.

Similarly, at the newly recast Talkatora swimming stadium, light reflects off the water in a manner that affects TV operations. And at the shooting range, a large ledge is obstructing the view in a such a way so as to prevent a clear line of sight to the target. In all three venues, DD needs an even and consistent quality of light necessary for HD telecast.

The DD team explained that it cannot use a combination of light sources and it has to have a stable and largely unchanging intensity of illumination.

The problems need to be resolved soon so that DD can do the trial runs but the Sports Authority of India, which run the stadia, has said there is very little it can do. While some feel DD was being too exacting, the broadcaster has said that HD requirements are fairly demanding. It points out that even in the 1982 Asian Games, the atrium at JLN was blocked out.

The SAI view is that structural aspects of the venues cannot now be changed and while technical additions can be considered to enhance the telecast, these would have to take into account the existing physical infrastructure. DD crews have pointed out that in such a case, they cannot guarantee the telecast.

Much of the projected advertising is dependent on DD which will anchor the show with international partners. As it is, the organising committee is being closely questioned about revenues it will be raising by way of sponsors with the Games now just a couple of months away.

The telecast issues only serve to underline how preparation for the Games have been a piecemeal business with one wing not cognisant of another's needs. Telecast is so intrinsic to any mega sporting event that it is surprising how DD was not part of the loop for so long.

Reports of how the Games are rolling out are conveyed regularly to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is understood to be keen that the event be held in a smooth and well-planned manner. Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar has held more than 60 meetings, including one last Friday, and is also keeping the PM informed about how the Games are coming along.