Video replay quality OR NOT

[Bandito]

I have always thought the video replay quality you get with the HRV results to be bloody ordinary - it is a very small view screen and if you enlarge it, it only becomes a bigger blur. NSW trots TV has always been sharper. Ventured onto HRNZ and the first race I saw was 480p quality and it was sensational! They mostly seem to be 360p but are still good - using close ups and split screens. How about HRV not only improves their game but aims for industry best and makes the jump to 480p

[David Summers]

Totally agree with your comments. Love the split screen concept of NZ racing. Wish they would at least give it a try for broadcasts from Melton and Menangle.

While I am on my soapbox, at most NZ trot meetings the callers seem to be right amongst the crowd when calling. The background noise , the cheers and yelling from the crowd during the call really gives the race calls an extra degree of excitement, especially in the home straight. Something else different I wish they would try at Melton and Menangle.

[aussiebreno]

I have always thought the video replay quality you get with the HRV results to be bloody ordinary - it is a very small view screen and if you enlarge it, it only becomes a bigger blur. NSW trots TV has always been sharper. Ventured onto HRNZ and the first race I saw was 480p quality and it was sensational! They mostly seem to be 360p but are still good - using close ups and split screens. How about HRV not only improves their game but aims for industry best and makes the jump to 480p
I've also got a problem with the replays. No matter how often I watch my bet still never wins. It needs fixing.

[Bandito]

I've also got a problem with the replays. No matter how often I watch my bet still never wins. It needs fixing.
That is a problem with REplays. Have you thought of betting on the cartoon trot races they have in the TABs. Same horses go around but different winners every 5 minutes :)

[2minuteman]

Totally agree with your comments. Love the split screen concept of NZ racing. Wish they would at least give it a try for broadcasts from Melton and Menangle.

While I am on my soapbox, at most NZ trot meetings the callers seem to be right amongst the crowd when calling. The background noise , the cheers and yelling from the crowd during the call really gives the race calls an extra degree of excitement, especially in the home straight. Something else different I wish they would try at Melton and Menangle.
Another thing to like about NZ harness is that it doesn't matter how long they have for a prelim, come 90 secs to start time,half of the field heads to the outside fence and the drivers start to frig around with gear adjustments for the next 4-5 mins.Discuss!

[Danno]

Another thing to like about NZ harness is that it doesn't matter how long they have for a prelim, come 90 secs to start time,half of the field heads to the outside fence and the drivers start to frig around with gear adjustments for the next 4-5 mins.Discuss!

G'day Ron,
I reckon the Kiwis are a MUCH smarter bunch than us. they are never as easily influenced by bullshit marketing, they tend to do things right rather than what's percieved as right and I reckon if the punters want to be sure that the horse they've backed is "on the job" and getting every chance then they would be happy to wait for the race to start rather than see a gear failure at some point between the start and the finish because everyone had to get off the mark "pronto" to suit a clock somewhere.

If you want to see an example of the Kiwis Vs Aussies, look at the sulkies that people are racing in on both sides of "the ditch" dumb Aussies paying big bucks for "speed sulkies" and Kiwis still setting records in their homeland wth timber sulkies that were banned in Oz twenty bloody years ago!!!!!

Cheers,
Dan.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

G'day Ron,
I reckon the Kiwis are a MUCH smarter bunch than us. they are never as easily influenced by bullshit marketing, they tend to do things right rather than what's percieved as right and I reckon if the punters want to be sure that the horse they've backed is "on the job" and getting every chance then they would be happy to wait for the race to start rather than see a gear failure at some point between the start and the finish because everyone had to get off the mark "pronto" to suit a clock somewhere.

If you want to see an example of the Kiwis Vs Aussies, look at the sulkies that people are racing in on both sides of "the ditch" dumb Aussies paying big bucks for "speed sulkies" and Kiwis still setting records in their homeland wth timber sulkies that were banned in Oz twenty bloody years ago!!!!!

Cheers,
Dan.
I'm not sure if this is tongue in cheek or what? Getting back to the quality of replays. Melton replays quality is absolutely atrocious. Not only vision but sound as well. Even compared to country Vic replays, it pales! Wtf is going on? Get it right HRV.

[2minuteman]

G'day Ron,
I reckon the Kiwis are a MUCH smarter bunch than us. they are never as easily influenced by bullshit marketing, they tend to do things right rather than what's percieved as right and I reckon if the punters want to be sure that the horse they've backed is "on the job" and getting every chance then they would be happy to wait for the race to start rather than see a gear failure at some point between the start and the finish because everyone had to get off the mark "pronto" to suit a clock somewhere.

If you want to see an example of the Kiwis Vs Aussies, look at the sulkies that people are racing in on both sides of "the ditch" dumb Aussies paying big bucks for "speed sulkies" and Kiwis still setting records in their homeland wth timber sulkies that were banned in Oz twenty bloody years ago!!!!!

Cheers,
Dan.
Point taken Dan but why wait until he last minute? Surely if an adjustment needs to be made they can attack it earlier?

[Bandito]

I'm not sure if this is tongue in cheek or what? Getting back to the quality of replays. Melton replays quality is absolutely atrocious. Not only vision but sound as well. Even compared to country Vic replays, it pales! Wtf is going on? Get it right HRV.

I have emailed them a couple of times Leigh but have never had receipt of my email acknowledged, much less got a reply - public relations whizzs too LOL

[David Summers]

Don't ever hold your breath waiting for any reply from HRV. From my experience , they have automatically set any incoming email to go to their trash bin , without ever being read. It's a complete waste of time.

They just could not be bothered with any queries or feedback. They obviously believe that they are "oh so very important" to ever bother what us mere lowly harness racing enthusiasts think. It's pathetic, but that's their current thinking. I can't see that attitude changing.

[broncobrad]

Just agreeing with you Bandito, the quality of replays both vision and sound extremely poor at times. You would think that someone would have addressed this by now.

[KTQ]

well considering you can watch workouts and trials online in NZ....

[Danno]

I'm not sure if this is tongue in cheek or what? Getting back to the quality of replays. Melton replays quality is absolutely atrocious. Not only vision but sound as well. Even compared to country Vic replays, it pales! Wtf is going on? Get it right HRV.

No smug comment there Leigh,the kiwis do many things better than us, split screen race views for one are soooo much better to watch the race leave alone quality etc.
The comment I made about sulkies is also my firm and true opinion, the kiwis have also been succesfully offloading low calibre horses at inflated prices to Oz for many decades as well, I know a couple of blokes that have made a handy living from the trade as well.

IMO the kiwis deal with bullshit far more successfully than us Aussies.

Cheers,
Dan

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Ha ha Dan. I too admire some of the things the kiwi's do. Hell! I even married one! But as far as doing things better over there better than us is a bit over the top. I know a few ordinary horses sold to the US. Does that make the yanks dumber than us? But NZ is a great place to go,and I recomend everyone get over there. Especially the Marlborough Sounds.

[eliteblood]

Ha ha Dan. I too admire some of the things the kiwi's do. Hell! I even married one! But as far as doing things better over there better than us is a bit over the top. I know a few ordinary horses sold to the US. Does that make the yanks dumber than us? But NZ is a great place to go,and I recomend everyone get over there. Especially the Marlborough Sounds.

You WHAT. You married a Kiwi. WHY !!!!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Come on Trevor. You know why. The Kiwi's do things better. Just ask Dan!

[little fish]

I race most of my horses in Victoria so I mainly watch the HRV replays online - often on my phone cause I'm always 'on the go' - and I definitely agree the sound is shockingly inconsistent. Sometimes it is fine, but too often it is a burbled joke, I turn the volume up but it's not just the volume level that is the problem it is a jumbled mix of electronic sounds similar to listening to a fax noise.

For an industry association as big as HRV that is simply not good enough.

Who is at fault? I run my own business and if something goes wrong - even a once off - the buck usually stops with me. So from that perspective I'd say it is probably Anderson's failing to have not got this right still.

Regarding NZ I think HRNZ is a great website and offers a lot of usful stuff that the HRA should look in to adopting. I like the way you can log into infohorse and put your horses name in and then click for suitable races and a whole list just flashes up almost instantly. You can see all your horse's immediate and future options and I think that is just fantastic personally. Makes planning a campaign much quicker and easier.

[Bandito]

I race most of my horses in Victoria so I mainly watch the HRV replays online - often on my phone cause I'm always 'on the go' - and I definitely agree the sound is shockingly inconsistent. Sometimes it is fine, but too often it is a burbled joke, I turn the volume up but it's not just the volume level that is the problem it is a jumbled mix of electronic sounds similar to listening to a fax noise.

For an industry association as big as HRV that is simply not good enough.

Who is at fault? I run my own business and if something goes wrong - even a once off - the buck usually stops with me. So from that perspective I'd say it is probably Anderson's failing to have not got this right still.

Regarding NZ I think HRNZ is a great website and offers a lot of usful stuff that the HRA should look in to adopting. I like the way you can log into infohorse and put your horses name in and then click for suitable races and a whole list just flashes up almost instantly. You can see all your horse's immediate and future options and I think that is just fantastic personally. Makes planning a campaign much quicker and easier.

Being profoundly deaf I require video quality that allows me to discern race colours which would of course go a long way to balancing out poor sound for others too. I must admit that the coded race summary in the Stewards Comments column of the Results page helps me know what to watch for before viewing the video replay and although NZ does not have that, not only is their video better quality, they do have the names of the first three throughout the running which is handy (especially when you know the final result)

[gutwagon]

I think that Provideo probably has the rights to sell dvd copies of the races so if the replays on the HRV site were dvd quality or above nobody would ever buy copies from Provideo.
Lets hope that HRV work out a better deal for us fans and owners when the current deal expires .

[Bandito]

We emailed HRV again with the heading Please Reply and got a reply from the receptionist who said she would forward it on to Pro Video. This turned out to be a good thing as we got a reply from ProVid and a reply from a HRV officer (after we suggested she could do more than that). Funny thing is that the ProVid sees our point - problem is to do with uploading races via mobile broadband and how to send a bigger file in a shorter time with good quality pics, they say they are working on it. HRV however replied that they see the quality as 'clear and adequate'. HRV did not know we had received a reply from Pro already (thanks to HRVs receptionist) and at least said they would ask Pro if they have any improvement plans. You would hope that HRV want more than adequate!

[Richard prior]

HRV appear to be to high and mighty not to deal with this problem immediately, I watched a replay from country NSW a few weeks ago and you would swear that the horses were doing quarters in 15 seconds, so the problem is right through OZ harness racing. The split screen is the way to go, NZ and the Yanks have it down pat. It's also great when you can hear the crowd going off in the background. I reckon that HRV should bring Big Dan a bit closer to the action, give him a couple of Beers and Hot Dogs and then we could really hear some great commentary.

[aussiebreno]

HRV appear to be to high and mighty not to deal with this problem immediately, I watched a replay from country NSW a few weeks ago and you would swear that the horses were doing quarters in 15 seconds, so the problem is right through OZ harness racing. The split screen is the way to go, NZ and the Yanks have it down pat. It's also great when you can hear the crowd going off in the background. I reckon that HRV should bring Big Dan a bit closer to the action, give him a couple of Beers and Hot Dogs and then we could really hear some great commentary.
What is this 'crowd' you speak of?

[Richard prior]

Got a point there Brendan, TV has probably killed off the crowds, which is a bit sad. Okay, bring him down on the Big Days or nights.

[Danno]

Maybe they could copy a septic sit-com tactic and have "canned Crowd" sound track running in the background??????

Sorry guys just Danno being a bit weird.

[Bandito]

At the TAB to watch the Breeders Crown today, I became a fan of SINGAPORE RACING! Please, please HRV have a look at how outstanding video can look. I was in awe of it. I don't mean this in a bad way (as you already have heard how impressed I was) but it was almost as if it was digitally enhanced - it looked that perfect

[aussiebreno]

I have always thought the video replay quality you get with the HRV results to be bloody ordinary - it is a very small view screen and if you enlarge it, it only becomes a bigger blur. NSW trots TV has always been sharper. Ventured onto HRNZ and the first race I saw was 480p quality and it was sensational! They mostly seem to be 360p but are still good - using close ups and split screens. How about HRV not only improves their game but aims for industry best and makes the jump to 480p
http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=21599

[Richard prior]

Hallelujah!!!

[broncobrad]

We will probably never know if Banditos original thread and continued agitation of HRV on this topic led to a change in provider of vision or not, but well done John either way. You never really know who is looking at what is posted on this forum, maybe there was SOMEONE taking notice.

Will be interesting to see after October if the vision does improve, or indeed if the problem really did lie in the uploading of the vision as described to you by the current carrier.

[gutwagon]

Just saw that Pro Video have lost the contract with HRV. It's gone to a Swedish company . So lets see if they get it right http://bit.ly/1861QSm The story is down the bottom of the article .

[aussiebreno]

Just saw that Pro Video have lost the contract with HRV. It's gone to a Swedish company . So lets see if they get it right http://bit.ly/1861QSm The story is down the bottom of the article .Thanks for that Rick. Who do you like in the 5th at Harold Park?

[gutwagon]

Sorry I should have red your link !

[aussiebreno]

Sorry I should have red your link !
No probs. interesting take from article you posted anyhow.

[gutwagon]

Hinch did leave out the part about many participants being unhappy with Pro Videos product.
I would be very surprized if the new mob don't hire some of the Pro Video staff .

[Messenger]

Having started this thread and having just watched the Cranbourne Cup replay, I think it is timely to ask - has there been any improvement? Maybe it is my eyes but the Cup seemed out of focus and in all the video replays I have watched I don't remember thinking the resolution has improved on Pro. What about some of the features you get on HRNZ like the split screen - nope. Jury is still out but the verdict is looking grim

[Richard prior]

Has the new mob taken over yet?? I've seen no improvement. NZ are light years in front of our current coverage, the rolling film covers every horse and the split screen really gives you a good look at the goings on right through the field.

[Messenger]

Race 6 Maryborough today - replay shows NONE OF LAST LAP - wtf

[Messenger]

Well the new mob have had long enough. At the TAB last night for the Cup and I could not help but notice that Melton was STILL THE LEAST IMPRESSIVE footage of everything being shown - if NSW can get it right why can't Vic. We never get as close as the others and it just looks bloody average. Any officialdom around how about a comment or else I guess I will contact Mediatec.

[Njcstables]

Yeah have to agree Kevin. New mobs vision is rubbish. Been luck enough to get some winning videos of late and they're terrible compared to provideos of the past. Even my wife commented last night (and she doesn't watch the trots much) how bad the vision is. Especially when you watch menangle the vision is so much better. Makes me wonder how hrv have done a deal for way more money for a poorer quality product?????

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Yeah have to agree Kevin. New mobs vision is rubbish. Been luck enough to get some winning videos of late and they're terrible compared to provideos of the past. Even my wife commented last night (and she doesn't watch the trots much) how bad the vision is. Especially when you watch menangle the vision is so much better. Makes me wonder how hrv have done a deal for way more money for a poorer quality product?????

With all the money they've saved from not running any Metro meetings on a Friday night lately, you'd like to think they're spending it wisely. Unfortunately I dont think that is the case, judging by the sub par video replays. And thats not even mentioning the sound quality as well!

[Richard prior]

Shocking, Should have gone with the NZ mob or stuck with Pro Video's.

[Messenger]

HRV are interested in our feedback and are aware of this thread so if you have an opinion on Victoria's / Melton's video quality please post it

[broncobrad]

They don't need our feedback Kevin...get them to watch the Hunter Cup replay and judge for themselves.

[aussiebreno]

They don't need our feedback Kevin...get them to watch the Hunter Cup replay and judge for themselves.
They put the Hunter Cup replay up did they? I tried watching about 2 hours after the race on Sat night and wasn't up. NSW Clubs have replays up within the hour.

[Greg Hando]

They need "Boss Hog" Harbor television like we have in NSW.

[Messenger]

Have my eyes improved or has the Vic video quality improved markedly. It would seem to be a higher resolution - confirmed by the fact that Media player now has to buffer it (that is with Optus - who cannot even manage NSW's Trots TV at all, Telstra is still instantaneous with both) It is surely nice to be able to read the numbers etc. Thanks people

[Richard prior]

Had a look at the 2yr old race from Swan Hill last night and the Video Quality was crystal clear and a huge improvement on previous replays.

[Njcstables]

Can someone please watch replay of race 8 from melton on Friday. So much for improved quality!

[jackthepunter]

How good are the camera angles in nz, their brilliant. With the spilt srceens and head on views. Great to watch at cambridge yesterday. You feel so much closer to the action. Watch it over here is like looking at ants race at times.

[Messenger]

Can someone please watch replay of race 8 from melton on Friday. So much for improved quality!
Just caught it Nathan - well some of it LOL. Nearly gave up on it but decided to fast forward and was relieved to find that someone killed the gremlin before the race was all over

[Messenger]

What has happened to the video quality of NSW's TrotsTV - very ordinary today

[Amlin]

I know it isn't much compared to other problems in the world today but...why does the camera seem to go out of focus nearly every time the horses come around the home turn on each lap?

[jackthepunter]

trying to watch melton trots nearly need barnoculars camera focus shocking.

[Messenger]

Watching Sky on large TV screen at TAB tonight instead of computer and Albion Park wins 'Best camera work' award

[Messenger]

Out tonight and watching Sky on big screen has convinced me NOT to get Foxtel after all - it looks better on my smaller computer monitor.
It is like watching Ch.7's blurry AFL coverage in Standard Def - maybe I should get Foxtel for the footy!

[Richard prior]

Sky 2 is the go Kev, The racing from NZ is light years ahead of Sky 1.

[Messenger]

The HRV results replays seem to have changed their format - they are a little bigger and to me they seem to be a better quality. Anyone else think so
I have not been watching anything live lately so I do not know if Sky looks any better (I did get Foxtel after all)

[Messenger]

Sky 2 is the go Kev, The racing from NZ is light years ahead of Sky 1.

Watching it this arvo Rich and I cannot help but think that nobody in authority in Oz must watch for it is a no-brainer to copy them

Only drawback to coverage is the hour around sunset which is a crap period for the cameramen

Hey TC - I could become a NZer (Uncle just got back and said your country is a little better than OK ;))

ps Addington video a bit better than Alexandra

[The Form Student]

Watching it this arvo Rich and I cannot help but think that nobody in authority in Oz must watch for it is a no-brainer to copy them

Only drawback to coverage is the hour around sunset which is a crap period for the cameramen

Hey TC - I could become a NZer (Uncle just got back and said your country is a little better than OK ;))

ps Addington video a bit better than Alexandra

it's only one way traffic.....Kiwi's come over here we don't go over there!

[Richard prior]

Watching it this arvo Rich and I cannot help but think that nobody in authority in Oz must watch for it is a no-brainer to copy them

Only drawback to coverage is the hour around sunset which is a crap period for the cameramen

Hey TC - I could become a NZer (Uncle just got back and said your country is a little better than OK ;))

ps Addington video a bit better than Alexandra

Hi Kev, Addington is a better watch but Alexandra Park still puts a lot of ours to shame, The split screens are fantastic and I can't really see how our coverage has improved at all. It is about time that the people in charge woke up and smelt the roses and have a real good look at some of the coverage from all over the world.

[Richard prior]

it's only one way traffic.....Kiwi's come over here we don't go over there!

Well Steve we'll test your theory out when the big races come along. I for one would like to see our horses dominate and keep the cash here but that's not always possible as the Kiwi's have an endless array of talented horses and they regularly take home their fair share of the cash and trophy's.

[The Form Student]

It would be good to see Seel N Print or Abettorpunt upset the apple cart, and bring something back..........I remember years ago, when Norm Lang, took Steel Jaw over to NZ..... he broke their jaws!

[Messenger]

At the risk of this making me sound crazy (well crazier than some already think I am). I am serious when I say the gallops look better because they run on grass, well I noticed that little bit of a green fringe developing on the inside of Melton and I think they should develop it as with the colourful billboards around the track, you end up with an overall colourful video package

[The Form Student]

What about letting a few "graffiti artists" get on to the signboards in the back straight!

[brent_L]

It would be good to see Seel N Print or Abettorpunt upset the apple cart, and bring something back..........I remember years ago, when Norm Lang, took Steel Jaw over to NZ..... he broke their jaws!
Pretty sure I heard that Abettorpunt was heading straight to Sydney......no NZ

[aussiebreno]

http://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/aaaaargh-channel-seven-please-stop-showing-hooves-just-when-the-race-is-getting-interesting/story-fndpqu3p-1227109192047

[Messenger]

Hoof cam is the weak point of their coverage for sure. Love that helicopter/drone? shot of some starts - as far as following what is happening you could not beat it (would probably be a bit off-putting for a whole race though)

[gutwagon]

Has anyone worked out a way to save these new mp4 video replays of harness.org yet ? The old type were easy to save !

[allanjg]

i`m in the same boat as you rick.i have tried every avenue i know to save the replays of the races that i am interested in but to no avail,so if anyone knows how it can be done please inform us......having said that, i am very friendly with a computer geek,who i will ask advice....if he can`t do it ,then it cant be done. a real pain in the ass to have to go back through old results to watch a race replay.

[KTQ]

You could just save the bookmark?
I can't see a way :/ stupid


Not that it matters, the quality of videos from country WA is horrendous. My bf (who is NOT a horsey person but who is subjected to me sending him videos of all my horses' races) often comments how horrible the quality is compared to the NZ races I send him. He says he can't even tell which horse is which and therefore doesn't watch the races I send sometimes. That's pretty poor, how are new people supposed to get interested in the industry if they can't see anything.

[KTQ]

WORKED IT OUT!!!!!!!!! (well someone else did)
Hover over their "Play" icon. It'll show you the URL at the bottom of the browser. Each URL ends with a state="aaa"&&raceCode="bbb" . Substitute the lower case "aaa" and "bbb" into: http://media.harness.org.au/aaa/bbb.mp4. From there you can "Save page as..." ( assuming you're using Chrome ) by right clicking anywhere on the page and 'saving as'
(I was looking for the aaa and bbb and was confused, aaa=state, bbb=racecode in this example)

Example: first "Play" button has a link "state=WA&raceCode=BYC2810140" so the video can be found at http://media.harness.org.au/wa/BYC28101402.mp4


It works for me!!! :) yay (let me know if this doesn't make sense)

[allanjg]

sorry kto,it dos`nt work...hover over the play icon on the race result page and it just tells you that it`s mp4 video of so many mbts.....i will have to bring in the guy i know,the computer whiz.

[gutwagon]

Thanks KTQ I got it to work . It's a lot more complicated than the old replays , I think they just don't want us to copy them.

[KTQ]

sorry kto,it dos`nt work...hover over the play icon on the race result page and it just tells you that it`s mp4 video of so many mbts.....i will have to bring in the guy i know,the computer whiz.

It does work, it's just more complicated. Let me explain it better. The template for the video is: http://media.harness.org.au/stateinitials/RACECODE.mp4
The states capitals MUST be in lower case and the race code MUST be in uppercase. This is the first time I've ever seen a URL needing to be case specific but I'm no tech whizz - I tried in different forms of case and this is the only form that works.

So, for example the FOURTH race here at Pinjarra http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=PA031114&ms=wa
would be http://media.harness.org.au/wa/PAB03111409.mp4

THEN when the video starts playing, you right click anywhere in the screen and click save as and save to your computer.

The URL with the state and race code will be AT THE BOTTOM!!! Not the MB thing.

Bet your computer wizz wouldn't be able to work that out

[gutwagon]

The method that KTQ has explained works on Google Chrome but not on IE . It may work on other browsers but you can try that yourselves.
There is no need to find the URL to get the race code. The race code is on the page already and you should know the state.
So what I do is using Chrome I go to the results of the meeting I want (eg Ballarat Race 7) I jot down the race code and the state ( vic BAC30101401)
Then using the template http://media.harness.org.au/ add the state in lowercase then / and then the race code and add .mp4
So you end up with http://media.harness.org.au/vic/BAC30101401.mp4
Then just put that address into your browser ( the top line on the screen) ( you will have to clear the address that is already there) then click on the blue highlighted line that opens just below and you will end up at the page with the replay starting to play. Then just right click and select "save video as" and then choose where you want to save it and it will download.
So until someone comes up with an easier method this will do the job ! Thanks again to KTQ for this tip.

[Messenger]

Sounds like Katie is a valuable addition to our stable

[allanjg]

thanks rick,i hav`nt tried it yet,but it`s a hell of a long process compared to the way it was...why they had to change it i don`t know,not all of us are walking around with iphones.....i suppose some young gun walking around the board offices with nothing better to do trying to justify there job.

[gutwagon]

I agree with you Allan. They did have 2 types of videos available for a long time (wmv and mp4) but it would be easier for them to just go with one. To be fair to them mp4 is the more common and popular one at the moment. They are probably trying to improve the quality of the picture and this is just a temporary problem. Lets hope they can get their programmers to ad an option to download the replay .
If anyone finds an easier way or a program that will do it please let us know . I know you can get programs that record the whole page but they lose some quality and work in real time. Need one that works via the URL like the Youtube downloaders. Thanks.

[KTQ]

You can apparently get browser video converter apps/add ons/extensions that will do it easier than my method. But I haven't tried any so have no recommendations.

[Messenger]

There are times when I have thought the video quality has improved but it is so inconsistent and nowadays anything other than HiDef for sport struggles to look anything more than average.
Tonight at Ballarat they must have had to employ casuals who have never used a camera!
Not than any of the circuit looks clear, but as they pass the winning post they are SO OUT OF FOCUS it is not funny

[Adaptor]

Agree with you Kevin.
With 2 meetings the resources of Mediatec, the video company, seem like they were obviously stretched. Swan Hill replays look to be ok.....except for the dust !
Wonder whether HRV or Sky monitor the signal and provide feedback.

[Amlin]

The dam looks empty at Swan Hill so there mustn't be much water there!


This reminds me of this old clip - track preparation and video quality have come a way since this era!

http://media.harness.org.au/vic/WRC04020702.wmv

[Messenger]

How good does the grass racing from Otaki look - helped by some fantastic close up work when using the split screen

[Messenger]

What were they thinking with the head-on shots down the back straight at Melton today
STOP
Do not do that again Mediatec - one loses all idea of what is happening in the race

[Messenger]

All racing now looks bloody ordinary compared to the Hi Def sport one can get on Foxtel
but the harness racing should look much better than it does
We still race on small tracks compared to the gallops so why do they still look better
A fair test I believe would be that we should be able to read the horse numbers in the back straight
If we cannot - improve the camera work or get better cameras

ps It is time racing went Hi Def

[Messenger]

Why does the pic quality vary so much?
Look at last night's Melton - it is simply POOR (you would think the lights had been dimmed but the resolution was bloody ordinary anyway)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=MX280815&ms=vic

Some days/tracks the pic is so much better than other days
If we can't have HiDef what about MPEG4 - it looks very good on the gallops new Ch78

[Messenger]

I emailed Mediatec and John Anderson about this but got NO REPLY

[AllAboutArt]

NZ videos are great I bought a NZ filly and was able to watch the dams race replays as well
Her last race was 2008

[Messenger]

Fact: I watch too much TV (and it is just about all HD nowadays)
Maybe this why I find Sky picture quality so poor in comparison
Visitors prevented me going to the Hamilton Cup today but I tuned into a couple of races.
At first I thought the cameras must have been out of focus.
It looked bloody ordinary. I suppose if you are watching simply to see if your numbers come up it may not be so bad OR maybe it is worse for you are only going to decipher where your horse is by means of the caller (or maybe its colours) as you are not going to be reading any numbers
I watched a gallops race from Strathalbyn to see if I was being fair and I must admit it was nearly as bad

In this day and age I think people expect better - I do
Other than going and viewing live (with trusty binocs) the only vision I am confident of enjoying is that on Ch.7 and 78 (racing.com) and there is no trots there I am afraid :(

[Messenger]

Watch this to see how good harness racing vision can be

http://www.prix-amerique.com/opodo-races/prix-tenor-de-baune/?lang=en

Click bottom right corner to enlarge it to full screen. I watch it on my 58cm 23" Samsung HD computer screen and it looks brilliant

All the replays of the lead up races to Prix d'Amerique look brilliant and can be found here under the Opodoraces tab here

http://www.prix-amerique.com/?lang=en

I am pretty sure that Mediatec record our races in HD too (so not there fault) but whatever you do
DONT put this on full screen

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=MX300116&ms=vic#MXM30011601

(Last night's Vic Cup.)
When you think of what it could look like it is sad to see HRV getting excited about putting some marker graphics on the track

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=28750

[Toohard]

The stuff done on course at Melton Friday night by Mediatec was outstanding. Believe some of it filtered through to Sky. Had cameras on carts facing the driver and cameras on helmets.


On big screen 2/3rds was the normal race coverage and 2 boxes on side showing each of shots above, alternating between drivers & carts that were geared up.


If it gets loaded anywhere need to watch the above footage of Vic Cup. Especially Chris Alford at start and end of race. Great stuff!!


From what I saw on track could be something more this week. Ballarat had pictures on social media as well. Had cameras on clerk of course and pics of horses scoring up behind mobile, etc.

[Messenger]

The last link in my post - the Vic Cup, shows some of that Alford footage Paul but the problem is the quality/definition which we are provided with to watch it. The European links do not contain any gimmicks just pure quality, you can read the starters numbers all the way around, see the breath of the horses, the colours are crystal clear and the close ups outstanding.

[Messenger]

You will enjoy this Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0bCp4WPvIs&feature=player_embedded

Be sure to use the bottom right corner menu to change the settings quality to 1080 and go full screen

[Njcstables]

You will enjoy this Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0bCp4WPvIs&feature=player_embedded

Be sure to use the bottom right corner menu to change the settings quality to 1080 and go full screen

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XttinPmsZks

Here's another one Kev. Our media department has a bit of work to do!

[Toohard]

You will enjoy this Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0bCp4WPvIs&feature=player_embedded

Be sure to use the bottom right corner menu to change the settings quality to 1080 and go full screen

Cool!!

[Messenger]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XttinPmsZks

Here's another one Kev. Our media department has a bit of work to do!

It is fantastic stuff Nathan

Gallops racing in Australia is even miles behind this

IMAGINE if we took the lead and went to this level FIRST

we just might win a few fans

[Messenger]

How long has 521 Sky Thoroughbred Central (which became the NSW/QLD boutique channel by default when VIC broke away with their won 522 Racing.com) been High Def - turned it on for Sydney's big day of racing and it looks fantastic

[Amlin]

HD coverage started on 522 today Kev

[Messenger]

Good timing by me then (I am assuming you mean 521 Kyle)

https://www.punters.com.au/news/Sky-goes-HD-for-The-Championships_144321/

"Sky Thoroughbred Central (channel 521) will broadcast in HD after Sky worked with Telstra to create a purpose built network that connects 137 racetracks across Australia to Sky Racing’s headquarters."

I wonder whether any of those tracks are Victorian? NSW seem to have indirectly benefited from VIC breaking away. I know that racing.com/Ch 78 is mpeg4 and fairly good but it is just SD on 522 and looks very plain next to 521 (NSW & QLD) now

[Messenger]

It has got me beat how the series of videos that we have been receiving lately from Cody are beautiful HD quality and yet we cannot get that for our race viewing

[Messenger]

Me again. This issue has to be kept front and centre as we are in a competition and the quality is s*^%house.
I have an excellent large TV and starting my viewing of tonight's big program it is really frustrating to see these blurry standard definition images
No wonder they introduced coloured race numbers as the video quality is so poor that you would be guessing the numbers - learning the number colours or driver colours is the only way to locate the runners without relying on the caller (whom people in clubs and pubs can rarely hear)
If there is still some lame excuse as to why we are not getting HD then we at least have to have a split screen (like NZ) or better info at the bottom of the screen

[Messenger]

The Race To Royalty breeders crown promo video

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=30346

They are having a crack but maybe hiring a French producer would create some magic

[Messenger]

If you look at the replays of last night at Melton there is a definite improvement in pic quality, I am not talking HD but a noticeable improvement. You can actually go Full screen (on a computer) and it is quite watchable. Try doing that for any other Melton meet and comparing - I think you will notice the difference

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=MX050816&ms=vic

[gutwagon]

It's 3.30pm on Saturday and Friday nights Bendigo replays are still not up !

[KTQ]

Try any regional WA event. There was a trot night in Narrogin I think it was on a Saturday and results - that's the results, let alone videos - weren't up til Monday. Yet NZ has trial videos up same day on a saturday! Trials!!!!

[KTQ]

I'm kind of enjoying GP's video lately. All different angles, horse level, straight on, regular level . Split screen would be a great addition but theyre improving at least!

[Messenger]

Watching some French and Norwegian harness on Sky 2 just now and it is sensational to see what coverage can be like when there is nothing else programmed except 2 harness meets. Divided screen showing everything that is happening at the 2 tracks - some preview comments but overall not much commentary often music instead - it is really easy, relaxing viewing

The French coverage from Marseille Borely is your typical french stuff - bloody fantastic

I have not bothered having Sky 2 until recently but this is what I dream of for us - I may have to become even more of a night owl