GOOD TV

[Big Kev]

Not good TV.....
Last night I watched two episodes of Steeltown Murders on iPlayer. Boring and I shan't be watching any more but I noticed something strange. The sound was very bad, I'd describe it as muffled and there was a strange commentary describing what was on the screen. I came to the conclusion that this had been added to the recording as a way of compensating for the bad sound quality. I have never come across this before.

Sounds like you've switched on the 'audio description'. There's a button on your Freesat remote labelled 'AD', it's opposite the 'subtitles' button (labelled SUB). It's quite easy to inadvertently switch either of those functions on, pressing the button again will switch it off.

[Big Kev]

Not good TV.....
Last night I watched two episodes of Steeltown Murders on iPlayer. Boring and I shan't be watching any more but I noticed something strange. The sound was very bad, I'd describe it as muffled and there was a strange commentary describing what was on the screen. I came to the conclusion that this had been added to the recording as a way of compensating for the bad sound quality. I have never come across this before.

Sounds like you've switched on the 'audio description'. There's a button on your Freesat remote labelled 'AD', it's opposite the 'subtitles' button (labelled SUB). It's quite easy to inadvertently switch either of those functions on, pressing the button again will switch it off.

[Tripps]

Last night I watched two episodes of Steeltown Murders on iPlayer. Boring

I just heard a radio phone in call from a writer who is involved in that sort of programme. The topic was the sudden growth in AI and implications for jobs. The chap had experimented with AI, and was amazed to find it could do his job, in a mainly satsfactory way, in minutes rather than the full day it would have taken him. It is not just production workers who are at risk now, and it is just beginning to dawn on people. BT have just said they will replace ten thousand jobs with AI going forward.

"May you live in interesting times".

[Stanley]

Thanks Kev, that must be it, I had it again last night.
David, I've moved the response to your comments on AI into the computer thread.

[Big Kev]

Been watching the BBC series Ten Pound Poms, it's not bad.
Currently got an evening of music with The Pet Shop Boys. Sat on the sofa with a brew tapping me foot, a good way to relax after a 6 hour drive from Kent. Had to go off my normal route, to avoid road closures, due to accidents.

[Stanley]

I watched 'Remains of the Day' last night. Still a great film!

[Tripps]

I just surfed into the last ten minutes - and I agree, it's a good film. The scene was filmed in heavy rain - a trick often used by film makers, usually unnecessary and used for effect. It sometimes irritates me.

I asked the Chat AI to explain it to me. Here's what they said in an instant.

Films often use heavy rain in scenes for several reasons:

Visual aesthetics: Rain can create a visually striking and atmospheric effect on screen. It adds texture, depth, and a sense of moodiness to the visuals, making scenes more visually appealing or dramatic.
Symbolism: Rain is often used as a symbolic element in storytelling. It can represent various emotions and themes such as sadness, melancholy, purification, or renewal. Filmmakers may choose to include rain in scenes to enhance the symbolic meaning or emotional impact of the story.
Intensify drama or tension: Rain can be employed to amplify the drama or tension in a scene. It adds a sense of urgency or danger, creating a heightened atmosphere. Rainy scenes can be particularly effective in suspenseful or climactic moments, enhancing the overall impact on the audience.
Cinematic conventions: Over time, the use of rain in films has become a cinematic convention or trope. Filmmakers may include rain in scenes simply because it has become a recognizable and familiar visual element associated with certain genres or moods.
Practical considerations: In some cases, rain may serve practical purposes during filming. It can help cover up unwanted background noise, add texture to the environment, or enhance the lighting effects. Additionally, rain can create a sense of realism and authenticity, especially when depicting certain settings or time periods.
While heavy rain may not always be necessary from a narrative standpoint, its inclusion can contribute to the overall cinematic experience by engaging the audience visually and emotionally.

[Stanley]

That is really scary David...... I wouldn't have questioned that it was written by a human.
Another place where AI is creeping in is in short videos on Youtube of AI generated models in poses a flesh and blood model would not be asked to assume. Mostly 'open crotch'. Sorry to lower the tone but it has to be mentioned. Accidental shots of this nature in women's sport have been common for years, they now have extended videos. I note they all have 'AI' in the title, I suppose that Youtube are enforcing identification.
The visual advances were first colour then the zoom lens, later we got CGI and now it's AI. What next?

[Are we getting to the point where we need a topic dedicated to AI?]

[Tripps]

There's something on BBC 2 tonight connected with the 'coin clippers' which was mentioned elsewhere (regarding Heptonstall) I think.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mg36

PS Apologies for drawing your attention to it. I lasted about five minutes. The word 'Drama' should have been sufficient warning.
Inaudible, inaccurate, and incomprehensible - with a generous ration of foul language. Just had six 'f' words in two sentences.

[Stanley]

Thanks for the warning David, I shan't bother looking to see if you are right!

[MickBrett]

We re watched A Spy Among Friends. Excellent TV in my opinion and certainly worth another look.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15565872/

[Stanley]

Morning Mick! I'm beginning to reconcile myself to watch crap TV simply to pass the time. Dangerous development. I've watched 'Police Interceptors' on 5 Star TV for three nights on the trot. I suspect my brain is turning into mush.

[Wendyf]

Police Interceptors and Traffic Cops, usually the best thing we can find to watch between 7 and 9 pm. Gardeners World on a Friday though!

[Big Kev]

We very rarely watch live TV, there's always something worth watching on one of the catchup streams. We've even got used to the advert breaks on ITVX

[Gloria]

Friday Heartbeat and then two Doc Martins, but that wasn’t on last night, so ended up with BGT.

[Tripps]

The Police chase videos are often my programme refuge of last resort. Good to hear that others are the same - reduces my guilt.

I always wonder if the chase was worth it as the penalties often seem trivial.

Judge Judy is my default time eater. None of that 'beyond reasonable doubt' nonsense. She can spot a wrong 'un a mile away- and she keeps your Yiddish up to date.

First we have the Derby. Can Dettori end his career with a win? Well he won the Oaks yesterday, and I think he may do the double. I may be 'Arrest' ed for saying so. Failing that "The Foxes"

Then I have the FA Cup final - all Manchester. I of course will support United. They were originally 'Newton Heath Loco', and my grandad was a carriage builder at the "Loco". Thus I can do no other. I can picture him with his ear close to the speaker due to industral deafness. I'll see if I can find a picture.

[Gloria]

We are with you Tripps, watching the Derby then the Cup Final.

[Tripps]

Here's my Grandad (on the left), outside the Halfway House in Failsworth,who will be there in spirit.

The one on the right is Aunty Josie's dad.

PS Dettori is 4/1 favourite now, (false price due to the jockey) and The Foxes has been backed from 12/1 into 8/1. Someone is reading this board.

grandad.jpg

[Gloria]

I’d love Frankie to win it.
And United to win the cup final.

[Tripps]

They've just sent towels to Frankie at the start to wipe the sweat off the horse and the reins - not a good sign.

The Foxes is shortening. . .

We'll know soon.

[Gloria]

We now know, not good result for Frankie, I think he’d been hyped up a bit.

[Tripps]

Yes indeed - but once he went through the card with seven winners.

I tried to find a quote from Valentine Dyall (The Man in Black) to sum up racing and betting in general. Nothing in his wiki but google led me back here - with the quote and good provenance. The day has not been entirely wasted.

Stanley wrote: ↑Sun Jul 22, 2018 5:19 am
Can anyone remember listening to Valentine Dyall, the 'Man in Black'
Yes - I can. I also remembered a quote which I thought was in a book I have. Tales from the Turf by Jeffrey Bernard. I spent quite a while going through it from cover to cover (no index) , but failed to find it. Obsessive - moi? not at all. I picked it up again tonight, to repeat the process,because I was sure it was there somewhere - and there it was on the back dust jacket cover.
That reminds me. Just about the most honest thing that could ever have been uttered in a bankruptcy court was the classic remark made by the actor Valentine Dyall, radio's 'The Man in Black'. The Recorder asked him , 'To what do you attribute your downfall/.' Mr Dyall replied 'Two and a half mile handicap hurdles'
Was it worth the effort? I'm not sure now. . . .
Born to be mild

Stanley said - Oh but it was David! Those LKFs are the leaven that keep life interesting!

PS A quote from Jeffrey Bernard (who was often unwell) is worth recording -

"This game tames bl**ding tigers "

[Stanley]

I wasn't interested in Frankie but I would have liked United to win. I watched about ten minutes (including that penalty that raised their hopes) but saw no signs of superiority over City.

[Gloria]

Britains Got Talent, well that result was different.

[Tripps]

I was on the phone to Uncle JIm and only paying half attention, when the result was given - found it hard to believe.

I waited an hour and watched the 'catch up' Still didn't believe it.

In what sense was that guy a 'comedian' .Perhaps he was funnier than the strange naked Japanese chap?

More fool us for watching it at all - obviously all pre arranged for the benefit of Mr Cowell.