The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Falcon Beach' on BBC TWO.

I understand you were annoyed by the use of the BBC Switch logo during the
programme.

The BBC, in common with other broadcasters, has adopted a policy of
inserting Channel Identifiers (also known as DOG for Digital On-screen
Graphic) in the top left-hand corner of the screen on its dedicated digital
channels. This is because, in the current competitive multi-channel
environment, we feel that such identifiers are an aid to viewer navigation
and it is important to ensure that viewers can quickly identify they are
watching BBC services.

The position of the Channel Identifier has been set at the top left-hand
part of the picture; it would not be easy to place it elsewhere (at the
bottom, for example) due to the fact that it might clash with subtitles or
captions. The top left part of the screen rarely contains sensitive material
which one might obscure or interfere with.

This policy has evolved over the last couple of years and is applied in what
we believe is a flexible manner which best reflects the needs of the
majority of our audience - for example, we broadcast films without a DOG on
both BBC THREE and BBC FOUR and additionally performance, comedy and longer
drama on BBC FOUR. This is a flexible application of our policy on Channel
Identifiers and not a reflection on the quality of individual programmes -
or indeed whole genres - and covers those programmes which we believe
viewers tend to watch for longer periods of time.

This decision takes into account a wide range of issues, balancing all the
relevant factors in what we judge to be the best interest of the majority of
licence fee payers.

The BBC has sought advice about 'screen burn' from manufacturers, and the
clear view from the industry is in normal use, screen-burn is not expected
to be a problem. Where it could possibly occur, the viewer can take avoiding
action. The advice given by one manufacturer in a TV manual expresses the
situation well, and is quoted with their permission:

"If still picture cannot be avoided, reduce the brightness and contrast
levels of the picture to minimise any damage that might occur."

The trade body, "Intellect", with the agreement of television set
manufacturers, defines static images thus: "an image is deemed to be static
if any part of the screen is occupied by any part of the image for more than
a total of six hours in any twelve on more than one occasion in a seven-day
period. If an image is not static, as defined in this way, the risk of a
retained image being formed is low".

I hope that this goes some way in clarifying the situation; however I note
that you may take a different view and I would like to assure you that we
have registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal
report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers
and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior
management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive,
are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Thank you once again for taking the trouble to contact the BBC with your
concerns.

Regards

James Kelly
BBC Complaints
__________________________________________

Finally, I have attached an invitation, from the Head of BBC Information,
asking you to participate in our customer survey. We would welcome your
views on our service.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

"Agamemnon" wrote in message
. uk...
Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Falcon Beach' on BBC TWO.

I understand you were annoyed by the use of the BBC Switch logo during the
programme.

.............

I hope that this goes some way in clarifying the situation; however I note
that you may take a different view and I would like to assure you that we
have registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal
report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme
makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior
management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we
receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Thank you once again for taking the trouble to contact the BBC with your
concerns.

Typical BBC response to a complaint, so don't take it personally.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:38:35 +0000, Agamemnon wrote:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Falcon Beach' on BBC TWO.

I understand you were annoyed by the use of the BBC Switch logo during the
programme.

The BBC, in common with other broadcasters, has adopted a policy of
inserting Channel Identifiers (also known as DOG for Digital On-screen
Graphic) in the top left-hand corner of the screen on its dedicated digital
channels. This is because, in the current competitive multi-channel
environment, we feel that such identifiers are an aid to viewer navigation
and it is important to ensure that viewers can quickly identify they are
watching BBC services.

The position of the Channel Identifier has been set at the top left-hand
part of the picture; it would not be easy to place it elsewhere (at the
bottom, for example) due to the fact that it might clash with subtitles or
captions. The top left part of the screen rarely contains sensitive material
which one might obscure or interfere with.

This policy has evolved over the last couple of years and is applied in what
we believe is a flexible manner which best reflects the needs of the
majority of our audience - for example, we broadcast films without a DOG on
both BBC THREE and BBC FOUR and additionally performance, comedy and longer
drama on BBC FOUR. This is a flexible application of our policy on Channel
Identifiers and not a reflection on the quality of individual programmes -
or indeed whole genres - and covers those programmes which we believe
viewers tend to watch for longer periods of time.

This decision takes into account a wide range of issues, balancing all the
relevant factors in what we judge to be the best interest of the majority of
licence fee payers.

The BBC has sought advice about 'screen burn' from manufacturers, and the
clear view from the industry is in normal use, screen-burn is not expected
to be a problem. Where it could possibly occur, the viewer can take avoiding
action. The advice given by one manufacturer in a TV manual expresses the
situation well, and is quoted with their permission:

"If still picture cannot be avoided, reduce the brightness and contrast
levels of the picture to minimise any damage that might occur."

The trade body, "Intellect", with the agreement of television set
manufacturers, defines static images thus: "an image is deemed to be static
if any part of the screen is occupied by any part of the image for more than
a total of six hours in any twelve on more than one occasion in a seven-day
period. If an image is not static, as defined in this way, the risk of a
retained image being formed is low".

I hope that this goes some way in clarifying the situation; however I note
that you may take a different view and I would like to assure you that we
have registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal
report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers
and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior
management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive,
are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Thank you once again for taking the trouble to contact the BBC with your
concerns.

Regards

James Kelly
BBC Complaints
__________________________________________

Finally, I have attached an invitation, from the Head of BBC Information,
asking you to participate in our customer survey. We would welcome your
views on our service.

Try as I might, I could not find an "insult" in there anywhere. You are
obviously dissatisfied with the answer, but that's a different story.

Are there specific matters of fact that you disagree with in the reply, or
is it just the fact they didn't change policy to suit?

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

In message , Agamemnon
writes
Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Falcon Beach' on BBC TWO.

I understand you were annoyed by the use of the BBC Switch logo during the
programme.

The BBC, in common with other broadcasters, has adopted a policy of
inserting Channel Identifiers (also known as DOG for Digital On-screen
Graphic) in the top left-hand corner of the screen on its dedicated digital
channels. This is because, in the current competitive multi-channel
environment, we feel that such identifiers are an aid to viewer navigation
and it is important to ensure that viewers can quickly identify they are
watching BBC services.

Isn't it funny, no matter what broadcaster you complain to about DOGs,
whatever their response it always contains the phrase "competitive
multi-channel environment" :-)

I thought the BBC were a public service broadcaster, so who exactly are
they "competing" with"

The position of the Channel Identifier has been set at the top left-hand
part of the picture; it would not be easy to place it elsewhere (at the
bottom, for example) due to the fact that it might clash with subtitles or
captions. The top left part of the screen rarely contains sensitive material
which one might obscure or interfere with.

This policy has evolved over the last couple of years and is applied in what
we believe is a flexible manner which best reflects the needs of the
majority of our audience - for example, we broadcast films without a DOG on
both BBC THREE and BBC FOUR and additionally performance, comedy and longer
drama on BBC FOUR. This is a flexible application of our policy on Channel
Identifiers and not a reflection on the quality of individual programmes -
or indeed whole genres - and covers those programmes which we believe
viewers tend to watch for longer periods of time.

This decision takes into account a wide range of issues, balancing all the
relevant factors in what we judge to be the best interest of the majority of
licence fee payers.

The BBC has sought advice about 'screen burn' from manufacturers, and the
clear view from the industry is in normal use, screen-burn is not expected
to be a problem. Where it could possibly occur, the viewer can take avoiding
action. The advice given by one manufacturer in a TV manual expresses the
situation well, and is quoted with their permission:

I shall certainly take "avoiding action" I'll be avoiding any channels
with ridiculous DOGs altogether :-)
--
Sean Black

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

Although I hate all dogs, the BBC3 one is the prettiest to my eyes.

I use a Freeview box, and I think it would be fairly easy to design a
unit that intercepts the video in the Scart lead, and chops out all
video in the universal Dog area of the screen, so that all channels
would have a black box in this area. Less distracting and with no
possibility of screen burn on CRTs and Plasmas. LCDs don't get screen
burn anyway.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

"Dave W" wrote in message
...
Although I hate all dogs, the BBC3 one is the prettiest to my eyes.

I use a Freeview box, and I think it would be fairly easy to design a
unit that intercepts the video in the Scart lead, and chops out all
video in the universal Dog area of the screen, so that all channels
would have a black box in this area. Less distracting and with no
possibility of screen burn on CRTs and Plasmas.

Wrong. The area around the black square would get screen burn instead.

LCDs don't get screen
burn anyway.

Yes they do. The transistors and capacitors wear out and the dyes that make
the colours decay with exposure to light.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

On 2008-02-20, Dave W wrote:
I use a Freeview box, and I think it would be fairly easy to design a
unit that intercepts the video in the Scart lead, and chops out all
video in the universal Dog area of the screen, so that all channels
would have a black box in this area. Less distracting and with no
possibility of screen burn on CRTs and Plasmas. LCDs don't get screen
burn anyway.

A little tin of black paint would accomplish the same thing :)

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:03:45 +0000, Kay Robinson
wrote:

On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:02:49 +0000, Sean Black
sharpened a new quill and scratched:

I shall certainly take "avoiding action" I'll be avoiding any channels
with ridiculous DOGs altogether :-)

Sure but as long as you're still paying your tv licence and/or buying
their sponsors/advertisers products why should they care. If everybody
did stop paying/purchasing in a public manner, getting tv news
coverage about it, maybe they would do something about them.

Since there is a very tenuous link between advertising and buying the
product I wonder how long it would take for advertisers to see a drop
in profits if people stopped watching commerical TV? I guess they
take a close look at ratings, but aren't they estimates anyway?

The problem is that we British are to slow and scared to to take
action against so many rules and regulations we dislike. Take the
congestion charges. If all drivers in the country stayed home for a
few days the country would come to a standstill. The masses DO have
power, they just can't be bothered to use it.

Too true. And it seems to be "frowned upon" nowadays for people to
group together to protest about anything. They are often labelled as
subversives or potential terrorists.

M.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

Edster wrote:
Sean Black wrote:


Isn't it funny, no matter what broadcaster you complain to
about
DOGs, whatever their response it always contains the phrase
"competitive multi-channel environment" :-)

I thought the BBC were a public service broadcaster, so who
exactly
are they "competing" with"

You would think the best way to compete with lots of channels
putting
****e all over the screen would be to not put ****e all over
the
screen.

Exactly. If everybody else is doing it then that's a good reason
for "our" BBC NOT to do it.

The BBC2 DOG and the BBC's insulting reply
 

On 20 Feb, 17:08, "Agamemnon" wrote:
"Dave W" wrote in message

...

Although I hate all dogs, the BBC3 one is the prettiest to my eyes.

I use a Freeview box, and I think it would be fairly easy to design a
unit that intercepts the video in the Scart lead, and chops out all
video in the universal Dog area of the screen, so that all channels
would have a black box in this area. Less distracting and with no
possibility of screen burn on CRTs and Plasmas.

Wrong. The area around the black square would get screen burn instead.

Eh? How on earth do you come to that conclusion? The surrounding area
is changing all the time.
I've gone off my idea a bit as I see dogs come in various shapes and
not all quite the same position. Also, to make the square less
obvious, its content should be replaced not by black but by the
average colour of its surroundings.


LCDs don't get screen
burn anyway.

Yes they do. The transistors and capacitors wear out and the dyes that make
the colours decay with exposure to light.

OK, I bow to your comment.