The Latest (2018-2024)

So if Perth uses virtual sets, why can’t they key in either the Sydney or Brisbane sets, instead of the hideous monstrosity that they currently use for The Latest.
I don’t understand the technical requirements but is that possible?

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Keying in other sets would still look awful. Apparently the computer that keys in the virtual sets isn’t that powerful - which is why you see the jagged edges in wide shots. It just can’t display smooth curves. (Read that somewhere on here)

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Sadly, as long as Seven keep winning in Perth there’s no incentive to invest in an upgrade.

But if they did, would it be cheaper to get a more powerful system that could accurately key the Sydney or Brisbane sets, or would it be cheaper to build a physical set on the level of Brisbane?

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The argument regarding Seven News Perth’s dominance in the ratings being an excuse to not invest in better equipment is rendered mute now that they are regularly producing national content for the network.
They need to invest in equipment suitable for national output.

Also, I have no problem with virtual sets, with the limited space they have it makes sense to go virtual, they can have any number of sets as required without constant shifting & changing.
With so many examples of excellent v/sets throughout England & Europe. I can’t understand why TVW persist in such cheep & tacky designs. It is beyond comprehension.

Rant over

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Remember that Seven News stopped innovating around the same time that Ian Ross left, and ended up falling behind Nine in the ratings, and having to play catch up.

Well nine has been narrowing that gap recently, so we might see that change.

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The move to Perth was to cut costs, pumping money into upgrading the facilities would’ve defeated the whole purpose of the move.

That being said, I couldn’t agree more with your point.

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It hasn’t been on Thursday nights for the past few weeks

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If they’re going to persist with a virtual set for The Latest, they have to get rid of that hideous mish mash of crap up the top of the backdrop. Why can’t it just look similar to the east coast backgrounds?

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Seven just purchased some template and have shoved 7 GFX all over it. As discussed the hardware and seemingly software for the virtual studio was never up to scratch, even by 2015 standards when they first moved.

A quick virtual render of the Sydney or Brisbane look would be a million times better than the current wonky disaster. It’s not like modern sets aren’t created digitally in the first place these days…

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A mad thought had just occurred to me: next year marks 40 years of Rick and Sue. Couple that with Perth now producing a national bulletin each weeknight. Could this be the impetus needed for TVW to finally invest in a physical set? (Or at the very least, a new virtual set…)

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Don’t get your hopes up. When it was their 30th they ended up going from a physical set to the current green screen mess.

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Perhaps for 40 years they’ll just have them present from their study desks at home?

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With a glass of wine of course :wink:.

They could present it from a tent and it would still smash 9 Perth.

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I sent message to Gemma Acton about fixing the Perth news set her response was “Thanks for the feedback . Will have to go out there and check it out! Appreciate the heads’ up”

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That’s such a poor response in all honesty. Basically she has no idea what’s going on in Perth.

“Thanks for the heads up”. “Will have to check it out”.

Oh dear. I know she’s new to the role but basic PR people. Don’t admit to not being aware of stuff.

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And if anything, the new head of news should be aware of it, since he was based in the Perth newsroom.

It’s only a problem to the media obsessed people who scrutinise every aspect. Most viewers wouldn’t care.

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Seven News Perth’s ratings prove this.

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With STW finally closing the gap we may begin to see Seven put some money in to TVW soon. STW still have a long way to go before they are actually a threat though, so there is still plenty of time for TVW to sit around and do nothing.

That would be a mistake in my opinion, but with Seven trying to cut back on spending nationally I just don’t see them doing anything soon. The green screen and desk are not likely going away for a while.

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