Is this stuff all drivel?
 

Below is a quote from a very intense young man on another (non-video related) forum. Having just expressed some opinions on matters within his (student) professional expertise, he then launched off on this tangent relating to broadcast video to support his view that technology had limits in replacing human operators in matters of safety. I can't make head or tail of what followed. Is this all nonsense?

My bold on the bit about commenting on video quality from a satellite.

Re: Is this stuff all drivel?
 

Last I checked, you can point solid state cameras at the sun--at least you could back in 1985, the first time I saw that technology demonstrated. Has something changed since, where pointing it at mere flames is going to cause damage?!!

Re: Is this stuff all drivel?
 

I suspect there could be different types of cameras being used on the OB for remote cameras as against the main OB cameras, These could have different highlight handling characteristics.

Re: Is this stuff all drivel?
 

While solid state won't be immediately damaged by the sun like a vidicon tube, almost anything can be burned by the sun when placed in front of a lens or magnifying glass.

CCD sensors will bloom when they are overloaded by light. It is believable that constant blooming may create a sort of silicon strain in which the electron overflow occurs more readily. In a 3 CCD design this could affect the red sensor only, causing that one primary colour to appear where it shouldn't in the picture. I suspect things generally return to normal after the sensor has an opportunity to rest.

CMOS sensors do not bloom in the same way as CCD sensors and it is possible some of the standby cameras had CMOS designs. Obviously dirt affects lens flare as well.

While it's worth keeping the camera sensor and condition of the lens in mind, compromises often have to be made in order to get the shot. I think the coverage of the opening ceremony turned out well. It would be interesting to know what type of servicing if any the cameras required after the event.

Re: Is this stuff all drivel?
 

I'd be surprised if the cameras received any servicing after the opening, many could be relocated the next day at other venues until needed to rig for the athletics. If any colour channels are down in response they'll just correct with the CCUs. They'll run maintenance if a camera channel goes down, but otherwise they'll just do the standard camera set ups during the Olympics.

Re: Is this stuff all drivel?
 

Interesting information Eric, thanks. Most of that is news to me.