Golden-Road.net
Studio 33 - Price is Right Discussion => The TALK Is Right => Topic started by: silverice878 on June 14, 2018, 02:09:49 PM
-
With the redo of Bullseye still fresh in our minds, what game or games do you see as being next in line for an LCD upgrade? I could definitely see a game like Make Your Move getting that treatment with colored touch-sliders ala Double Cross.
-
Check-Out. That display looks rough.
-
Even though it’s one digit and inconsequential, probably Line em Up. Another one could be Spelling Bee.
-
It would be interesting if they gave Now or Then some LCD treatment, like including monitors that show a clip of the Then products from when they were used in the episode that the price came from and having Drew touch the price to reveal Now or Then rather than the flip reveal.
-
I like that idea for Now or Then.
Race Game and Side By Side would be my personal choices.
Hurdles should be revived with one and an animated hurdler.
-
I would love to see Dice Game get that treatment.
-
I think a game like Take Two would do well with LCDs/touch screens. Same goes for Danger Price. Maybe even something like Eazy would be nice with screens.
-
What about Finish Line?
-
Call me old-fashioned, but I dislike the LCDs/touch screens. I get that the show has to do touch-ups for HD, but I admit I hate seeing old tech get thrown out.
Sure, LCD screens are versatile and "modern", but we see them every day. Touchscreens and LCDs are part of the everyday order of things, so seeing them on TV isn't really very exciting. Their purpose is to display numbers look pretty, and they accomplish that, but they don't really occupy a unique space in your mind.
Eggcrate displays have a kind of simple magic to them. They're not something you see in your everyday life. They're something you ONLY see at larger-than-life events, like the scoreboard at sporting events or on TV game shows.
-
By and large you don't see them on game shows now, and the current and future audiences aren't going to equate old tech with magic, simple or otherwise. And, honestly, game shows aren't larger than life events for viewers. They're TV shows--that's not bad, but they're just one type of program amidst a multitude.
-
Call me old-fashioned, but I dislike the LCDs/touch screens. I get that the show has to do touch-ups for HD, but I admit I hate seeing old tech get thrown out.
Sure, LCD screens are versatile and "modern", but we see them every day. Touchscreens and LCDs are part of the everyday order of things, so seeing them on TV isn't really very exciting. Their purpose is to display numbers look pretty, and they accomplish that, but they don't really occupy a unique space in your mind.
Eggcrate displays have a kind of simple magic to them. They're not something you see in your everyday life. They're something you ONLY see at larger-than-life events, like the scoreboard at sporting events or on TV game shows.
Yes, I agree. Sure, LCD is nice, and it does look snazzy on screen, but, in my mind, eggcrate = game shows. Think of Press Your Luck. Or Family Feud. How about Match Game? And, of course, The Price is Right. Now I know I left out a lot of shows in the list, and please forgive me for doing so, but my point is, what do these shows have in common, among other things? They all feature eggcrate scoring. The game show world took off in the 1970s. Eggcrate design was simply a part of game shows. Yeah, you didn't see it on every show, but a lot of them.
By the way, personally, I prefer the old Bullseye look. It had that "retro" feel, since it wasn't updated much since it first premiered. Just saying.
-
Much as I deem myself "old school", I don't have problems with the touch screens or updating technology for many of the pricing games, but Easy as 1 2 3, gotta keep those blocks.
-
Much as I deem myself "old school", I don't have problems with the touch screens or updating technology for many of the pricing games, but Easy as 1 2 3, gotta keep those blocks.
I wasn't talking about the blocks, I was talking about the displays
-
Pathfinder. The displays, used since Add 'Em Up are nearly worn out after 30+ years of usage, and need refurbishment.
-
NUMBER ONE on my list for updating is Secret X: I think a more high-tech board can be devised with LCD monitors for the squares - including cool graphics when someone wins. That reveal with the panel turning is awful.
Freeze Frame: VERY dated. And, more importantly, the manual crank is a waste of time. (Reminds me of the old ferris wheel contraption on Pick a Pair" - frustrating to watch) Although I'm not sure why they made the Pick a Pair game so physical large.
But getting back to Freeze Frame - this can be made into a much shorter game. The whole square can be a touch screen where the contestant merely moves it with their finger, and when it stops on the desired price, they push a button that takes a "picture" of the price in the frame. The reveal needs to be improved as well. That little flip reveal is dated as well. The theme of the game being camera photography is a cool one. A lot can be done graphically to really make an otherwise boring game at least visually appealing.
Lucky Seven: anything with a mechanical door mechanism seems dated. There can also be a side display that informs the contestant how many dollars they have left.
Squeeze Play: There can easily be a way to have the numbers "squeeze" together in a much cooler visual manner. And, again, the door panel reveal looks very dated. A much cooler reveal can be devised.
Range Game - or anything similar that still relies on a human being to turn a crank behind the game board should be updated.
Younger viewers live in an LCD world. And younger viewers are potential future viewers. As much as long time viewers are anti-change, it still needs to happen.
The secret is to have these changes occur very gradually, lest they risk alienating long time viewers.
-
LCDs where it makes it seem like they could manipulate a win/loss on the spot (like what they did with Bonus Game; it is certain that S&P would not tolerate them changing where the Bonus is on the spot, but there was no possibility of that at all with the old displays) are not great. The Secret X board would be another example of where they could theoretically manipulate it but the manual reveal would not allow it. Same for Lucky $even, Range Game, 3 Strikes, Pathfinder, etc. that have the winning numbers/prices already in place to light up. Something about Temptation using that screen doesn't feel right, even though I know they wouldn't be allowed to change the answer in that game. One like Secret X or Bonus Game would be even worse to do it with.
-
By and large you don't see them on game shows now, and the current and future audiences aren't going to equate old tech with magic, simple or otherwise. And, honestly, game shows aren't larger than life events for viewers. They're TV shows--that's not bad, but they're just one type of program amidst a multitude.
Sure, I get why they're getting phased out--it's tricky to maintain lightbulbs, LCD screens are easier to maintain and troubleshoot, etc.
But as a design element, they helped establish a unique identity. TPiR doesn't look like the nightly news, or a cooking show, or the View.
And they were a strong design element, too. Eggcrates:
- provided clean graphics (black background, white text is a strong contrast)
- were to read on camera--sometimes saturated colors like the Pay the Rent price reveals blend in with the set a little *too* much IMO
- linked many games together with a consistent design element, sort of like sections of a magazine using the same font
- the dot matrix looked authoritative, like the Times Square news tickers. (And I'll probably moan when those inevitably get replaced by new tech too)
As for the list of "fixes" for the games proposed on the last page, y'all already know how I feel about LCD screens in general, but I just want to focus on one thing:
NUMBER ONE on my list for updating is Secret X: I think a more high-tech board can be devised with LCD monitors for the squares - including cool graphics when someone wins. That reveal with the panel turning is awful.
Physical props establish credibility. You could play Deal or No Deal with 26 screens inside the cases instead of physical props... but how are you able to prove that the same amount was in the same case the whole time? You have to take the producer's word for it.
Physical props like the Lucky Seven doors, the Shell Game ball, actually seeing the rats cross the finish line in Rat Race, a physical secret "X", etc. are small reassurances that the producers can't change anything once the game begins. (Sure, you and I know that they legally can't do that, but your ordinary Joe the Viewer doesn't.)
-
I guess I should have addressed the issue of perceived manipulation, although, as I’ve observed these shows are highly regulated by Standards & Practices. I doubt Price would risk it all just to manipulate a win or loss.
As far as what the average joe sees, there already exist plenty of games (both old and new versions)that have reveals that could be altered to effect outcome. Card Game is one that comes to mind. What kind of effect that has on viewers’ faith in the honesty factor, who knows?
On a humorous note, when I was a young kid and watched w my grandparents, my grandpa would tell me there was a “little person” inside the wheel running like a hamster making it go faster or slower. He even had me believing that person also made the beeping sounds. Being a little kid, i believed him. Lol Of course, this would bother my grandma no end - as she loved the show- and a fight would invariably ensue.
-
As far as what the average joe sees, there already exist plenty of games (both old and new versions)that have reveals that could be altered to effect outcome. Card Game is one that comes to mind. What kind of effect that has on viewers’ faith in the honesty factor, who knows?
Sure--that's existed from day 1 with Any Number. But there's roughly two games with "hard reveals" for every one where a right answer is simply a ding or a graphic lighting up. When you know 2/3 of the games are indisputably honest, it's easier to exercise your faith in the other 1/3.
And of those 1/3 games, quite a few of them have a mix of hard and soft reveals. The GP portion of Pass the Buck, for example, doesn't have any "hard reveal", but the reveal of the prizes behind the numbers does. And regular viewers can verify the prices--they said the Gold Bond was $9.99, and look, it showed up again in Grocery Game a week later and it's still $9.99.
And you especially have to be careful with luck-based games. If we're going with the example of Secret X, the the reveal at the end is very important. Everything in the game builds up to the reveal at the end. Unlike, say, Any Number or Card Game, the answer is totally arbitrary and at the whims of the producer.
It's a slight difference, yes, and one reveal isn't going to make or break it, but it is something to watch out for IMO.
-
I do find the notion of more screens in lieu of physical props opening the door to malfeasance to be quite a stretch with no evidentiary support. Just because it’s physically possible doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
Aesthetically, this is the world today’s audience lives in when it comes to TV. The world continues to move to a more screen-based one, and TV shows need to be mindful of that.
-
I expect when other games get a refresh, then LCD video might be integrated. They've done a tremendous job of hiding new tech in old set pieces. "3 Strikes" would be an easy mark for an LCD/Plasma update.
Of course, some games require too much physical interaction to make digitizing the game worth the effort.
However, the cost of all this technology is expensive. Not just the monitors used but the computer programming involved (that would adhere to S&P regulations). At the same time, the older tech (eggcrates and their associated gear) are getting more expensive to maintain.
-
I do find the notion of more screens in lieu of physical props opening the door to malfeasance to be quite a stretch with no evidentiary support. Just because it’s physically possible doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
I don't think anybody in this thread is saying that the show would use monitors to illegally change the outcome of the game. They're saying that to the casual viewer, who doesn't know that there are strict regulations regarding the manipulation of game shows, the use of monitors could create the appearance of potential impropriety. When the entire outcome of the game depends on the computer animation on the Bonus Game monitor (or, for equal time, the digital readout in Dice Game), a skeptical or conspiracy-minded person will naturally be suspicious. Especially when there's a loss.
Such skepticism won't have any public effect, but if too much of the audience thinks a show isn't on the up-and-up, then they won't watch it. Has that happened? No. Will it happen? Probably not. But it's still something to at least consider.
-
I don't think anybody in this thread is saying that the show would use monitors to illegally change the outcome of the game. They're saying that to the casual viewer, who doesn't know that there are strict regulations regarding the manipulation of game shows, the use of monitors could create the appearance of potential impropriety. When the entire outcome of the game depends on the computer animation on the Bonus Game monitor (or, for equal time, the digital readout in Dice Game), a skeptical or conspiracy-minded person will naturally be suspicious. Especially when there's a loss.
And that's the thing that blows that whole argument out of the water--the show has been using digital readouts for reveals throughout the entirety of its run. Here's a list of all of the pricing games during Barker's tenure that, to the best of my knowledge, used readouts for such purposes:
Any Number, Balance Game (II), Dice Game, Make Your Move, Pass the Buck, Spelling Bee
If the show wanted to pull something sneaky, they could have done so in Season 1 just as easily as they can today with the LCD panels. But they won't. And even if the games didn't use LCDs, there will still be those who believe the games are rigged anyway. How the props are built won't change their minds.
-
As for the list of "fixes" for the games proposed on the last page
Have to mention this phrase: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
-
Have to mention this phrase: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Somebody needs to tattoo this on Mike Richards' forehead.
-
...except one could also argue that many of the changes he's made have kept the show fresh and updated and it's still doing well after 10 years, and that the previous director made changes that didn't nessecarily need to be done.
-
When thinking about the psychology of the reveal, I think that from the viewer's standpoint it's important to think about the type of game/reveal. If you're revealing the price of an item digitally, a viewer is likely to be less suspicious of game manipulation by the producers than if you're revealing the location of a bonus, or an X. In the viewer's mind, a price is established, but a location is determined by the person running the game. That's why the screens bother me in Bonus Game.
-
Somebody needs to tattoo this on Mike Richards' forehead.
:roll:
Again, if Mike was really that bad at his job, he would still not be with the show, and the show itself would not be running 10+ years after Roger's departure. Try again.
It should also be mentioned that a lot of the changes brought up in this thread aren't necessarily changes for changes sake--a lot of the older props look(ed) downright pitiful in HD, especially Bonus Game. If they're going to take the time to refurbish and/or rebuild the props, they're going to consider making it more cost-efficient and future-proof, and a lot of time that will include using LCDs.
-
My vote would be Grocery Game, since about all cash registers are now equipped with electronic readouts. I'd envision green numbers for a win, and red for a loss.
-
:roll:
Again, if Mike was really that bad at his job, he would still not be with the show, and the show itself would not be running 10+ years after Roger's departure. Try again.
It should also be mentioned that a lot of the changes brought up in this thread aren't necessarily changes for changes sake--a lot of the older props look(ed) downright pitiful in HD, especially Bonus Game. If they're going to take the time to refurbish and/or rebuild the props, they're going to consider making it more cost-efficient and future-proof, and a lot of time that will include using LCDs.
Agreed. I realize it’s a figure of speech, but “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” is a terrible mantra. Technology evolves at an ever more rapid pace, and while “throwbacks” when used judiciously can offer balance and charm, by and large one needs to keep pace. Yes, there are cases where change doesn’t work out as planned. That’s life. But they stand out precisely because they’re more exception than rule.
Price has done, frankly, a very good job of gradually integrating new tech into the classic framework. That gives me confidence that whatever comes next has a good chance of being just as well done.
-
My vote would be Grocery Game, since about all cash registers are now equipped with electronic readouts. I'd envision green numbers for a win, and red for a loss.
While something like this could eventually happen and they could possibly ditch the old-fashioned cash register altogether one day, Grocery Game is the one game that I would definitely like to see stay the way it is until change is necessitated. The cash register and the total and Win/Loss display just has a classic look and feel that fits the game very well and it's one of the few games that I would be disappointed by it getting an update to be more modern.
-
When thinking about the psychology of the reveal, I think that from the viewer's standpoint it's important to think about the type of game/reveal. If you're revealing the price of an item digitally, a viewer is likely to be less suspicious of game manipulation by the producers than if you're revealing the location of a bonus, or an X. In the viewer's mind, a price is established, but a location is determined by the person running the game. That's why the screens bother me in Bonus Game.
I agree with you in general, and in particular I'm glad I'm not the only one with the same thought concerning Bonus Game. That display change, along with the loss of the classic turntable spin shot, took Bonus Game off of my list of favorite games. Though I'm not suggesting any manipulation, the reveal of the "Bonus" just doesn't feel the same with the current display.
I would have no problem at all with an LCD update of the price digits in 3 Strikes. If done, I hope those in charge would keep the digit font the same, as was done with the one-bid readouts.
-
My vote would be Grocery Game, since about all cash registers are now equipped with electronic readouts. I'd envision green numbers for a win, and red for a loss.
Definitely Teddy, Grocery Game is way overdue for a set update to include LCD. My other choices for season 47 are Lucky Seven, Pass the Buck, Race Game and 3 Strikes. I would not be surprised if Gorcery Game and any of the other four games get LCD set updates in the upcoming season.
-
For what it's worth, I think Credit Card should be revived with a complete redesign that involves a new ATM-like prop similar to the one pictured below:
(https://i.imgur.com/4g7L6SL.png)
As for the card itself, I think it should get a new design that might either look like or be similar to the following:
(https://i.imgur.com/mzM9ZBD.png)
-
That looks like a pretty good reimagining! What do you think the price reveals would look like?
Quoting removed by Steve. Please do not duplicate large images unless there's a really good reason.
-
You do realize the prop had nothing to do with why Credit Card was retired, right?
-
Maybe Magic #.
-
I don't think this really counts, but, what about Punch a Bunch. Press the paper holes that they want. Then, in the screen will show which order the spots were picked. Drew touches the screen again and the dollar amount will be displayed.
-
I’m gonna skip the “paper slips are good” spiel; why do you believe touchscreens would improve Punch-A-Bunch?
-
I don't think this really counts, but, what about Punch a Bunch. Press the paper holes that they want. Then, in the screen will show which order the spots were picked. Drew touches the screen again and the dollar amount will be displayed.
So, Press-A-Bunch? Nah.
-
Aside from being too manipulative (I don't think it would happen, but you never know) it's more fun to watch someone slamming his fist through flimsy paper instead of pressing a touchscreen. You get to watch Drew dig the paper out of the hole and then watch Drew (or Bob before him) prolong the contestant's agony. You can't do that with an LCD.
-
My vote would be Grocery Game, since about all cash registers are now equipped with electronic readouts. I'd envision green numbers for a win, and red for a loss.
I could see Grocery Game getting overhauled entirely, using a self-checkout theme, even though it'd take away that retro feel to it.
-
With the redo of Bullseye still fresh in our minds, what game or games do you see as being next in line for an LCD upgrade? I could definitely see a game like Make Your Move getting that treatment with colored touch-sliders ala Double Cross.
Sorry if I'm a bit late to the party but I checked out the debut of the new Bulls-Eye look...and seriously...dance lessons/meals/rides for a year? :P
-
I would like to see Easy as 123 go with LCD. Get rid of the plunger because sometimes the reveal card gets stuck. Also maybe Grand Game. Slide the price to the right. No more flipping with Drew`s big hand. Too quick and too hard would result in another price being revealed.