The nicest thing about doing some of the comms for GT is that I get to be in the same room as my co-commentator/we get to commentate from the broadcast feed instead of ingame cameras. It's so much easier because of things like visual cues and body language. Eons ago I did some commentary with RaceSpot and the process is very similar to what you guys are doing with V8s. Luckily things are *relatively* straight forward when it comes to iR, but commentating in rF2 is a ballache...never again haha. If anyone has the voice for big boye broadcasting, it's you. Running these sort of shows requires serious talent and I really hope that V8's acts as a launchpad for you and the other guys.
this league i raced in once for iracing was in need of a commentator who actually knew non-oval tracks for their smaller streams. it was an MX5 league and well... oval racer commentators obviously dont work at silverstone. thing is, they asked me to do it with them for the next race (probably a bad idea to be honest) only they never contacted anyone affiliated with the league again after that. so everyone got really confused and the league continnued without any further streams that season
A brilliant insight into the world of simracing commentary. As a side note, this pretty much spot on explains how rFactor 2's VEC works, as a commentator there. It's crazy what the similarities are despite us being in different continents and commentating on different series in different simulators, and that despite all that the formula for a broadcast is so similar. Like yourself, I'm studying broadcast media too, and I really think eSports or simracing commentary is where I could find my future. There are those who give me stick for my voice, yes, but at this point all I care about is the ones who actually are there to enjoy the racing and the broadcast in general. I think you do a great job as a commentator, you really do bring a little something extra (not just a fan following haha!). I'm looking forward to seeing where the future takes you for sure, cause it would be a damn shame if simracing continues to get bigger with more LAN events, and you're not a part of it all. Keep gaan' strong, sonna. ;) - Joshua, that shouty pommy/Geordie commentator off of VEC
As a fellow commentator - the lack of seeing the feed in real time is always the crux of that disconnect of on screen/off screen. I spend the entire broadcast shifting through the order non stop but I've got into that habit because so often I would have to lead a broadcast with a cameraman that's been so ripped into because people don't understand the limitations they are already disinterested and downbeat. For the long haul endurance races where things are much more relaxed, I have my phone on the Twitter and forums to keep up with the conversation but you just don't have the capacity to take it in for touring cars. I love broadcasting and will never stop but this is a lovely insight for others. One thing I will say is a team that gels, sells and that gets more complicated as a team expands. Some of the poorest broadcasts I've been involved in are the biggest productions because a clear direction has never been agreed before. Glad to see your having great fun with it. Smithy approves muchly
Good video, I feel like we're not always given the credit for what actually goes into producing these things. We now have a system at Apex Racing TV which allows our commentators to see the same feed in real time, thus all of us can be a lot more coherent. We're still learning how to use it really well but it has made everything so much better.
When I think about what a simracing broadcast's biggest difference to real life is, I always think of additional content and stuff that happens outside of the race track. A single additional person could throw in so much that could make a "boring" race more appealing. I know that's not possible with the resources V8sonline currently has, but I'm very much looking forward to the future. PS: idc what people say, Sparey is a huge asset to V8SCOPS and you two have great chemistry edit: What I mean specifically with additional content is stuff like interviews or information from teams.
Yeah, in the past we've attempted stuff like pit reporting (basically getting info from teams, listening in on radio and stuff like that). That's actually how I got my start at V8sOnline. But stuff like that requires coordination and cooperation from basically every team in the field, and unfortunately that's where it became unfeasible. We would only get info on a consistent basis from one or two teams, maybe four max. It definitely would add another dimension to our presentation if we could get something like that off the ground again with the support of a majority of people involved in the championships we broadcast.
the only time I've done commentary the way actual motorsport does commentary (which you drew that awesome picture of) was during the 2018 F1 esports qualifying rounds. We used VMIX to watch a low latency stream so that Chris and I didn't even need to open the F1 game. We just opened the VMIX page and went to discord. It was AMAZING. Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this lol
My hat goes off to you guys. My dad ran a sports broadcast company among many other things in his career in television and I've spent many Sunday and Monday nights watching (US) football games from the broadcast truck at the stadium. Once I got a bit older I started to help with the equipment setup as well. So I have a pretty basic idea of how a sports broadcast functions. After seeing how difficult it was to make things flow smoothly in a stadium where everyone remains in realtime sync I can't imagine the challenges you guys face with making it all look as good as you do. I've seen some of the comments you mentioned in your streams as well as the official iracing ones and I just think to myself "if you only knew how hard this truly is..." Keep up the good work!
You guys are bloody perfect as far as i'm concerned. I've watched for years now, and i'm just blown away by the time and effort put into it by you all. Thanks from one fan here
Thanks for the insight. I've been doing some commentating for the Automobilista Australia guys this year and it's interesting to me how similar the issues you mention are.
Great video Rhys! I really had no idea how you guys did this. It’s amazing how well all you commentators do considering you’re not seeing what’s being broadcast and just spectating in the Sim yourself. I never would have thought that. When watching a broadcast it felt like you all are in a studio watching the same thing together.
Great insight mate, there are a ton of things going on behind the scenes that people don't realise when it comes to simracing broadcasts and you describe them pretty well here. An interesting point on the "commentating from director feed" discussion though, at Racespot for some broadcasts we actually have a super low delay (
An amazing insight and brings me back to so many fantastic memories of directing for V8SONLINE!!! It truly is a unique challenge and it truly is an emerging field. Keep up the great work.
I actually learned something here! I know about broadcasting from working at a local news station, but iracing and esports broadcasting is very different. Cool to see your side of it!
Amazing video Rhys, really eye opening just how much work goes behind the scenes. In my mind you are definitely one of the best in business, keep it up mate. (Still waiting for the Chen Chen Cheney TV Show)
I'd really love to tear chunks out of some of the nufties commenting on the V8SCOPS broadcasts :p I manage a group of 7 commentators in state level racing, 3 of which are also a part of the ARW team that cover AMSOZ streams, so, I've got a good idea of the limitations and workarounds you guys have to deal with. And consequently how much work you're putting in. As well as how much easier the Supercars guys have it, and how much harder than this low level commentary is. They sound like the same people who tell 20 year racing veterans they can't drive, from behind the safety of their keyboard.
Hey bro, keep doing what you are doing and never change. Any one can see you definitely have talent and determination, which means I know you will be successful. Destined for bigger things. PS you should get on that patreon thing like all other youtubers, I love your content!
Good stuff and a very important video. Thanks, Rhys. Having done commentary both in a "studio" and from home... there are advantages to being live and in one place that just cannot be replicated online. Of course there are systems that certain operators/broadcasters use which allow them to see the feed live. With that said, there are so many aspects to broadcasting live that may become surprising. The ability to see the live feed is only one of them. Interactions with the other commentator(s) become easier as you can actually talk to them in person. You can show things with your hands on the screen. You can send messages/mime, for example if you need a quick glass of water, the other can then take over for 5-10 seconds. And of course, in live events there is that atmosphere which cannot be replicated. My point? Well, doing commentary purely online is difficult for reasons you did a good job of mentioning. Having done 3 years of broadcasting, vast majority of them online save for a few live ones, I have to say you made some very good and accurate points. It's also very similar to how we operate up here in Finland. Only I use far chase instead of rear chase for the default commentary view, heh. Overall, you've made a video that was not only interesting, but also necessary. I've contemplated a similar "behind the scenes" -thing for some time, maybe live streaming commentary or something. But never got around to do it. Besides, this is far better. I think this should be if not necessary, then at least recommended viewing for sim racing enthusiasts worldwide. And, in addition, those curious about how we operate.
Hey Rhys, great video! Definitely learned something new today, thanks for giving the insight. I gotta say there's a certain charm to how you guys do things, trying to make the best of it with what you have. Keep doing what you're doing, love your stuff man!
Brilliant video Rhys, not surprised it's a lot more full on than meets the eye. Can you divulge how the picture-in-picture works? Can it be done from one PC? And is it possible to use replays, highlights and even other broadcast snippets as fillers during lulls?
Great video mate. Good incite into how difficult it is. Hopefullly ppl may be a little bit more understanding. Only just heard about the channel from flat chat pod cast. Got many vids to watch now....
Interesting insight. I would like to hear more about things you use. I’m sure your using ATVO. Do you use capture cards or just streaming with OBS? Push to talk buttons or open mics? Mixer boards for sound? Maybe make a several part series just detailing some of it. It’s interesting to me. I did hear that Racespot was streaming to Mixer and using that to actually see what is being shown on screen as well. I’ve heard it’s lower lag but not sure.
Geez how horrible sounding is that guys yelling in your ear all broadcast. Probably has no idea what is going on at all. Real jerk by the sound of things :D Love your work man!
Here's a drinking game. Take a shot every time Rhys adjusts his glasses. In total: 25 Video length: 15 minutes That makes 1.67 shots every minute. Rhys, you really need tighter glasses, these are just too T H I C C.
I think simracing developers need to start building proper tools for broadcasters to work with, I mean broadcasted races are the best way to promote their game, and especially with so many broadcasting channels its a no brainer.
That was a great insight Rhys and I personally enjoy watching the V8Online broadcasts. To those people who bag you guys should get off their asses and give it go just to see what it is like instead of being a keyboard worrier.
As a former commentator and hoster/streamer I understand the struggles and problems of doing this job. But if you have a good voice, are enthusiastic, and can reel off some interesting stuff while making the stream exciting and watchable, you can make anything happen!
If you're interested in broadcasting in other esports and how sim racing differs, you might find the Behind the Stream series from earlier this year interesting. The system y'all work with sounds very similar to the observer system Riot use for League, just with one person running the broadcast view and calling production to the casters instead of 3. th-cam.com/video/VHaolEsPK0k/w-d-xo.html
![F1 24 [Online] Austrália - Treino Livre sem Assistências, câmera cockpit, somente linha](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/owXYziILBW0/mqdefault.jpg)
The nicest thing about doing some of the comms for GT is that I get to be in the same room as my co-commentator/we get to commentate from the broadcast feed instead of ingame cameras. It's so much easier because of things like visual cues and body language. Eons ago I did some commentary with RaceSpot and the process is very similar to what you guys are doing with V8s. Luckily things are *relatively* straight forward when it comes to iR, but commentating in rF2 is a ballache...never again haha.
If anyone has the voice for big boye broadcasting, it's you. Running these sort of shows requires serious talent and I really hope that V8's acts as a launchpad for you and the other guys.
this league i raced in once for iracing was in need of a commentator who actually knew non-oval tracks for their smaller streams. it was an MX5 league and well... oval racer commentators obviously dont work at silverstone.
thing is, they asked me to do it with them for the next race (probably a bad idea to be honest) only they never contacted anyone affiliated with the league again after that. so everyone got really confused and the league continnued without any further streams that season
A brilliant insight into the world of simracing commentary.
As a side note, this pretty much spot on explains how rFactor 2's VEC works, as a commentator there. It's crazy what the similarities are despite us being in different continents and commentating on different series in different simulators, and that despite all that the formula for a broadcast is so similar.
Like yourself, I'm studying broadcast media too, and I really think eSports or simracing commentary is where I could find my future. There are those who give me stick for my voice, yes, but at this point all I care about is the ones who actually are there to enjoy the racing and the broadcast in general.
I think you do a great job as a commentator, you really do bring a little something extra (not just a fan following haha!). I'm looking forward to seeing where the future takes you for sure, cause it would be a damn shame if simracing continues to get bigger with more LAN events, and you're not a part of it all. Keep gaan' strong, sonna. ;)
- Joshua, that shouty pommy/Geordie commentator off of VEC
You do a fantastic job yourself ❤
d'awww you
As a fellow commentator - the lack of seeing the feed in real time is always the crux of that disconnect of on screen/off screen. I spend the entire broadcast shifting through the order non stop but I've got into that habit because so often I would have to lead a broadcast with a cameraman that's been so ripped into because people don't understand the limitations they are already disinterested and downbeat. For the long haul endurance races where things are much more relaxed, I have my phone on the Twitter and forums to keep up with the conversation but you just don't have the capacity to take it in for touring cars. I love broadcasting and will never stop but this is a lovely insight for others. One thing I will say is a team that gels, sells and that gets more complicated as a team expands. Some of the poorest broadcasts I've been involved in are the biggest productions because a clear direction has never been agreed before. Glad to see your having great fun with it. Smithy approves muchly
real interesting. must be real tough during Maxx bantz
Good video, I feel like we're not always given the credit for what actually goes into producing these things.
We now have a system at Apex Racing TV which allows our commentators to see the same feed in real time, thus all of us can be a lot more coherent. We're still learning how to use it really well but it has made everything so much better.
Rhys, your insight, honesty and down right fantastic character makes your content riveting. DONT STOP EVER PLS
When I think about what a simracing broadcast's biggest difference to real life is, I always think of additional content and stuff that happens outside of the race track. A single additional person could throw in so much that could make a "boring" race more appealing. I know that's not possible with the resources V8sonline currently has, but I'm very much looking forward to the future.
PS: idc what people say, Sparey is a huge asset to V8SCOPS and you two have great chemistry
edit: What I mean specifically with additional content is stuff like interviews or information from teams.
Yeah, in the past we've attempted stuff like pit reporting (basically getting info from teams, listening in on radio and stuff like that). That's actually how I got my start at V8sOnline. But stuff like that requires coordination and cooperation from basically every team in the field, and unfortunately that's where it became unfeasible. We would only get info on a consistent basis from one or two teams, maybe four max. It definitely would add another dimension to our presentation if we could get something like that off the ground again with the support of a majority of people involved in the championships we broadcast.
I remember the VEC Le Mans stream from June.At the end,lots of hate comments were appearing for not showing Jimmy hot lapping.
Yeah kinda sucks, last 10 mins of enduros are reserved for the leaders imo.
the only time I've done commentary the way actual motorsport does commentary (which you drew that awesome picture of) was during the 2018 F1 esports qualifying rounds. We used VMIX to watch a low latency stream so that Chris and I didn't even need to open the F1 game. We just opened the VMIX page and went to discord. It was AMAZING. Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this lol
My hat goes off to you guys. My dad ran a sports broadcast company among many other things in his career in television and I've spent many Sunday and Monday nights watching (US) football games from the broadcast truck at the stadium. Once I got a bit older I started to help with the equipment setup as well. So I have a pretty basic idea of how a sports broadcast functions. After seeing how difficult it was to make things flow smoothly in a stadium where everyone remains in realtime sync I can't imagine the challenges you guys face with making it all look as good as you do. I've seen some of the comments you mentioned in your streams as well as the official iracing ones and I just think to myself "if you only knew how hard this truly is..." Keep up the good work!
Wow. I know that underestimated how the broadcasts worked... keep up the good work Rhys & v8’s online.....
You guys are bloody perfect as far as i'm concerned. I've watched for years now, and i'm just blown away by the time and effort put into it by you all. Thanks from one fan here
Summary:
You guys are as professional as you can be
Thanks for the insight. I've been doing some commentating for the Automobilista Australia guys this year and it's interesting to me how similar the issues you mention are.
Great video Rhys! I really had no idea how you guys did this. It’s amazing how well all you commentators do considering you’re not seeing what’s being broadcast and just spectating in the Sim yourself. I never would have thought that. When watching a broadcast it felt like you all are in a studio watching the same thing together.
Fantastic video! So much goes on behind the scenes it seems.
Great insight mate, there are a ton of things going on behind the scenes that people don't realise when it comes to simracing broadcasts and you describe them pretty well here.
An interesting point on the "commentating from director feed" discussion though, at Racespot for some broadcasts we actually have a super low delay (
An amazing insight and brings me back to so many fantastic memories of directing for V8SONLINE!!! It truly is a unique challenge and it truly is an emerging field. Keep up the great work.
I actually learned something here! I know about broadcasting from working at a local news station, but iracing and esports broadcasting is very different. Cool to see your side of it!
Amazing video Rhys, really eye opening just how much work goes behind the scenes. In my mind you are definitely one of the best in business, keep it up mate. (Still waiting for the Chen Chen Cheney TV Show)
Good thing screen sharing the production feed via Discord is now a simple option 😅
A brilliant and insightful video, thanks!
Keep your chin up, doing a great job (all of u) like the broadcasts
I'd really love to tear chunks out of some of the nufties commenting on the V8SCOPS broadcasts :p
I manage a group of 7 commentators in state level racing, 3 of which are also a part of the ARW team that cover AMSOZ streams, so, I've got a good idea of the limitations and workarounds you guys have to deal with. And consequently how much work you're putting in. As well as how much easier the Supercars guys have it, and how much harder than this low level commentary is.
They sound like the same people who tell 20 year racing veterans they can't drive, from behind the safety of their keyboard.
Really interesting to give us that perspective, great video!
Love your commentary dude. keep up the great work.
Hey bro, keep doing what you are doing and never change. Any one can see you definitely have talent and determination, which means I know you will be successful. Destined for bigger things. PS you should get on that patreon thing like all other youtubers, I love your content!
Good stuff and a very important video. Thanks, Rhys. Having done commentary both in a "studio" and from home... there are advantages to being live and in one place that just cannot be replicated online. Of course there are systems that certain operators/broadcasters use which allow them to see the feed live. With that said, there are so many aspects to broadcasting live that may become surprising. The ability to see the live feed is only one of them. Interactions with the other commentator(s) become easier as you can actually talk to them in person. You can show things with your hands on the screen. You can send messages/mime, for example if you need a quick glass of water, the other can then take over for 5-10 seconds. And of course, in live events there is that atmosphere which cannot be replicated.
My point? Well, doing commentary purely online is difficult for reasons you did a good job of mentioning. Having done 3 years of broadcasting, vast majority of them online save for a few live ones, I have to say you made some very good and accurate points. It's also very similar to how we operate up here in Finland. Only I use far chase instead of rear chase for the default commentary view, heh.
Overall, you've made a video that was not only interesting, but also necessary. I've contemplated a similar "behind the scenes" -thing for some time, maybe live streaming commentary or something. But never got around to do it. Besides, this is far better. I think this should be if not necessary, then at least recommended viewing for sim racing enthusiasts worldwide. And, in addition, those curious about how we operate.
Hey Rhys, great video! Definitely learned something new today, thanks for giving the insight. I gotta say there's a certain charm to how you guys do things, trying to make the best of it with what you have. Keep doing what you're doing, love your stuff man!
Nice video Rhys!
You guys do a great job.
Brilliant video Rhys, not surprised it's a lot more full on than meets the eye.
Can you divulge how the picture-in-picture works? Can it be done from one PC? And is it possible to use replays, highlights and even other broadcast snippets as fillers during lulls?
I'm not sure on the specifics of how the PIP is done - I'll double check and get back to you on that.
Great video mate. Good incite into how difficult it is. Hopefullly ppl may be a little bit more understanding. Only just heard about the channel from flat chat pod cast. Got many vids to watch now....
thanks for this explanation...this is great to know how it works..
Really well made video! This is what I subscribed for.
Have you measured the caffeine levels in your blood after commentating a 24h race ?
Interesting insight. I would like to hear more about things you use. I’m sure your using ATVO. Do you use capture cards or just streaming with OBS? Push to talk buttons or open mics? Mixer boards for sound? Maybe make a several part series just detailing some of it. It’s interesting to me. I did hear that Racespot was streaming to Mixer and using that to actually see what is being shown on screen as well. I’ve heard it’s lower lag but not sure.
Jay uses ATVO to my knowledge, and streams with OBS. My mic is voice activated. I may do a follow-up video going into more detail!
Totally off-topic, but: I swear I can see some book with the word "manga" on the book spine on the table in the background.
Generally V8sOnline does Oceania,Racespot does Europe and ISRTV/GSRC does North America
From having run broadcasts on Racespot and commentated on Racespot and LSR, this video is a hard relate
Great video Rhys!
It is nice to have someone from wa doing it too it is awesome
what program are you using? I had SDK and hated it
IT'S BACK! YAY!
I think Rhys is the only guy I know that doesn’t have any dislikes on a video
great video. thanks for the insight.
great info
Geez how horrible sounding is that guys yelling in your ear all broadcast. Probably has no idea what is going on at all. Real jerk by the sound of things :D
Love your work man!
Your a good man Rhys
Here's a drinking game. Take a shot every time Rhys adjusts his glasses.
In total: 25
Video length: 15 minutes
That makes 1.67 shots every minute.
Rhys, you really need tighter glasses, these are just too T H I C C.
Shhhh, you're giving away my secret plot to give my viewers alcohol poisoning
Brilliant
I think simracing developers need to start building proper tools for broadcasters to work with, I mean broadcasted races are the best way to promote their game, and especially with so many broadcasting channels its a no brainer.
THIS IS DOIN ME A HECCIN EXCITE
That was a great insight Rhys and I personally enjoy watching the V8Online broadcasts. To those people who bag you guys should get off their asses and give it go just to see what it is like instead of being a keyboard worrier.
You’re from Perth? Go West Coast Eagles!
I know this is not me but at 3:22 my name is pointing at my exact location of my house come find me guys
As a former commentator and hoster/streamer I understand the struggles and problems of doing this job.
But if you have a good voice, are enthusiastic, and can reel off some interesting stuff while making the stream exciting and watchable, you can make anything happen!
If you're interested in broadcasting in other esports and how sim racing differs, you might find the Behind the Stream series from earlier this year interesting. The system y'all work with sounds very similar to the observer system Riot use for League, just with one person running the broadcast view and calling production to the casters instead of 3.
th-cam.com/video/VHaolEsPK0k/w-d-xo.html