"I love the pictures.. but, um.. WHAT is it again that you're actually DOING there???"

During the past 13 busy days, I've been working to bring the Olympics from Vancouver to your couch at home.  Since the actual process is long and complicated, I'll break it down in some relatively simple terms:

1. video of the Olympic action (sports, ceremonies, commentary) is shot at the City and Mountain venues and then sent to the IBC via a fiber optic network (the IBC stands for: International Broadcast Centre.  you know.. where I work.  remember?)
2. the video is then transmitted within the IBC to all the Rights-Holding Broadcasters, RHBs -(NBC, CTV, etc.)
3. the RHBs package all the video with commentary and commercials, etc and send it to the world via their own TV fiber networks or by satellite.
4. the local networks get it from the RHBs and distribute to your house.  viola!

My job is to maintain the heath and welfare of the fiber optic network mentioned in bullet point #1.  I work for Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) - the Host Broadcaster.

if you still are scratching your head... here's a picture:

(it all happens Automagically)

so, seeing as I've been here for nearly a month, I suppose it's fitting that I finally show you some pictures of where I'm spending the majority of my time.   The CDT.  CDT stands for Contribution, Distribution & Transmission (it's in the middle of the IBC.. I know, too many acronyms)...  anyone that actually wants me to explain any of this in further detail can see me after class.

Just as a refresher, here's a picture of the IBC:

(sloped building on the right )

here are some shots of the CDT:

I attempted to stitch together a panoramic view of all the screens using an automatic program.  the result:

pretty neat looking..  but here's the real one (click):

here is my team, the Broadcast Telecom Crew - Vancouver 2010:

yes, we're all geeks.  so what?  I'm a cool geek, at least.

So, that's about it for now.  Just as long as you're seeing a nice, crisp, clear picture - you'll know that I'm doing my job.  If not, please call your local cable provider :)

In conclusion, here are some pretty trees I found:

The Olympic Flame

Here are some up-close-and-personal shots of the Cauldron, which, so happens to be right outside of my office.  Bonus!!!

here are a few shots taken before Mr Gretzky graced us with his presence:

while we were waiting, I decided to give it a head start:

it worked!

everyone cheered as we watched the fireworks:

they were shot off from a barge in the water.  great view!

excitement was everywhere!  there were tons of reporters and media:

what a night!

up next, some pictures shot during the day:

Bill Page and I:

some high res shots for your desktop (click to enlarge):

under the hood:

I was able to shoot these at around 6:00am.  I had the whole place to myself!

and some more high-res for you:

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  come back soon!

-Sean

Night Lights, part I

Take a look around - enjoy the color/colour.  
Here is Vancouver at night!

some views from the Robson Square skating rink.  a wonderful public space right under the street!

here are some of the illuminated art installations of "Lunar Fest" on Granville St:

a couple shots from the end of Granville:

ST Pauls Hospital on Burrard:

I disagree - I think they fit perfectly.  (near my hotel):

outside of  the Vancouver Art Gallery:

countdown clock:

a really interesting piece under Robson Square.  it's like a gigantic clothespin spring:

b'dee b'dee - that's all, folks!  well, for now at least.  check back soon!