Editing Out the Buzzing of the Vuvuzelas: Broadcasters Respond

by Amy Judd | June 15, 2010 at 11:43 am

1268 views | 5 Recommendations | 11 comments

Is the Buzzing of the Vuvzelas During the 2010 World Cup Driving You Crazy? You're Not Alone and Broadcasters are Starting to Respond to Complaints

The buzzing sound of the vuvuzelas is now a constant fixture of the 2010 World Cup, but the tournament only started five days ago and one of the biggest talking points is that buzzing sound that seems to have permeated every TV broadcast and is driving some viewers crazy. There is even a game to see how long you can last listening to a permanent vuvuzela sound.

Our story has received 233 comments at the time of publication, mostly about banning the vuvuzelas, but few broadcasters have responded to complaints.

Now that seems to be changing.

HBS TV who provides the feed for the World Cup broadcasts around the world have revealed they will be upping their audio filters to try and block out the buzzing of the vuvuzelas as much as possible. However, it will also drown out the noise of the crowd and the cheering as the noise cannot be filtered out on its own. The level in their ball mics have been increased to provide some better balance in the broadcast for the audience at home.

"Despite HBS' core philosophy, which is to provide 'realistic' host broadcast coverage reflecting the ambiance in the stadiums, additional audio filtering has been implemented," according to Host Broadcast Services daily newsletter given to rights holders Tuesday.

TF1, the French broadcaster, has also taken steps to reduce the vuvuzela sound, asking their commentators to hold their mics closer to their mouths.

The BBC has announced they are considering offering the games with only commentary available so that means no crowd sounds but also no vuvuzelas.

"We have already taken steps to minimize the noise and are continuing to monitor the situation," the BBC said in a statement, adding that it has received nearly 550 complaints. "If the vuvuzela continues to impact on audience enjoyment, we will look at what other options we can take to reduce the volume further."

Some people seem to like the vuvuzela, even purchasing the new iPhone app that mimics the sound of the plastic horn, while other supporters of the fan toy are saying people should stop complaining about it and just mute their TVs if they do not want to hear the noise.

The only problem is, if you mute your TV you won't get any commentary so we're not sure if that is the best solution either.

What do you think? Do you like the vuvuzelas? Or would you prefer to have your games broadcast without that sound?

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graham daly (not verified)

at 14:25 on June 15th, 2010

Its just driving me to insanity. Its spoiled the world cup for me and many other people. Its such a shame. The broadcasters/FIFA must do something about it

Arik (not verified)

at 19:45 on June 15th, 2010

I just want to give some feedback regarding what the world is thinking about this event.Great, for doing a great job at hosting this event.Very Bad for not accommodating your guests and international viewers across the world. here are some good/bad comments about the Vuvuzela noisesg.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Vuvuzelas-might-yet-be-banned-from-World-Cup?urn=sow,247947#mwpphu-container From what i have gathered, there are so many reason, the Vuvuzela should be limited during the match:- Empty Seats, Lost in Audience, Revenue...- Bad Experience- Never and ever allowed to host an International Event again. - Hearing Damage Law suits- Does not have any meaning- Not a cultural or tradition- Real enjoyment or Excitement are over powered by the Vuvuzela- It's an International Event - Accommodate the guests, potential visitors.

René

at 07:09 on June 16th, 2010

bet there's gonna be a riot as fans at the games are driven mad.

Why aren't the players refusing to play? Why aren't the teams refusing to play?

They don't even have the courtesy to stop when team's Home Anthems are played.

and from the 'buzz' around the 'net, these horns are being used at other games.

What makes the FIFA think fans love this? did they do a real poll?

alpine gta (not verified)

at 15:55 on June 16th, 2010

Stopped watching as can take no more of that irritating, stupid racket............for me the World cup is dead......and yes i am gutted............i hate that bloody stupid toy and the mindless people that blow it........we all needed this you know, and millions have lost out.........thanks alot.

Paul Pedlar (not verified)

at 13:54 on June 17th, 2010

I like everyone else do not appreciate trying to listen to the commentators at the games with the constant buzzing sound.. It may be great if you are in the stands, but on TV it is nothing short of annoying. Since there does not appear to be an electronic solution to the problem (which with today's technology I am very surprised nothing can be done), why don't the commentators go off premises and broadcast the game from a location outside the stadiums and use monitors as their means of watching the game for their broadcast. This would solve the buzzing sound and we could easily hear the broadcast. Some may say we would miss the sound of the crowd etc., I haven't heard them yet as the buzzing sound drowns out everything.

Julie A. (not verified)

at 10:13 on June 19th, 2010

Unbelievably irritating and annoying!!!!!! Watching the games isn't even worth the aggravation because of those stupid horns, which is unfortunate for the fans, players and the entire sport alike.

Julie Annet (not verified)

at 10:14 on June 19th, 2010

Unbelievably irritating and annoying!!!!!! Watching the games isn't even worth the aggravation because of those stupid horns, which is unfortunate for the fans, players and the entire sport alike.

Dave B (not verified)

at 06:56 on June 23rd, 2010

I have never been a soccer fan but decided to give it a try. I found myself enjoying the games very much, but cannot understand why the World Cup officials allow those retarded fans to blow their horns. I guess they realize how annoying it is and if the world cup officials ever give S Africa the honor of hosting the games again. Well I guess they are as retarded as the horn blowers.

Tamara Cusson (not verified)

at 12:54 on June 23rd, 2010

I'll watch hockey with my boyfriend and kinda love it now. This is the first year that the World Cup Soccer Fifa has played since we've been together. I was very excited about the idea of a new sport that we could enjoy together. The buzzing started in the early morning. And went till late afternoon. Once the TV was closed, I took many deep, very deep breaths. And couldn't seem to get the buzzing out of my ear. Unfortunately I am unable to keep watching the game alongside my boyfriend. I have to leave the house. My boyfriend after 8 days of the Fifa World Cup has resorted to only watching the news feeds and reading the outcome of all the games. And this buzzing in my ear from the television which hurt my ears. Think about the people in the stadium, the damage that these vuvuzelas are doing to the people's ear drums. I'm sure there is permanent damage being done! Someone should check the decibel range of these vuvuzelas. (The tests, conducted late last month in a sound-proof studio, found the vuvuzela emitted 127 decibels.) Hear the World said extended exposure to 85 decibels risked permanent hearing loss and urged fans to use protection, such as ear plugs and ear muffs.And for this reason alone they should be banned.

Ken B (not verified)

at 15:17 on July 4th, 2010

In an earlier time, before Political Correctness, deference to minorities, and all due respect plus 50% to the downtrodden, The V noise would have been quashed in the starting gate., without discussion. Now everyone's treading on eggshells to avoid any hint of racism because of the location the World cup. FIFA's HNIC Sepp Blatter reportedly fears suppressing the V's noise would "Europeanize" the World Cup. It's similar to the smoking discussions: Do those who favor being obnoxious (smokers, horn blowers, cell phone abusers) sometimes take precedence over those who want to participate (or watch) but without the intrusive activity of the obnoxious?South Africa: When you host a World event, mind your manners. You have your traditions; you have your rights; but give the rest of the world the respect you feel entitled to. Want to be invited to the next party? Behave accordingly.