Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion

[Greg Marra]

http://www.thebluealliance.net/images/144square.jpg

The Blue Alliance
Video Tutorials (http://www.thebluealliance.net/category/episodes/) | Match Video Archives (http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/) | Facebook Group (http://olin.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2220609688)

LIVE Kickoff Coverage! (http://www.thebluealliance.net/kickoff08/)
Kickoff LIVE Dashboard! (http://www.thebluealliance.net/kickoff08/)


This year, The Blue Alliance is providing LIVE coverage of the Kickoff Event from Manchester. Tune into this thread before, during, and following the webcast to find up-to-the-minute information about what is going on in Manchester. We'll be posting photos, videos, and descriptions of what's going on at Kickoff. Be sure to check it out for high resolution photos of the game elements and field, as well as video showing how the game elements behave and our other coverage of the event!

Our LIVE Kickoff Dashboard features the NASA TV Webcast, our LIVE Flickr Photos, our LIVE video clips we'll be uploading from the event, and our LIVE Twitter commentary feed. Check out the Kickoff LIVE Dashboard (http://www.thebluealliance.net/kickoff08/) for your one-stop site for Kickoff coverage. Everything on the page AJAX refreshes, so you never need to refresh the page, it auto-reloads!

Kickoff LIVE Dashboard (http://www.thebluealliance.net/kickoff08/)
The LIVE Dashboard features the webcase, LIVE photos, LIVE video clips, and LIVE commentary that also will appear in this thread.

Note: All times are EDT (GMT -5)

The Live Coverage Starts Here:
====================
12:21 PM - Posted the game logo to flickr feed. Interviewing Woodie soon.
12:07 PM - Just interviewd Paul Gudonis; Waiting for Woody before posting photos
12:05 PM - The decryption key is: Drive!Straight?turn!LEFT!?
11:41 AM - We're going to interview Paul and Woodie now. Stay tuned for those videos.
11:33 AM - We want onboard Metallica!
11:29 AM - We're totally digging the use of video during Kickoff. Everything looks really great.
11:29 AM - What a crazy game! We're going to have to see the rules documents to totally understand it.
11:23 AM - It's a race! This game is shaping up to be quite unlike anything FIRST has seen before!
11:19 AM - The game! The game!
11:17 AM - Woodie speaks words of wisdom.
11:09 AM - Driving and turning left?! Overdrive? Copley Square? How does it all fit together?
11:00 AM - Dave we're loving the photos of you! And congrats on the Mars Rovers!
10:47 AM - Dave's demo looks really cool, we think he's up next!
10:36 AM - Dean Game Hint #4?
10:35 AM - Dean is talking now, and the fixed videos are up. We're excited to see the game soon!
09:27 AM - We're uploading our first video! See game predictions from people here at Kickoff.
08:24 AM - We're live on scene! Stay tuned to the Flickr Photo Feed for pictures from inside Kickoff!
07:04 AM - We're just getting up and getting ready for Kickoff. It is COLD in Manchester!
11:56 PM - We found a potential problem where we might have gotten overloaded tomorrow. We changed the twitter feed to cache on our site, and anticipate no problems!
03:14 PM - Testing out our updating scripts and getting ready to drive up to Manchester!

[AndyB]

Looking good guys. Can't wait!

You guys do so much for the FIRST community. Thanks so much.

[Hiteak]

I have to say i really like the layout. I'm definitely keeping up with it tomorrow during kickoff.

[vivek16]

Awesome!!

Thanks so much. FIRST wouldn't be the same with out you guys.

thanks, Vivek

[synth3tk]

Looks FIRSTasticalawesomethingreat!!! You guys rock. I'll be at the Cleveland satellite and as far as I know, won't have any wireless access there. But I'll let the rest of the team know about it for those who aren't going.

[Binome]

Just to let people know who don't already

There is a 1200kbps stream of NASA TV available through yahoo at
mms://209.73.189.91/bcpenc252154?StreamID=47339274

Compared to the 500 and 300kbps streams, this is crystal clear and in higher resolution(640x480)

[Greg Marra]

Just to let people know who don't already

There is a 1200kbps stream of NASA TV available through yahoo at
mms://209.73.189.91/bcpenc252154?StreamID=47339274

Compared to the 500 and 300kbps streams, this is crystal clear and in higher resolution(640x480)

Thanks! I added a link to this to the other streams on the dashboard!

[whlspacedude]

The Nasa TV - Kickoff Webcast wont play for me today!!
I also cannot view any of the TV links on NAsa.gov
however the "high res Feed" works today
none of the others work
can anyone else view it?

[rrr999]

Blue Alliance = Sweet Site

Forwarded the 1200kbps link to team 177 parents.

[synth3tk]

I know it's probably a weeee bit late, but making all the links open in new windows [tabs] would be greatly appreciated. I hate losing having to right-click every link.

[Alex Cormier]

Looks great guys!

[Michael Corsetto]

Hey looks great guys. One small thing, I'm not getting audio for the short "Game Predictions" clip on your streaming flash player. I hear audio for the intro animation and the credits, but not for the video. Thanks, you guys are doing a great job!

Mike C.

Edit: Sorry, I just realized that there actually is audio, it's just incredibly weak in comparison to the audio for the intro and credits. I had to max the volume on my speakers and the flash player to be able to barely hear your voices. Hope this helps.

[fredliu168]

Hey, great site. But your audio for your game predictions and "its really cold" is wayy too quiet. I had to crank my audio to max to hear it.

[chaoticprout]

Sooo....I didn't sleep all night, and when I get out of bed at 6 PST my internet is out, so my friend suggests Starbucks, so I rushed here and just got the feed up. Can't wait!!!

[Billfred]

Alright, how many CDers have you spotted? I've got Alan Anderson thus far.

[ForgottenSalad]

so at kickoff at stony brook there was mention of an infared controller... Slip of words? An IR controller doesn't make any sense...

[Billfred]

so at kickoff at stony brook there was mention of an infared controller... Slip of words? An IR controller doesn't make any sense...
I don't think it's too shocking, given the first hint.

Color me quite surprised (and happy) at the amount of vintage footage in the GP video. Not every day you get to see Tower Power getting played, eh?

[dmlawrence]

so at kickoff at stony brook there was mention of an infared controller... Slip of words? An IR controller doesn't make any sense...

Where are you at Stony Brook?
1751 is on the right by the exit, on the lower level.

Oh, and how do you have internet access?

[ForgottenSalad]

Where are you at Stony Brook?
1751 is on the right by the exit, on the lower level.

Oh, and how do you have internet access?

far left back corner of the center bank of seats. Using edge data network and an iPhone. Sitting with 810

[Koko Ed]

You know you're addicted to FIRST when it influences your wedding cake design.

[chaoticprout]

Zamg this is too awesome. I haven't slept in 18 hours, probably won't sleep for 16 more. =(

[Koko Ed]

I wonder how many teams submitted an animation?
Congrats to 1726!

[chaoticprout]

Here comes the homework! Hey Dean!

[nparikh]

The Cokeleys, Bharat Nain and Shaun McNulty are behind the speaker to the right!

[Greg Marra]

Our feeds all seem to be working. The wifi here is very flaky, but we're going to keep Twitter photos flowing via cell phones for sure.

Hope you're all enjoying our coverage!

[Billfred]

Our feeds all seem to be working. The wifi here is very flaky, but we're going to keep Twitter photos flowing via cell phones for sure.

Hope you're all enjoying our coverage!
Loving it.

I'll point out one of the Flickr photos, for anyone not tracking that:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22421182@N05/2168247385/

[Koko Ed]

FLR is gonna be crowded enough with 40 teams.
They better open up the far bleachers if they want more people to come.

[synth3tk]

Our main feed seems to be having hardware/connection problems, but a good five or so of us are watching via wireless provided by the college. Sad part is, it's actually 2-5 seconds ahead of the big screen.

[chaoticprout]

Overdrive CONFIRMED

[synth3tk]

They used the pic with dave and the dancing dounts! lol

[Koko Ed]

SPIRIT= Built FIRST tough!

[ForgottenSalad]

Haha. Next time I'll include an off switch. =P

[chaoticprout]

Three modes possibly? Teleoperated autonomous and...?

[chaoticprout]

Supervisory control. o.O

[synth3tk]

NOTE: I'm using IE7 over a wireless connection, and the Twitter feed doesn't update automatically, I have to do a manual refresh. Flickr is fine, video feeds work correctly.


Anticipation, Anticipation, Means Having To Wait........

[Brian J. R.]

this could prove interesting if 2 robots go to do the same thing on opposite ends...if it is still multi team....

[cooker52]

Now who would have a random remote lying around?

[chaoticprout]

Supervisory control is going to be AWESOME

[Brian J. R.]

that apparently has been chewed on...

[ERAUeagle68]

yeah government dosen't exist

[cooker52]

4 Robot Alliance?

[chaoticprout]

change of teamwork and alliances?

[chaoticprout]

Really different with reffing?

[Brian J. R.]

but how on earth do you change the system???

[chaoticprout]

This sounds like it's going to be amazing

[synth3tk]

but how on earth do you change the system???
I dunno, upgrade hardware?

[Brian J. R.]

get the robot with time to spare? come on, building on the practice days of the first regional are fun...

[chaoticprout]

hahaha @ the laughing about being done at week 4

[chaoticprout]

Here it comes!

[Jaime65]

Is the NASA broadcast freezing up for anybody else?

[cooker52]

Big Balls
Oooh

[chaoticprout]

whoa. O.O

[cooker52]

The robo coach?

[cooker52]

Yes, RAcing!

[chaoticprout]

O.O spinng balls around the field counterclockwise whoa

[synth3tk]

Is the NASA broadcast freezing up for anybody else?
Yes, in-and-out for about 10 minutes.

The robo coach?
My thoughts exactly.

[cooker52]

Yes, we get to throw balls!

[chaoticprout]

15 second hybrid 2 minute human control...no autonomous?

[Koko Ed]

Gently pushing to pass.
Just like they do in NASCAR.:rolleyes:

[synth3tk]

Poor blue bot got beat up again.

[Adam Y.]

15 second hybrid 2 minute human control...no autonomous?
Autonomous is the hybrid mode. The only difference is that the autonomous code can be changed by the robocoach using a remote control.

[cooker52]

Two Robo Coaches, and we need to touch the wall?

Wow! I look forward to this.

[Bongle]

First impression: I like it. Seems like it'll be easy to get a base level of competitiveness, with opportunities for high-end teams to really work. And with 4 points for a drive-straight autonomous mode, autonomous shouldn't be boring this year.

Although with a scoring system not dependent on the current state of the field but rather what has transpired during the game, the scoring system had better be robust.

[chaoticprout]

Oh ok, you can do autonomous if you can't do hybrid.

[chaoticprout]

scoring is going to be insane

[Adam Y.]

Ahhh I get the clue now. The Boston Marathon finish line.

[Carrie102]

omg, i'm so excited! at the njit kickoff now and the new game looks like a ton of fun :)

[chaoticprout]

can't go backwards??? interesting

[cooker52]

Who want to be an engineer?

[Chris Sturrock]

looks like we're gonna see some pretty large scores this year

[Billfred]

Oh.

My.

[chaoticprout]

this game is looking scary.

[Koko Ed]

can't go backwards??? interesting

That's a good thing. There would be some really violent collisions if there was.

[chaoticprout]

mandatory bumpers

[cooker52]

Yeah Bumpers! and it's Metalica!

[Drakkon]

I vote for metallica.

[cooker52]

Awwww, they took the metalica option off. =(

[vhcook]

Brain hurts.

[Sean Schuff]

Vets hurdle FIRST tetras?

I get the hurdling part but what about vets and tetras?

[Adam Y.]

Vets hurdle FIRST tetras?

I get the hurdling part but what about vets and tetras?
Haven't they discussed what the clues meant at the end of the kickoff in prior years?

[cooker52]

Vets hurdle FIRST tetras?

I get the hurdling part but what about vets and tetras?

Something it's not

[chaoticprout]

lol @ Delphi. Only able to have one trackball.

[geeknerd99]

Whoever guessed drive straight turn left wins. A lot.

[fredliu168]

Drive!Straight?turn!LEFT!?

decode

[Gertlex]

Guess the hint was that Vets are ballin'. Which they are.

[rrr999]

well - 2008 should be an exciting year - let the planning begin -

and a big hearty thanks to BLUE ALLIANCE for their annual kickoff coverage

[pyroslev]

Guess the phrase "Drive it like you stole it!" Really applies.

[Éowyn]

Thank you so much for providing this!

[Clinton Bolinger]

please update with the game/rules video

[SSMike]

Awwww, they took the metalica option off. =(

How funny would it be though if a robot showed up to competition and as soon as the game started started to play metallica? :D

[MikeDubreuil]

I watched, nice job guys :D

[Petey]

Interesting game. As a former human player I'm a little bit disappointed by its absence. I also feel like this may be the first FIRST game in which the 2:15 sort of drags--but maybe that's because I'm not a NASCAR fan.

However, the balls should provide a cool challenge. I'm looking forward to mentoring my old team until I head back to school :)

[ahecht]

I'm surprised that with "live coverage from kickoff", there was no mention of Giuliani showing up before the broadcast and forgetting what Segways were called.