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 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!


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!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Looking good guys. Can't wait!

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Awesome!!

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

thanks, Vivek

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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)

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Blue Alliance = Sweet Site

Forwarded the 1200kbps link to team 177 parents.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Looks great guys!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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!!!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Here comes the homework! Hey Dean!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Loving it.

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

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Overdrive CONFIRMED

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

SPIRIT= Built FIRST tough!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Three modes possibly? Teleoperated autonomous and...?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Supervisory control. o.O

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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........

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Now who would have a random remote lying around?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Supervisory control is going to be AWESOME

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

that apparently has been chewed on...

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

yeah government dosen't exist

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

4 Robot Alliance?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

change of teamwork and alliances?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Really different with reffing?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

This sounds like it's going to be amazing

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

I dunno, upgrade hardware?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

hahaha @ the laughing about being done at week 4

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Here it comes!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Is the NASA broadcast freezing up for anybody else?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Big Balls
Oooh

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

whoa. O.O

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

The robo coach?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Yes, RAcing!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

O.O spinng balls around the field counterclockwise whoa

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Yes, in-and-out for about 10 minutes.

My thoughts exactly.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Yes, we get to throw balls!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Poor blue bot got beat up again.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Autonomous is the hybrid mode. The only difference is that the autonomous code can be changed by the robocoach using a remote control.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Wow! I look forward to this.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

scoring is going to be insane

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

can't go backwards??? interesting

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Who want to be an engineer?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Oh.

My.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

this game is looking scary.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

mandatory bumpers

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Yeah Bumpers! and it's Metalica!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

I vote for metallica.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Awwww, they took the metalica option off. =(

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Brain hurts.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Vets hurdle FIRST tetras?

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Haven't they discussed what the clues meant at the end of the kickoff in prior years?

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Something it's not

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

lol @ Delphi. Only able to have one trackball.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Whoever guessed drive straight turn left wins. A lot.

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Drive!Straight?turn!LEFT!?

decode

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

Thank you so much for providing this!

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

please update with the game/rules video

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

I watched, nice job guys :D

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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 :)

Re: Kickoff '08 - LIVE Coverage & Discussion
 

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.