Sunday, January 2, 2011

First Impressions of Tango Traffic Channel

Wow. I can certainly say that this new traffic channel is just what I expected. Very Mickey Mouse type presentation and certainly nothing much.
I watched today for about thirty minutes, which was all I could handle. The announcer, a young male, made reference to a camera shot of I-76 at Passyunk Avenue as being I-76 at the 26th Street ramp. Obviously, not very well trained and not able to read the camera shot location. On another note, he made reference to "all the bridges doing fine, in case you're coming up to South Philly for the Eagles game from Delaware". I don't know of any practical route between Delaware and South Philly that would require using any of the area bridges.
On another report, a 7.5 mile back-up on the southbound NJ Turnpike showed a map with lots of red cars. Then, POOF---within the next report, all the red cars were gone as was the delay! Obviously, the electronic map does not really correspond to the actual traffic volume but is manipulated somehow since a delay that lengthy doesn't just "go away" within three minutes. So, these guys' *sensors* aren't really based on the actual traffic volume but are nothing more than graphics manipulated by a computer.
The graphics are a bright green and the information across the bottom of the screen leaves one scratching their head. For example, "slow at Spring Garden", but--they don't tell you what highway they're referring to that is "slow at Spring Garden". Obviously, if you know the area highways, it would be I-76. But eastbound or westbound? "Slow at Rt 363/Trooper Rd"...hmm, must be Rt 422. East or West? Another example, "slow 4 miles into Mid-County tolls". This delay must have been the southbound side of the PA Turnpike's N.E. Extension yesterday. Why they don't clue you in as to WHAT highway they're referring to is beyond me.
Then, there's the music. Some very strange selections of music that will certainly annoy anyone over the age of 40. Why they wouldn't select a more soothing, laid back music bed is baffling. There were also volume issues...commercials playing way louder than the programming...and the music then playing even louder while the announcers' audio played lower. You certainly better have your remote handy watching this channel.
All-in-all....a frustrating waste of air time that looks like a public access or college-type production. Today's live anchor debut wasn't much better. A few cheap shots at humor come off weak and the illustration of the particular highway that ran down the left of the screen rarely matched the illustration the anchor was giving with camera or map shots. Additionally, other major highways get no mention, the Rt 309 Expressway, Delaware's I-495, New Jersey's A.C. Expressway, Rt 70 or Rt 73 to name a few.
Which leads me to one last point. Cameras. How can a station that claims to be "your 24/7 traffic source" serveing a tri-state region (NJ, DE and PA) NOT have camera views from Delaware's DelDOT or New Jersey's DOT? I've always found that to be odd that the local Philadelphia stations have never spent the money to bring in NJ and DE DOT cameras. I find it to be just what I figured with this "traffic channel", that they would go the cheap route and not cough up the bucks to also provide New Jersey & Delaware residents the camera shots of their traffic problems.
Basically, this channel isn't something I would waste my time on. I believe it would be more exciting watching paint dry. I'll continue to get my traffic information while watching the local morning newscast, then, in my car, on my way to work. You decide what's best for you...

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

The first thing I noticed was the god-awful music. Very irritating. I checked this channel out again later at night and it told me there was an accident on 76 west at Montgomery Dr but that was it. No lane blockage given or what kind of back-up. Pretty useless don't you think?

Anonymous said...

What about Delaware? They didn't even mention one highway. I guess when you cross over the PA line you go into NO-MAN'S LAND and Delaware doesn't exist. Pretty laughable these guys consider themselves traffic experts. LOL.

Anonymous said...

I watched a bit ago and have to say, these guys are complete amateurs. One of the women said, for you guys getting ready for your commute home from work--blah blah blah. Did she stop to think that if you're AT WORK you aren't watching HER? LOL. Bad grammar too, YOU GUYS?? GOONA versus going to? GOTTA versus have to.
And they need to lose the bad music!

Anonymous said...

these guys are a complete joke. i'll stick to traffic on the 2's thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Jason Lee is the only one who's polished and professional. The other three leave a lot to be desired.

Anonymous said...

I'll will stick with CB radio...until am radio get's pictures

Anonymous said...

These guys are somewhat of a train wreck. Some of the exchange between the two anchors is painful, as you said. I think they are way too laid back with their clowning around and some of their wording. The one girl needs to learn how to announciate. She constantly says GOIN', COMIN', TALKIN', HEADIN'. And these are supposed to be broadcasters? I agree, the music is horrible.

Anonymous said...

It seems as though the ladies have no idea what they are really talking about. At least that's how it comes across, no credibility.

Anonymous said...

to be fair...traffic on the 2's rarely touches anything in DE or far out in NJ outside of the philly metro or the bridges area unless there is something substantial to be addressed. if traffic is to be highlighted, it needs to exist first. just a thought. guess well see wat happens to these dudes...

Anonymous said...

I would have to disagree with everyone. Yes, it is a new station and they have some kinks to workout but overall traffic is a boring subject and the morning and afternoon show REALLY put a lot of personality into it!! If you need to find out what is going on they cover all of the Delaware Valley's main routes. Also, you can't say someone isnt credible- because every single traffic reporter in Del Val gets their traffic information from THE SAME information source. I think the music is a nice touch and I am sure once they are up and running for a little while they will be able to upgrade their graphics. Overall- great idea, great talent!

Anonymous said...

I give these guys a year. They'll never get a solid advertising base.

Anonymous said...

I've checked it out several times at night and just today and like what they're doing now with the camera views and music. NOW, if they could maybe figure out how to do a map overlay of the area that shows travel speeds/incidents in a corner of the screen WITH the camera shots and music, I'd say "they've got it"...just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

If you travel on I-95 from Deleware to South Philly you either have to cross the Platt Bridge if you head towards I-76 or the Double Decker (Girard Point) bridge right before the Broad street exit. Both are fairly notorious for slowing traffic to a crawl.

Anonymous said...

well, it being 3:30 in the morning and me watching from Villanova University i think its very informative and the music is great

The next party im at on like friday night im going to put this on in the background so that everyones informed of the weather conditions before they drink and drive home....

Anonymous said...

I checked this thing out early this evening and had to laugh. Victoria Widdel (however you spell her name) stood against a shot of the Vine Expressway which was one long line of cars both ways. What did she say though? LOL--no major delays going east and a little slow coming west towards the expressway. LOL WTF?? These guys gotta be joking!

Anonymous said...

I think it is informative and offers a quick way to see what is going on before you get on your way. It is traffic, not something you are going to sit and watch for an extended period of time. I like the music, and the traffic team is doing great considering they have only been on a few weeks. It is very difficult to stand in front of a camera and keep up with the changes as they occur. Best of luck to everyone!!

Anonymous said...

Boy this channel definitely is run my amateurs. Went to check it out tonight at about 9:10 p.m. and nothing but music. No picture at all. Seems like they just don't have it together at all. One would've thought they'd have gotten all these kinks out prior to signing on.

Anonymous said...

Priceless comments from people who have no vision. Did anyone ever look at the early footage of ESPN? What would you have said about the Weather Channel launch in 1982? This is great idea that is getting better everyday. I watch every morning before I leave for work. I just started using the web and mobile app in the past few days. Its way better than anything else out there!!! That said, I would like to see better coverage in NJ and the studio set is a little boring but you haters need to chill and give this a chance. Traffic on 2's??? Seriously, turn off your Coleco-vision and pay attention.

Anonymous said...

While I am not speaking on behalf of Tango in the interest of full disclosure I am affiliated with Tango.

I am just getting to look at the posts, on this site and frankly I am a little disappointed in the lack of constructive criticism.

An early comment suggested that the music was "god-awful" for that we apologize, sadly over the years bad songs have been written, coupled with the fact that for equally as many years people have had bad musical taste. The poster was correct, and in response a new policy was implemented, anyone accused of playing a bad song will be tasered....problem solved.
We need to make sure the 1979 Chicago Disco Sucks riot never happens again.

The next post mentioned that Tango "consider themselves traffic experts"?

I didn't realize there was such a thing as a Traffic expert, what have I gotten myself into? Then it came to me there must not be too many, because they haven't made traffic go away or any more fun. Hopefully the global warming experts have better luck.

Bad Grammar...right on, myself included.. but that's really not their fault, it is a far greater issue… some would like to blame the education system, others blame the parents...I grew up in a time where we believed Pluto was a planet, both my teachers and parents told me so, then a few years back they said it was no more … no explanation, no blame. That said, I have decided to blame my bad grammar on Snoop Dogg, its hiz fault.

If I can go back to the expert topic again, on a much grander scale not related to Tango. I really wish the News Experts would have consulted with the Revolution experts…. they might have figured out that someone could get hurt running into the middle of a fight with a camera.... I wouldn't even try that at Thanksgiving. Hmmm maybe someone gave Keith Olberman a heads up.

On a serious note the Tango crew is a great collection of hard working creative people doing something different. Hopefully we can have fun and land somewhere between the perfection of the sun rising and setting every day, and a broken clock which is only right only twice a day. In the words of George Costanza we want to be "right in the meaty part of the curve".

I can guarantee you that the internal Tango list of things to improve upon is far bigger than anyone from the outside could possibly have, that said there is no exclusivity on innovation, so bring on the suggestions.

I can’t believe I actually made a post…this internet is really catching on.

Anonymous said...

I thought the channel was funny. At first I was like...what? Reminds me of watching security camerass online across the world. I just hope I catch something interesting next time I check in on it.

Anonymous said...

Its pretty bad, thats all I can say. Things like "jammage" and "Gary the Glow Worm". Just very unprofessional.

Anonymous said...

does anybody seriously still watch them? they get worse every day.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the reporting of the weather and the traffic. It became difficult to pay attention. Those women are beautiful

Anonymous said...

I've heard Bowie, the Stones, the Beatles, Springsteen, REM, Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd... yeah, clearly their music sucks. Or not. At all.

Anonymous said...

Once again, the self-important just don't get it. I've noticed the Big Three have stolen right and left from Tango Traffic with the "awful" music and the mannerisms in which the traffic news is delivered. Um, perhaps the reason why they weren't good was because they were a new station and still l, has learning the ropes and working out the kinks. Since the hack who composed this p.o.s. article is so much better, why doesn't HE go out and do what those people do? Tango has gotten MUCH better during the year and I prefer them and their "awful" music over the beyond predictable bigger-name newscasts with their anorexic and weird-shaped traffic "reporters" and "meterologists." Get a clue, folks.

Anonymous said...

I look forward to that view at Five Corners every day. You guys have the best music. How about some kind of playlist? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I'm watching down here in s. jersey. They keep switching views every few seconds so what's the point? Stick to a major thoroughfare and make a show of it....and the green and red xmas tree tags are annoying.