I am trying to get back into watching hockey again, but the digital rink board ads are making it surprisingly difficult. When they slide or flicker my eyes snap to them instead of the play, and I end up losing sight of the puck, especially when it goes behind the net.

I cannot tell if this is an attention or sensory issue on my end or if the broadcasts have simply become more visually aggressive.

For people who watch regularly: Do the shifting digital ads distract you too, or do you barely notice them anymore?

I am genuinely trying to enjoy hockey again but my focus gets pulled away every few seconds and I am wondering how others experience this.

  • forrgott@lemmy.zip
    6·
    13 days ago

    I’m not into sports myself, but that sounds infuriating. I have no doubt they designed these ads specifically to cause the issues you’re describing. Do you watch in a browser? If so, have you tried Firefox? I actually wouldn’t be surprised if the broadcast is not compatible, but if it is you might try searching Firefox extensions for something to block the ads…

  • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
    6·
    13 days ago

    I’ve gotten used to the ads now. They’ve also been better about keeping them off the bottom of the boards. When they first launched, it would cover a puck and even legs when the puck was close to the board.

  • Denjin@feddit.uk
    5·
    13 days ago

    I’ve largely managed to tune them out, they are still occasionally very distracting but they’re unfortunately not going anywhere. If anything they’re likely to get worse.

  • higgsboson@piefed.socialEnglish
    3·
    13 days ago

    I used to watch a ton of hockey (TV and in person) but I have vision issues with the ads on TV too. My brain refuses to process it as “normal” and it interferes with watching the gameplay to the point where the ads just takeover the whole experience. Fuck those ads.