Hi technology in the London Olympics 2012

India’s dismal performance continued in the London Olympics with a win of just six medals - two of which were silver and rest bronze. While the Indian government’s apathy and the general public indifference towards sports other than Cricket are undeniable; we need to understand that the Olympics are about individualistic performance based as much on skill and strength as much on overcoming all odds. It is that killer instinct that was sorely found lacking in our sportsmen at the Olympics that is even more worrisome. The focus, single mindedness, discipline and proper training and facilities given to other sportsmen against whom we try unsuccessfully to compete should serve as an eye opener to all of us.

For me the highlight of this Olympic was the broadcast in the HD and 3D by BBC, NBC and other major broadcasters that made this one of the best covered games in history with more than 2,500 hours of coverage. In fact, at any given time BBC had no less than 24 live HD streams of the various events. Compare that with the poor coverage by Indian broadcasters and the difference is all the more striking. It is not just the question of cameras that can cover the major sporting events in 3D or HD or the skills of highly trained cameraman with state of the art broadcasting equipment. But it also the question of the will and boldness; to be in the forefront of technological revolution that nations like Korea and Taiwan have displayed.

With a range of next generation of 3D and HD smart TVs available in the Indian market with major players like Sony, LG, Toshiba or Samsung, the Indian consumer is spoilt for choice. But the question of quality HD and 3D content being available is always a nagging concern. Unless the broadcasters and Government invest in the new technology, Indian will be left far behind from the rest of the world in this respect.

I happened to be in London during the Olympics and though I attended a few games in which India was playing; I spent most of the time in the Hotel room watching the HD and 3D content that was streamed live by BBC. And despite all the bravado of having arrived and the new economic powerhouse that India is supposed to be, the kind of facilities and advancement of technology that is taken for granted by Londoners make you realize why it is called the “First World”. The thin bezel LED 3D TV in my room made watching the Olympics a pleasurable experience and gave the uncanny feeling of “being there”.

Makes you wonder when the Indian Elephant will raise from its slumber and take its rightful place – be it in the world of sports or of technology? Or will we remain the laughing stock of the world with side shows like Salahis gate-crashing in our Prime Minister’s party in Washington D.C or a girl in red shirt and blue jeans marching in unison with our Olympic squad dominating the debate and public discourse.