Although with its new graphics package, WGCL-TV Atlanta is also using new weather graphics that allow the meteorologist to interact with the map by “touching” one of four “screens” on the graphic and making it expand to fill the entire screen; though this may have existed before the HD switch.
This is an interesting effect, but the illusion could be pulled off a bit better if the virtual pole-mounted screens looked a bit more realistic. In addition, the large white lettering in the labels looks like it was slapped on at the last minute; some more carefully styled text, such as the shiny 3D look found elsewhere, would improve the look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXDYh3eObqs
WGCL uses a weather system by WeatherCentral, Inc. known as ESP:LIVE, and they’ve actually been using it for a while now.
What I understand is that a video feed from the camera is fed back into the :LIVE system. From that video, the system then figures out the body, and the farthest part from it. The point farthest from it is where it decides your hand is. The guy on-air knows this by the lighting up of the selection. You can also look at the 3D:LIVE computer (graphics out) and see red cross-hairs where it’s going to select.
It is a weather system that is sold to many stations. FOX LA has also recently been using it. One system on the market allows the weather person to tap the green screen then the system registers it. Another one allows them to hold their clicker and “virtually touch” the key wall. At NAB this year NewscastStudio plans to cover these new technologies more so everyone can better understand their options for weather graphics.
WNYW/FOX 5 in New York uses a very similar look in its weathercasts, though I’m not sure if the meteorologist is actually “clicking” on a certain element or if it’s fake and just made to look as though the presenter is actually interacting.