Since the main site is still down, we would've been discussing the launch of Channel 5's new look today, so we might as well discuss it here for now until the main site is back online.
Admittedly I've not had a chance to see it myself today, but I'm sure most TVF members would've done by now.
I've only seem a couple of minutes worth, plus some idents from TV Live on YouTube. I like the overall presentation, DOG is not bad, but seems to have shifted to the middle of the screen.
All I've caught so far is the junction before the news at 5pm. No sign of a break bumper and quite jolting as the last advert cut straight to the ident without any pause, giving the impression that the ident was an advert. Not quite sure if the break bumpers are only actually used in the break of a show, but it seems like they're desperate not to broadcast a millisecond of silence. The DOG looks neater this time though.
Indeed, I was straining my eyes for a whole minute this morning during The Wright Stuff trying to find the DOG (though I wasn't under any illusion that I was watching another channel).
The most interesting part of the rebrand is that, like Channel 4, the idents don't feature a logo, instead using representations of the number 5. They don't quite go all out like Channel 4, who have relegated use of their full logo to print and online, but nevertheless it seems to be a new trend (and I'm presuming that it's not a rip off as the rebrand has been in the works for over a year ISTR).
The HD DOG is smaller than previously but it's still too far out - it needs to be further in the corner IMO.
I really like what I've seen so far.
The idents are lovely, though I'd prefer to see a break bumper before them or a quick flash of the logo at the start (similar to 2008).
I'm not sure what idents will be used into drama such as the X files or Gotham and into films as they are seem to be bright, daylight settings at the moment.
The DOG is very small and a lovely design but could do with being closer to the corner.
The surrounding pres is lovely. It uses the segments of the logo for the end board, ECP and also the in programme pointer.
The website is a massive improvement. I've yet to try signing up for my5 though.
I'm a bit disappointed that nothing has changed with the news - bar the logo. Although hopefully this means that something bigger is planned in the not too distant future.
The refresh to the Wright Stuff is also much needed. It's out with the red and in with the blue. The graphics also appear a lot neater than previous.
The surrounding presentation is very nice although the idents just do not feel 'identy' enough. They're too easy to confuse for something like an advert.