The article explores a peculiar editing choice in Apple TV+'s Severance. Specifically, it highlights how scenes depicting remote desktop software usage were altered, seemingly to avoid showcasing specific brands or potentially revealing internal Apple practices. Instead of realistic depictions of screen sharing or remote access, the show uses stylized and somewhat nonsensical visuals, which the article suggests might stem from Apple's desire to maintain a controlled image and avoid any unintended associations with its own internal tools or workflows. This meticulous control, while potentially preserving Apple's mystique, ends up creating a slightly distracting and unrealistic portrayal of common workplace technology.
The 2005 Sony Bravia advertisement, famous for its vibrant depiction of 250,000 bouncing rubber balls cascading down a San Francisco hill, was a significant cultural moment. Shot on location over several days, the ad aimed to showcase the vivid color capabilities of the new Bravia televisions. While digitally enhanced to add more balls and smooth out imperfections, the core of the ad used practical effects, relying on the natural bounce and movement of the balls. Its production involved meticulous planning, street closures, and the collaboration of numerous artists and technicians. The ad became a sensation, boosting Sony's brand and inspiring numerous imitations.
HN commenters largely discuss the effectiveness and memorability of the Bravia ad, with many recalling it vividly years later. Some analyze the technical aspects of its production, noting the lack of CGI and the challenges of shooting with 250,000 bouncy balls. Several compare it favorably to modern advertising, lamenting the perceived decline in creativity and impact. A few users question the practicality and cost of the ad, while others share anecdotes about similar projects or express skepticism about its authenticity. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the ad's unique and engaging approach.
This video demonstrates building a "faux infinity mirror" effect around a TV screen using recycled materials. The creator utilizes a broken LCD monitor, extracting its backlight and diffuser panel. These are then combined with a one-way mirror film applied to a picture frame and strategically placed LED strips to create the illusion of depth and infinite reflections behind the TV. The project highlights a resourceful way to enhance a standard television's aesthetic using readily available, discarded electronics.
HN commenters largely praised the ingenuity and DIY spirit of the project, with several expressing admiration for the creator's resourcefulness in using recycled materials. Some discussed the technical aspects, questioning the actual contrast ratio achieved and pointing out that "infinity contrast" is a misnomer as true black is impossible without individually controllable pixels like OLED. Others debated the practicality and image quality compared to commercially available projectors, noting potential issues with brightness and resolution. A few users shared similar DIY projection projects they had undertaken or considered. Overall, the sentiment was positive, viewing the project as a fun experiment even if not a practical replacement for a standard TV.
Summary of Comments ( 311 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43517301
HN commenters discuss the plausibility and implications of the remote editing process depicted in Severance. Some doubt the technical feasibility or efficiency of using remote desktop software for high-end video editing, especially given Apple's own ecosystem. Others suggest it's a commentary on corporate surveillance and control, reflecting real-world trends of employee monitoring. A few commenters highlight the show's satirical nature, arguing that the implausibility is intentional and serves to underscore the dystopian themes. The most compelling comments analyze the remote editing as a metaphor for the detachment and alienation of modern work, where employees are increasingly treated as interchangeable cogs. Several also appreciate the attention to detail in the show's depiction of outdated or quirky software, viewing it as a realistic portrayal of how legacy systems persist in large organizations. A minority of comments focus on the legal and ethical questions raised by the severance procedure itself.
The Hacker News post titled "Why Apple's Severance gets edited over remote desktop software" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many commenters focused on the perceived inefficiency and security risks of using remote desktop software like Teradici for high-bandwidth tasks like video editing.
One commenter questioned the logic behind this setup, pointing out the significant latency and bandwidth limitations that come with remote desktop solutions, especially when dealing with large video files. They argued that a local network or a dedicated high-speed connection would be far more efficient and practical for such a demanding workflow. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the decision seemed driven by security concerns rather than technical advantages.
The discussion then delved into the potential security implications. One commenter speculated that the production company might be overly cautious about leaks, opting for remote access to prevent unauthorized copies of the footage from leaving the controlled environment. Another user suggested that this approach might be a way to compartmentalize access, limiting what each editor can see and do within the project. This could be beneficial for managing large teams and protecting sensitive material.
Several comments highlighted the apparent disconnect between Apple's reputation for cutting-edge technology and their choice of a seemingly outdated remote editing solution. They found it ironic that a company known for its focus on user experience and seamless integration would rely on a method that could potentially hinder the creative process.
Some users offered alternative explanations for the setup. One suggested that the remote access might be temporary, used only during certain phases of the production, while others speculated that it could be related to specific software or hardware requirements.
The comments overall reflect a sense of bewilderment and curiosity about the production company's decision. While the reasoning behind it remains unclear, the discussion on Hacker News offered several plausible explanations, ranging from security concerns to logistical constraints. However, the general consensus seems to be that the chosen method is suboptimal for the task at hand, especially considering the technological resources available to a major production.