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How video could be used to win games (1 Viewer)

BeachBums

Footballguy
I've been reading posts all over the board here the past few days about "videotaping" hand signals and I've been a bit taken aback at the seeming lack of understanding of how technology could be used for cheating in the NFL (and I'm NOT saying it was in this particular case). People ask over and over "how could this have benefited the Patriots?" and "it couldn't have helped them during a game" etc. etc. So I thought I'd write this up as a little bit of perspective of how someone who works with technology every day sees this.

Everything I've read talks about an actual tape being used in this case, but there really isn't a need for a tape at all. I read a quote from a former NFL team video guy in a story in some link I followed this week that he didn't record anything when he did stuff like this so there wasn't any evidence. They didn't record it cuz it was a live feed from the camera to a booth somewhere.

While I haven't heard anything about this in the past couple of days, there were references earlier in the week to the Jets questioning the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during the game. To me that was MAJOR and I've been wondering what's happened to that part of the story. I'm sitting here on my laptop connected to the Internet over a 54 Mbps 802.11G wireless network connection. That wireless network connection uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between a wireless router and my laptop and could just as easily be used to transmit or receive video as browse the web. I've personally set up wireless networks using cheap off the shelf components (the same technology as the wireless router you have in your house) that cover acres (using antennas and repeaters).

If my local RV campground in BFE Wyoming can afford to set up a network like that (so campers can surf the web and read email in their RVs), how difficult would be for a wealthy organization like a NFL franchise to set up a live feed from a sideline camera focused on the defensive signal calling to a booth or van (roll tape of men in a darkened van with video displays of a live feed of the D coordinators synched to the network broadcast of the game), perform a real time analysis of the signals, break the code and send the defensive call in to the the O coordinator and the QB? It wouldn't be difficult at all. Any team in the league could easily build a system like this with cheap off-the-shelf technology.

Again, I don't think this is what was happening in this case (the fact that there was a tape which was sent to Goodell seems to indicate that there wasn't a live feed), but the potential exists for all kinds of CIA/Bourne Identity tactics. You can get an idea of the level of sophistication of an NFL scouting operation in this article on ESPN by Jeremy Green, a former NFL scout. Couple the kind of operation Green talks about in the article with the kind of technology I'm talking about here. Scary huh?

So anyway, for what it's worth, there's a great deal of potential for this to be taken to a whole other level technologically and for it to dramatically affect the outcome of games. I'm NOT SAYING this is what the Patriots did, but the potential is there. It absolutely could allow an inferior team to win games.

 
I've been reading posts all over the board here the past few days about "videotaping" hand signals and I've been a bit taken aback at the seeming lack of understanding of how technology could be used for cheating in the NFL (and I'm NOT saying it was in this particular case). People ask over and over "how could this have benefited the Patriots?" and "it couldn't have helped them during a game" etc. etc. So I thought I'd write this up as a little bit of perspective of how someone who works with technology every day sees this.

Everything I've read talks about an actual tape being used in this case, but there really isn't a need for a tape at all. I read a quote from a former NFL team video guy in a story in some link I followed this week that he didn't record anything when he did stuff like this so there wasn't any evidence. They didn't record it cuz it was a live feed from the camera to a booth somewhere.

While I haven't heard anything about this in the past couple of days, there were references earlier in the week to the Jets questioning the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during the game. To me that was MAJOR and I've been wondering what's happened to that part of the story. I'm sitting here on my laptop connected to the Internet over a 54 Mbps 802.11G wireless network connection. That wireless network connection uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between a wireless router and my laptop and could just as easily be used to transmit or receive video as browse the web. I've personally set up wireless networks using cheap off the shelf components (the same technology as the wireless router you have in your house) that cover acres (using antennas and repeaters).

If my local RV campground in BFE Wyoming can afford to set up a network like that (so campers can surf the web and read email in their RVs), how difficult would be for a wealthy organization like a NFL franchise to set up a live feed from a sideline camera focused on the defensive signal calling to a booth or van (roll tape of men in a darkened van with video displays of a live feed of the D coordinators synched to the network broadcast of the game), perform a real time analysis of the signals, break the code and send the defensive call in to the the O coordinator and the QB? It wouldn't be difficult at all. Any team in the league could easily build a system like this with cheap off-the-shelf technology.

Again, I don't think this is what was happening in this case (the fact that there was a tape which was sent to Goodell seems to indicate that there wasn't a live feed), but the potential exists for all kinds of CIA/Bourne Identity tactics. You can get an idea of the level of sophistication of an NFL scouting operation in this article on ESPN by Jeremy Green, a former NFL scout. Couple the kind of operation Green talks about in the article with the kind of technology I'm talking about here. Scary huh?

So anyway, for what it's worth, there's a great deal of potential for this to be taken to a whole other level technologically and for it to dramatically affect the outcome of games. I'm NOT SAYING this is what the Patriots did, but the potential is there. It absolutely could allow an inferior team to win games.
I've been posting this scenario for two days now, although I happen to believe this actually is the most likely way it was being used. In at least two of the other cases being talked about (GB, Det), the cameraman continued over and over to film the defensive signals even after being confronted and/or removed from the sidelines. I can see no other reason for such doggedness unless they were actually utilizing the info at the time. I could understand that relentlessness for a division rival, but why the urgency in continuing to film NFC opponents that you won't be facing for another 4 years?And the RF issues only add to the idea of realtime tech being used.

As to why there was actual video recorded, well there seems to be no disagreement as to the arrogance of flaunting the rule so who knows, but it doesn't eliminate the possibility (probability IMO) of a live feed. But there is no way that these punishments were handed down for something that provided no competitive edge.

 
In his comments, Favre simply assumed the defenses were being given to Brady. In his funny little example I think he clued us into what most players believe. The technology is pretty simple. Two or three drives into the game you have a set of signals and know exactly what defense they represent. That information is probably piped into the booth with the OC, who has Brady's ear. Jets DC signals the D captain. Camera transmits signal to OC's booth, OC calls the defense down to the QB.

In this scenario, which I think is pretty likely, the real villans are Brady and OC. They are blatant cheaters and of course Bill is the don here. I think BB and Goodell averted a scandal that would have forever soiled Brady, by quickly muddying the waters regarding Estrella's camera work and frequencies.

Anyone have a close up of that camera?

eta: See if the story was real time signal decoding, then the questions would have quickly fallen on the QB using the information. BB's statement includes an effort to make sure no one has these thoughts. Uh huh.

 
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In his comments, Favre simply assumed the defenses were being given to Brady. In his funny little example I think he clued us into what most players believe. The technology is pretty simple. Two or three drives into the game you have a set of signals and know exactly what defense they represent. That information is probably piped into the booth with the OC, who has Brady's ear. Jets DC signals the D captain. Camera transmits signal to OC's booth, OC calls the defense down to the QB.

In this scenario, which I think is pretty likely, the real villans are Brady and OC. They are blatant cheaters and of course Bill is the don here. I think BB and Goodell averted a scandal that would have forever soiled Brady, by quickly muddying the waters regarding Estrella's camera work and frequencies.

Anyone have a close up of that camera?

eta: See if the story was real time signal decoding, then the questions would have quickly fallen on the QB using the information. BB's statement includes an effort to make sure no one has these thoughts. Uh huh.
I've been called to task a few times this week for making assumptions about what was actually happening so I tried to stay away from it in my post. While the potential is absolutely there, I doubt we'll ever know what exactly was going on.In reference to your post above, it seems to me that the live feed of the signals would need to be analyzed somewhere other than in the booth with the OC (darkened van outside the stadium). This was happening in other teams' stadiums. Wouldn't they have to be a LITTLE clandestine about it?

And just for clarity, you reference 'BB's statement' meaning Bill Belichik, not me, BeachBums, correct?

 
If opposing teams were on to the Patriots spying, then why didn't they change up their signals. That would actually seem to be a big advantage. If you knew someone was going to act on a specific signal from the sideline, you could change that signal in the middle of the game to represent a completely different scheme. If other teams knew about the spying, then the Patriots really had no advantage. It sounds like the other teams were just dumb or too lazy to change signals. Like when Callahan and Gannon kept all the same terminology against Gruden in Super Bowl XXXVII. That was just dumb.

 
If opposing teams were on to the Patriots spying, then why didn't they change up their signals. That would actually seem to be a big advantage. If you knew someone was going to act on a specific signal from the sideline, you could change that signal in the middle of the game to represent a completely different scheme. If other teams knew about the spying, then the Patriots really had no advantage. It sounds like the other teams were just dumb or too lazy to change signals. Like when Callahan and Gannon kept all the same terminology against Gruden in Super Bowl XXXVII. That was just dumb.
From what I've read, the Jets did. I don't have a link handy, but I read something the other day that the Jets sent in three sets of signals on defense every play, two false and one correct, in some predetermined order and that making other teams do this was part of the Patriots' strategy. Belichik could have been counting on Mangini to be paranoid about stealing the signals just to make defensive play calling cumbersome and error prone. Factor in needing to send in three sets of signals on every play with a no-huddle offense and you can see how it could have been a very effective tactic.
 
By no means do I think what the Pats did was kosher but I don't think the level of sophistication of signals that the coordinators are transmitting are so simple that they can be broken within 45 seconds. They are not dummies and you'd be a fool to assume that you are not being watched. Just like a third base coach in baseball. Signals change depending on the down, yardage and time.

I imagine that after digesting the information that the next time you meet an opponent you may have an advantage. I'd also imagine an opponent would assume this and start from scratch again.

I really doubt that the Pats and Brady really had an advantage where they knew with certainty what was coming at them on defensive plays.

From what I've gleamed from players and coaches is that this is nothing new or isolated. Any coordinater worth their salt would plan assuming this.

Belichick attempting this is pathetic but I don't really think it tarnishes anything. If it was so crucial why didn't Mangini spill the beans last season?

 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.

 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA

 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA
alright, then you know what, lets get our head out of the sand. if you think this is possible and been happening, do you honestly and objectively think New England would be the only ones doing it? Youve got to be kidding me if you say, "yes". Belichick was just arrogant enough about it to get caught. Technology isnt limited to Wyoming and New England. Bottom line is, you can travel down the road of speculation as far as you want. But at some point, youve GOT to make that turn back to reality.

 
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no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
How many times does he have to say essentially "I'm not saying the patriots did this, but it probably wouldn't be hard for anyone with any technical know-how to do" for you to get that this is not an explicit accusation, but rather a warning of things that may have been happening with any team, or may happen in the future.
 
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no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
How many times does he have to say essentially "I'm not saying the patriots did this, but it probably wouldn't be hard for anyone with any technical know-how to do" for you to get that this is not an explicit accusation, but rather a warning of things that may have been happening with any team, or may happen in the future.
He doesnt have to say it ever again as far as Im concerned. Ive seen it mentioned atleast 2 or 300 times in the past 2 days. thats my point.
 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA
alright, then you know what, lets get our head out of the sand. if you think this is possible and been happening, do you honestly and objectively think New England would be the only ones doing it? Youve got to be kidding me if you say, "yes". Belichick was just arrogant enough about it to get caught. Technology isnt limited to Wyoming and New England. Bottom line is, you can travel down the road of speculation as far as you want. But at some point, youve GOT to make that turn back to reality.
Hey buddy. This is Fantasy Football, not Reality football. No body has to make any turn back to reality.
 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA
alright, then you know what, lets get our head out of the sand. if you think this is possible and been happening, do you honestly and objectively think New England would be the only ones doing it? Youve got to be kidding me if you say, "yes". Belichick was just arrogant enough about it to get caught. Technology isnt limited to Wyoming and New England. Bottom line is, you can travel down the road of speculation as far as you want. But at some point, youve GOT to make that turn back to reality.
Hey buddy. This is Fantasy Football, not Reality football. No body has to make any turn back to reality.
good point, m. noted and Ive officially changed my personal perspective. but again, if it is fantasy football, let's continue on with the football aspect of things and not so much the fantasy amateur FBI agent.
 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA
alright, then you know what, lets get our head out of the sand. if you think this is possible and been happening, do you honestly and objectively think New England would be the only ones doing it? Youve got to be kidding me if you say, "yes". Belichick was just arrogant enough about it to get caught. Technology isnt limited to Wyoming and New England. Bottom line is, you can travel down the road of speculation as far as you want. But at some point, youve GOT to make that turn back to reality.
Hey buddy. This is Fantasy Football, not Reality football. No body has to make any turn back to reality.
:devil:
 
BeachBums> being from Wyoming and all, when you say things like "internet", "technology", and "802.11G", you really mean "telegraph", "pony express", and "smoke signals", right?

 
no offense, but this has been CRUSHED with information the past 3 days, and has now been resolved with punishment. it sounds like you have some technology insight out there in Wyoming, and thats great, but at this point, let it go man. The NFL DOES have experts of their own, and if all of what youre suggesting was happening, that team would be docked more than a 1st and some cash. Theyd be thrown out of the league. At some point, the "what ifs" have got to stop. sounds like youve got some time on your hand. write a book or something.
No offense to you, but I thought this was one of the most informative threads I've read about the situation.It might make you uncomfortable, but you have a choice to not read it.

I've had a nagging feeling that the radio freq question is a real " follow the money" type thing that the Pats and league are purposely avoiding. And why not? It goes to realtime info.

Certainly the most damaging scenario they can envision.

As far as the "what ifs have got to stop" , who asked you into the conversation?

And the "write a book" statement is insulting. Kudos to you sir.

So I wonder if you don't have something better to do so the rest of us can get a little better understanding of what the situation is here.

TIA
alright, then you know what, lets get our head out of the sand. if you think this is possible and been happening, do you honestly and objectively think New England would be the only ones doing it? Youve got to be kidding me if you say, "yes". Belichick was just arrogant enough about it to get caught. Technology isnt limited to Wyoming and New England. Bottom line is, you can travel down the road of speculation as far as you want. But at some point, youve GOT to make that turn back to reality.
Funny you should mention head in sand, that's exactly what I was thinking when I read your post. You can choose to believe what you like. My post was intended to explain how it could have been done. A better question than 'do you ... think New England would be the only ones doing it?" would be "do you think anyone will do it on this Sunday?"Now I need ta send Martha down to the telee-graph office on the mule so we can git this here note on the war. Ya'll have a good day, huh?

 
I've been reading posts all over the board here the past few days about "videotaping" hand signals and I've been a bit taken aback at the seeming lack of understanding of how technology could be used for cheating in the NFL (and I'm NOT saying it was in this particular case). People ask over and over "how could this have benefited the Patriots?" and "it couldn't have helped them during a game" etc. etc. So I thought I'd write this up as a little bit of perspective of how someone who works with technology every day sees this.

Everything I've read talks about an actual tape being used in this case, but there really isn't a need for a tape at all. I read a quote from a former NFL team video guy in a story in some link I followed this week that he didn't record anything when he did stuff like this so there wasn't any evidence. They didn't record it cuz it was a live feed from the camera to a booth somewhere.

While I haven't heard anything about this in the past couple of days, there were references earlier in the week to the Jets questioning the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during the game. To me that was MAJOR and I've been wondering what's happened to that part of the story. I'm sitting here on my laptop connected to the Internet over a 54 Mbps 802.11G wireless network connection. That wireless network connection uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between a wireless router and my laptop and could just as easily be used to transmit or receive video as browse the web. I've personally set up wireless networks using cheap off the shelf components (the same technology as the wireless router you have in your house) that cover acres (using antennas and repeaters).

If my local RV campground in BFE Wyoming can afford to set up a network like that (so campers can surf the web and read email in their RVs), how difficult would be for a wealthy organization like a NFL franchise to set up a live feed from a sideline camera focused on the defensive signal calling to a booth or van (roll tape of men in a darkened van with video displays of a live feed of the D coordinators synched to the network broadcast of the game), perform a real time analysis of the signals, break the code and send the defensive call in to the the O coordinator and the QB? It wouldn't be difficult at all. Any team in the league could easily build a system like this with cheap off-the-shelf technology.

Again, I don't think this is what was happening in this case (the fact that there was a tape which was sent to Goodell seems to indicate that there wasn't a live feed), but the potential exists for all kinds of CIA/Bourne Identity tactics. You can get an idea of the level of sophistication of an NFL scouting operation in this article on ESPN by Jeremy Green, a former NFL scout. Couple the kind of operation Green talks about in the article with the kind of technology I'm talking about here. Scary huh?

So anyway, for what it's worth, there's a great deal of potential for this to be taken to a whole other level technologically and for it to dramatically affect the outcome of games. I'm NOT SAYING this is what the Patriots did, but the potential is there. It absolutely could allow an inferior team to win games.
What additional equipment would be needed to intercept and break the encryption on the play calls being sent to the QB on a Wi-Fi frequency?If the Wi-Fi network is limited to a team's sideline, it would explain why the Pats needed a person on the ground on the other team's sideline, to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Simple videotaping could have been done from their sideline.

 
I've been reading posts all over the board here the past few days about "videotaping" hand signals and I've been a bit taken aback at the seeming lack of understanding of how technology could be used for cheating in the NFL (and I'm NOT saying it was in this particular case). People ask over and over "how could this have benefited the Patriots?" and "it couldn't have helped them during a game" etc. etc. So I thought I'd write this up as a little bit of perspective of how someone who works with technology every day sees this.

Everything I've read talks about an actual tape being used in this case, but there really isn't a need for a tape at all. I read a quote from a former NFL team video guy in a story in some link I followed this week that he didn't record anything when he did stuff like this so there wasn't any evidence. They didn't record it cuz it was a live feed from the camera to a booth somewhere.

While I haven't heard anything about this in the past couple of days, there were references earlier in the week to the Jets questioning the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during the game. To me that was MAJOR and I've been wondering what's happened to that part of the story. I'm sitting here on my laptop connected to the Internet over a 54 Mbps 802.11G wireless network connection. That wireless network connection uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between a wireless router and my laptop and could just as easily be used to transmit or receive video as browse the web. I've personally set up wireless networks using cheap off the shelf components (the same technology as the wireless router you have in your house) that cover acres (using antennas and repeaters).

If my local RV campground in BFE Wyoming can afford to set up a network like that (so campers can surf the web and read email in their RVs), how difficult would be for a wealthy organization like a NFL franchise to set up a live feed from a sideline camera focused on the defensive signal calling to a booth or van (roll tape of men in a darkened van with video displays of a live feed of the D coordinators synched to the network broadcast of the game), perform a real time analysis of the signals, break the code and send the defensive call in to the the O coordinator and the QB? It wouldn't be difficult at all. Any team in the league could easily build a system like this with cheap off-the-shelf technology.

Again, I don't think this is what was happening in this case (the fact that there was a tape which was sent to Goodell seems to indicate that there wasn't a live feed), but the potential exists for all kinds of CIA/Bourne Identity tactics. You can get an idea of the level of sophistication of an NFL scouting operation in this article on ESPN by Jeremy Green, a former NFL scout. Couple the kind of operation Green talks about in the article with the kind of technology I'm talking about here. Scary huh?

So anyway, for what it's worth, there's a great deal of potential for this to be taken to a whole other level technologically and for it to dramatically affect the outcome of games. I'm NOT SAYING this is what the Patriots did, but the potential is there. It absolutely could allow an inferior team to win games.
What additional equipment would be needed to intercept and break the encryption on the play calls being sent to the QB on a Wi-Fi frequency?If the Wi-Fi network is limited to a team's sideline, it would explain why the Pats needed a person on the ground on the other team's sideline, to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Simple videotaping could have been done from their sideline.
To intercept and break the encryption you'd need a receiver, a laptop, some software to capture the transmissions and WEEKS or MONTHS of processor power to brute force the encryption, unless you had the encryption key.Like I said in your thread Obie Wan, they probably weren't stealing the Jets' signals. The time involved in breaking the encryption would make the signals worthless.

 
I've been reading posts all over the board here the past few days about "videotaping" hand signals and I've been a bit taken aback at the seeming lack of understanding of how technology could be used for cheating in the NFL (and I'm NOT saying it was in this particular case). People ask over and over "how could this have benefited the Patriots?" and "it couldn't have helped them during a game" etc. etc. So I thought I'd write this up as a little bit of perspective of how someone who works with technology every day sees this.

Everything I've read talks about an actual tape being used in this case, but there really isn't a need for a tape at all. I read a quote from a former NFL team video guy in a story in some link I followed this week that he didn't record anything when he did stuff like this so there wasn't any evidence. They didn't record it cuz it was a live feed from the camera to a booth somewhere.

While I haven't heard anything about this in the past couple of days, there were references earlier in the week to the Jets questioning the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during the game. To me that was MAJOR and I've been wondering what's happened to that part of the story. I'm sitting here on my laptop connected to the Internet over a 54 Mbps 802.11G wireless network connection. That wireless network connection uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between a wireless router and my laptop and could just as easily be used to transmit or receive video as browse the web. I've personally set up wireless networks using cheap off the shelf components (the same technology as the wireless router you have in your house) that cover acres (using antennas and repeaters).

If my local RV campground in BFE Wyoming can afford to set up a network like that (so campers can surf the web and read email in their RVs), how difficult would be for a wealthy organization like a NFL franchise to set up a live feed from a sideline camera focused on the defensive signal calling to a booth or van (roll tape of men in a darkened van with video displays of a live feed of the D coordinators synched to the network broadcast of the game), perform a real time analysis of the signals, break the code and send the defensive call in to the the O coordinator and the QB? It wouldn't be difficult at all. Any team in the league could easily build a system like this with cheap off-the-shelf technology.

Again, I don't think this is what was happening in this case (the fact that there was a tape which was sent to Goodell seems to indicate that there wasn't a live feed), but the potential exists for all kinds of CIA/Bourne Identity tactics. You can get an idea of the level of sophistication of an NFL scouting operation in this article on ESPN by Jeremy Green, a former NFL scout. Couple the kind of operation Green talks about in the article with the kind of technology I'm talking about here. Scary huh?

So anyway, for what it's worth, there's a great deal of potential for this to be taken to a whole other level technologically and for it to dramatically affect the outcome of games. I'm NOT SAYING this is what the Patriots did, but the potential is there. It absolutely could allow an inferior team to win games.
What additional equipment would be needed to intercept and break the encryption on the play calls being sent to the QB on a Wi-Fi frequency?If the Wi-Fi network is limited to a team's sideline, it would explain why the Pats needed a person on the ground on the other team's sideline, to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Simple videotaping could have been done from their sideline.
To intercept and break the encryption you'd need a receiver, a laptop, some software to capture the transmissions and WEEKS or MONTHS of processor power to brute force the encryption, unless you had the encryption key.Like I said in your thread Obie Wan, they probably weren't stealing the Jets' signals. The time involved in breaking the encryption would make the signals worthless.
I highly doubt teams change the encryption key very often and the difficulty of cracking the key is dependent on the encryption, some are very easy to crack.
 

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