After expressing much skepticism about the Braves’ new television screen, I finally had the the opportunity for it to irradiate me in person last night. My employer put us all on the drunk bus and sent us to see Piazza’s wrinkly old T-rex arm allow enough stolen bases to give the Braves’ a 3-0 victory that capped off a home sweep of the Mets.

Since we were there on a corporate package, our seats were in left field. From the outfield seats, the new screen is pretty weak, partly because you’re so close to it, and partly because the viewing angle is so sharp. It looks like the jumbotron at any professional sports facility, only gigantic. After the first few innings, the wife and I met up with some friends who were sitting behind first base (aka – the best seats in the stadium).

From the non-outfield side of the field, it’s a whole different story. The 71-foot tall high-definition screen is truly a sight to behold. The detail is almost too much at times, as evidenced by the wife’s comments on the quality of the players’ giant pictures. “You’d think they could at least shave for picture day.” Bottom line on the picture quality: It is much brighter, clearer, and sharper than you would ever expect a 71-foot tall screen to be.

My main concern, however, was with the tsunami of corporate browbeating I was sure would flow forth from the millions of LEDs. I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised with the restraint shown by those responsible for the screen’s programming. They must have realized their potential to not only annoy the fans, but to cause headaches and seizures as well. Sure they showed the usual hodgepodge of promos and giveaways each half inning, but during play, they limited the display to player stats and replays. And let me tell you. Watching a 70-foot tall Kyle Davies stop a line drive with his chest in HDTV … I felt my own ribs crack.