Allan Plaskett invented the snickometer in the mid-1990s. The first broadcast media to implement this technology was Channel 4. They did so in 1999, and the world was introduced to an audio-based technology that helped in detecting an edge whenever an appeal for a leg before wicket or caught out/behind was made.
A microphone is connected to an oscilloscope which is placed near and behind the stumps. Upon requesting the off-field umpires for a snickometer, the decision review system shows the snickometer which is a small window placed near the video replay. This window bears a horizontal line which spikes if the ball edged the bat. If the ball would not edge the bat, then the horizontal line would stay flat. The spike displayed has a sharp waveform if the contact is made with the bat. It would appear dull and shorter in height if the ball would contact the glove or pads.
The snickometer is a part of the decision review system and the latest version is called the Real Time Snickometer (RTS). This latest version was used for the first time in 2013. The advantage of the ‘Snicko’ is that it does not require additional cameras that pose the risk of being obstructed by fielders. However, a disadvantage of snickometer is that it fails to differentiate between two sounds that take place simultaneously. If the bat is to touch the pitch at the same time the ball strikes the pad that is close to the bat, then it becomes difficult to decide which sound is the snickometer picking up. Despite this con, the snickometer continues to be used more than its contemporary, the hotspot.
