Snicko vs Hot Spot in Cricket DRS Explained
The difference between Snicko (Ultra Edge) and Hot Spot, what each detects, and how they work together in DRS reviews.
Two Technologies, One Question
Both Snicko (now branded Ultra Edge) and Hot Spot answer the same basic question in a DRS review: did the ball make contact with the bat, edge, or glove? They do so using completely different physical principles — audio versus thermal imaging — and each has scenarios where it outperforms the other. Using both together gives the TV umpire maximum confidence.
What Is Snicko / Ultra Edge?
Snicko (the original product name) records the audio signal from a stump microphone at extremely high sensitivity and displays it as a waveform. When the ball makes contact with the bat, it produces a characteristic spike in the waveform. By matching this spike to the exact moment the ball passes the bat — determined by ball-tracking cameras — the reviewer can confirm whether a click occurred simultaneously with bat-ball proximity. Ultra Edge is the upgraded version with higher sampling rates and better synchronisation.
What Is Hot Spot?
Hot Spot uses infrared cameras to detect the heat generated by friction when ball meets bat, pad, or glove. It produces a visual thermal image showing a bright spot at the point of contact. Unlike Snicko, it is visual rather than auditory — it shows where the contact occurred, not just whether it occurred.
| Feature | Ultra Edge (Snicko) | Hot Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Audio waveform from stump mic | Infrared thermal imaging |
| Shows contact? | Yes (spike in waveform) | Yes (bright spot on thermal image) |
| Shows location? | No — only timing | Yes — shows exact contact point |
| Struggles with? | Background noise, thin touches | Faint edges on cold/wet days |
| Availability | Most ICC events | Selected ICC events (licensed) |
How They Work Together
If both Ultra Edge and Hot Spot agree — spike plus bright spot — the decision is clear. Disagreement happens on very thin edges: Hot Spot may miss a faint contact below its thermal sensitivity, while Ultra Edge may capture the resulting audio spike. Conversely, Ultra Edge may pick up background noise (bat hitting pad, boot hitting ground) that Hot Spot can eliminate by showing no thermal contact. TV umpires weigh both in context.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more accurate — Snicko or Hot Spot?
Neither is universally superior. Hot Spot is more reliable for thick edges and glove contact; Ultra Edge is more reliable for very thin edges on edges too small to generate detectable heat. Together they are significantly more accurate than either alone.
Is Snicko available at all international venues?
Ultra Edge (successor to Snicko) is available at most ICC Test and ODI venues that have DRS. Hot Spot is licensed separately and may not be present at every venue.
What happens if both technologies are inconclusive?
The TV umpire reverts to 'Umpire's Call' — the original on-field decision stands, and the batting side does not lose a review if the decision is upheld.