Anyone else notice that alot of networks are revamping their logos in coincidence with new HD channels being launched?

I noticed A&E has a new one yesterday coinciding with their Andromeda Strain movie.

I liked Discovery's Globe Spinning, but now it's just a cool looking D.

History Channel has changed their logo.

AMC changed their entire style after Monsterfest of last year.


I have no idea what that new Animal Planet Logo is supposed to be, I thought it was better with the elephant and the spinning globe. As a matter a fact, I despise their new logo.

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What's the deal? Some of these logos I've been seen for more than a decade and they're all being changed. I assume it has to do with the the launching of all the simulcast HD channels and that the companies are just looking for a "new look".

I noticed the new A&E bug tonight. It wasn't on earlier during the CSI:Miami marathon. It's still on now so I guess it's here to stay. And it is *** ugly. I liked the silver and blue A&E HD bug. This bug looks a sickly, diseased pale white, like the old NBC bug.

What the hell is Animal Planet? They got rid of that channel a few months back. It's been replaced by something new called the "Anizal Planet" :D ;)

^The new A&E bug is half the size of the old one, if that, and a bit more transparent. A big thumbs up from me, finally someone makes a change in the right direction.

I think, at least with the Discovery logo, some of the concern about the older logo was that, to casual viewers, it wouldn't be as identifiable with the channel's name. "Those" people would remember, "We saw that on that globe channel." (And remember, those are the people for whom the logo is intended -- NOT those of us who would remember which channel we saw what on regardless of any logo on-screen.)

My dislike of A&E comes from my general dislike of non-embossed, non-translucent bugs. I like bugs like the current CBS bug or the NBC bug used before Fall '06 or the ABC bug used before Fall '07. I also liked the old A&E bug because it was lower and more in the corner. The new bug is too high up and visible. The Translucent blue/silver used to blend in with the background better. Now there is this bright white bug there. It's like BAM!! Right in my face.

White is generally a terrible color for bugs. Think of that awful NBC-HD bug that was used up until the Olympics bug started. That thing was a nightmare on dark shows like SVU.

As for Discovery and Anizal, I don't know what possessed them to change. The old DIscovery logo has been around, in some variation, since almost the beginning of the channel. It is recognized like McDonalds, why change it now? And the old Aminal Planet logo made sense tot. An animal, the world and text you could read. Not this freaky ass Anizal Planet thing.

And while we're on bugs, another thing that absolutely pisses me off about cable networks in general is when 16:9 letterbox programming is shown without a 16:9 safe bug. I'm forced to watch Discovery and many other networks in 16:9 windowbox because resizing the picture to cut off the windowbox area also cuts off part of the bug and other text. I've actually found 16:9 windowbox LESS irritating that cut off screen elements. There really isn't an excuse for this today. Especially if you're a network like Discovery that produces most of your content in widescreen.

Do they just assume we ALL have the HD simulcasts of ALL their channels? It was understandable back in the day when letterbox was first emerging on TV. Not worth changing everything for one or two shows. But now, almost anything on those networks is widescreen. National Geographic does it right. I can make a full screen 16:9 picture with the bug intact.

But then again, from the network's point of view, who cares!! A sizeable number of moron TV viewers are watching their programming in stretchovision---thinking it's HD. ;)

The new A&E bug is half the size of the old one, if that, and a bit more transparent. A big thumbs up from me, finally someone makes a change in the right direction.
As long as isn't polluted by 24x7 promo crap to the side of it, I agree.

It also appears to be upconverted. It looked a bit odd and close up I could see it appeared to be grainy. The bug on the SD channel looks smooth. I don't know if that is an effect of some kind, but I'm still a no vote.

I do agree with the part about advertising. I think A&E SD used to advertise with their bug but it didn't appear on HD b/c of the different bug. Now they're the same. Kinda opening the door..

I'm forced to watch Discovery and many other networks in 16:9 windowbox because resizing the picture to cut off the windowbox area also cuts off part of the bug and other text.I thought that was a good thing. Why do you want to look at a bug?

I think he's saying their windowbox is "oversized" so instead of it fitting perfectly on a 16:9 TV when zoomed in, it crops some of the picture. So the complaint is the picture getting cropped, not just the bug - this is what I've seen, so I also watch these programs in windowbox.

tv bugs = the dumbing down of America.

I think, at least with the Discovery logo, some of the concern about the older logo was that, to casual viewers, it wouldn't be as identifiable with the channel's name. "Those" people would remember, "We saw that on that globe channel." (And remember, those are the people for whom the logo is intended -- NOT those of us who would remember which channel we saw what on regardless of any logo on-screen.)

You mean the logo that said Discovery Channel and had the globe spinning next to it?

I thought that was a good thing. Why do you want to look at a bug?

I think he's saying their windowbox is "oversized" so instead of it fitting perfectly on a 16:9 TV when zoomed in, it crops some of the picture. So the complaint is the picture getting cropped, not just the bug - this is what I've seen, so I also watch these programs in windowbox.

Depending on the show, part of the picture can be cut off. With the bug, that's my point. Either the bug showuld be in the bottom letterbox area completely(I can zoom the picture and have a bug free show) or it shuld be in the picture area completely. The only thing worse than a bug is a half-chopped bug and seeing part of half cut off tex for ads.

You mean the logo that said Discovery Channel and had the globe spinning next to it?No, just the globe.

Im surprised that the Travel Channel still has a spinning globe on their logo, despite not being owned by Discovery anymore.

Im surprised that the Travel Channel still has a spinning globe on their logo, despite not being owned by Discovery anymore.

they are still part of DCI. Discovery provides distribution and ad support. As long as that deal is in place using the globe isn't going to rile anyone in the legal department.

they are still part of DCI. Discovery provides distribution and ad support. As long as that deal is in place using the globe isn't going to rile anyone in the legal department.

Really? I thought Cox had a complete buyout?

The Translucent blue/silver used to blend in with the background better. Now there is this bright white bug there. It's like BAM!! Right in my face.
I really don't know what you're talking about. The old A&E HD bug was totally opaque, and massive. The new bug is much smaller, and translucent. It's a huge improvement.

Really? I thought Cox had a complete buyout?

Cox do own the station but that doesn't mean they have the skill or want to throw in the cash to keep it on the air. Discovery already had the presence on cable and satellite so Cox are simply making their lives easier by taking advantage of that.

And there's probably some other legal jargon involved in the deal still.

I really don't know what you're talking about. The old A&E HD bug was totally opaque, and massive. The new bug is much smaller, and translucent. It's a huge improvement.

I was watching CSI Miami earlier in the day on Monday with the old bug and I didn't notice it. The colors on the old bug were better and it blended in with the picture.

Now, this new bug is a bright whitish color, almost a dirty grey like the NBC bug used in the '06-07 season. On a dark show, it really stands out. The old, almost transparent blue and silver bug was better.

The new A&E bug reminds me of the USA bug. The S is there but not there but the U and A are, just like & is.

The old, almost transparent blue and silver bug was better.
But it wasn't transparent at all, that's what I'm saying. I don't know what bug you were looking at before.

This is the bug I am talking about:

http://radgallery.org/hdtv/IMG_4576.2.jpg

A screenshot of Crossing Jordan. Notice how the bug is in the corner of the image. It is close to the right and the bottom. The new bug is higher up on screen is farther away from the right.

I don't know. I just find that bug extremely annoying and ugly, like the old NBC HD bug. Also not too crazy about the Animal Pkanet redesign.

This is the bug I am talking about:

http://radgallery.org/hdtv/IMG_4576.2.jpg
I guess it was slightly translucent, I could have sworn it wasn't. Shows how much A&E I watch!
I just find that bug extremely annoying and ugly, like the old NBC HD bug. Also not too crazy about the Animal Pkanet redesign.
I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one, because I still think the new bug is a vast improvement over the old one.

The Animal Planet design makes me scratch my head.

The previous logo was perfect for it. It woudln't be that annoying if it wasn't so HUGE and OUT THERE.

As far as I am concerned, I'll be a happy camper if ALL stations' logos disappeared!
There is nothing more obnoxious that having those damned things glaring at 'ya all the time.

And what clown came with the really stupid idea of pillar-boxing 4:3 video aspect ratio'ed content (so far the only thing I've been able to watch from this channel) in the "new" HD Hallmark Theater channel which not only have pillars with sickly-looking brownish backgrounds but also sporting huge "HALLMARK" letters to the right and left of the active image? Argh!...

-THTS

As far as I am concerned, I'll be a happy camper if ALL stations' logos disappeared!
There is nothing more obnoxious that having those damned things glaring at 'ya all the time.

The BEST bug is NO bug.

And what clown came with the really stupid idea of pillar-boxing 4:3 video aspect ratio'ed content (so far the only thing I've been able to watch from this channel) in the "new" HD Hallmark Theater channel which not only have pillars with sickly-looking brownish backgrounds but also sporting huge "HALLMARK" letters to the right and left of the active image? Argh!...

-THTS

I don't get it. 4:3 sidebars are GOOD. At least they are not stretching and distorting 4:3 content to fit the 16:9 screen like TBS, TNT and the Turner networks. Nothing is worse than stretchovision.

The part I don't get: Is Hallmark using patterned sidebars, like ESPN HD? That would be irritating if it were on during the whole show.

I prefer the plain, black sidebars.

The part I don't get: Is Hallmark using patterned sidebars, like ESPN HD? That would be irritating if it were on during the whole show.

I prefer the plain, black sidebars.

Hallmark is indeed using "patterned" sidebar or pillars throughout the program content. Try watching that for more than a few minutes--truly irritating!

I have no problem with viewing 4:3 video material...so long as it is the original photographic aspect ratio; and from a 16x9 AR, which is what my Sony 40XBR-800 TV set exhibits when fed a HD input, I choose black (don't like gray bars either--too distracting) sidebars whenever I watch 4:3 video content...

-THTS

Hallmark is indeed using "patterned" sidebar or pillars throughout the program content. Try watching that for more than a few minutes--truly irritating!

I have no problem with viewing 4:3 video material...so long as it is the original photographic aspect ratio; and from a 16x9 AR, which is what my Sony 40XBR-800 TV set exhibits when fed a HD input, I choose black (don't like gray bars either--too distracting) sidebars whenever I watch 4:3 video content...

-THTS

I actually don't mind the pillars as long as they are not distracting. I think ESPN and CNN in particular do a good job (though ESPN is incredibly picky about their usage of pillars and it seems CNN has followed suit). The NESN & Mojo pillars aren't too bad, but I have definitely seen some obnoxious stuff on the air. The NBC Nightly News & MHD ones for example are IMO too busy.

The Weather Channel has good pillars, aside from the | HD | in the middle of each one. That part is distracting.

WGN recently changed their bug and I am confident in saying that it is the worst bug on television.

WGN recently changed their bug and I am confident in saying that it is the worst bug on television.A person I was with at the bar last week thought the "eyes staring back" logo was kinda sexy, but it sort of creeped me out. Definitely more artistic than nearly every other bug, though.

A person I was with at the bar last week thought the "eyes staring back" logo was kinda sexy, but it sort of creeped me out. Definitely more artistic than nearly every other bug, though.
How many drinks did this person have at the time? :)

I agree the new WGN bug is stupid. Are they catering to women now?

I just went over to WGN to check it out. Wow, that is stupid. I think the whole "eyes" thing is creepy.

While WGN's bug isn't the most obnoxious, it's definitely the stupidest.

As far as I am concerned, I'll be a happy camper if ALL stations' logos disappeared!
There is nothing more obnoxious that having those damned things glaring at 'ya all the time.


Obnoxious, try idiotic.

Next year there will be no justification for any network onscreen branding. Digital TV brings with it all the channel info you need. The program and channel is right there every time you flip or press info. Every digital recording device I've seen stores the channel ident. Every DVR stores the show and channel.

It's like the more technological progress TV makes the more stupid and pointless networks make it.

While WGN's bug isn't the most obnoxious, it's definitely the stupidest.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7600/wgnamericalogoir4.gif (http://imageshack.us)
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7600/wgnamericalogoir4.69569b9f9b.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=341&i=wgnamericalogoir4.gif)

Wouldn't they do better off with a map of the US or something different than the eyes of a stripper? How do I get paid the big bucks to come up with stupid decisions like that?

The new History Channel bug is much worse (to me) than the old one they used. No bug would be the best, but the old bug, I thought, was much more elegant than that bright red thing they use now.

Don't even get me started on all their aspect ratio ****ups on brand new HD programs.........

I don't know why all the networks are changing bugs. Four Networks: A&E, History, Animal Planet, WGN. Four s***ty bugs. The people at these networks who design the bugs need to be fired.

Although I will let History slide. Of these four, it is the least bad.

I don't know why all the networks are changing bugs. Four Networks: A&E, History, Animal Planet, WGN. Four s***ty bugs. The people at these networks who design the bugs need to be fired.

Although I will let History slide. Of these four, it is the least bad.

All that time and money A&E spent designing new bugs (shi**y ones), they could've been working on fixing the aspect ratio/stretching BS.

Total waste!:mad:

Next year there will be no justification for any network onscreen branding. Digital TV brings with it all the channel info you need.That's not the objective. The objective of branding is instilling recognition and association of the service provided with identity of the service provider. This is not a matter of availability of data, but a matter of what manner of branding prompts the best purchasing decisions by typical consumers.

Marketing isn't "stupid". It's annoying to you perhaps, but not "stupid".

Marketing isn't "stupid". It's annoying to you perhaps, but not "stupid".
Please pull the cable executives sacks out of your mouth. Of course marketing can be stupid. I know your mantra "if a TV executive does it, it must be right" but that is BS. They are people, and they can make the wrong decision.

Indeed. There's no reason for networks to have their bugs plastered on screen 24/7. I can almost guarantee that all the networks have access to research that says a bug that fades in and out preceeding and following commercial breaks engenders 95% if not more of the consumer recall as a 24/7 bug.

Please pull the cable executives sacks out of your mouth. Of course marketing can be stupid. I know your mantra "if a TV executive does it, it must be right" but that is BS. They are people, and they can make the wrong decision.

+1

Please pull the cable executives sacks out of your mouth.Please grow up and accept that people can disagree with you without having anyone's "sack" in their mouths.

You don't like it. I get that. Get over it, so you're not launching personal attacks at people without merit. And understand that just because you don't like something doesn't mean it is stupid.

They are people, and they can make the wrong decision.Absolutely, but it is far more likely that you're wrong.

I can almost guarantee that all the networks have access to research that says a bug that fades in and out preceeding and following commercial breaks engenders 95% if not more of the consumer recall as a 24/7 bug.I disagree. I suspect that fading the bug in and out periodically would engender far more consumer recall that leaving it steady throughout -- and would be a lot more annoying to some, if not most, people.

Please pull the cable executives sacks out of your mouth. Of course marketing can be stupid. I know your mantra "if a TV executive does it, it must be right" but that is BS. They are people, and they can make the wrong decision.

I've seen and heard more idiotic marketing decisions made by people who think they know everything because they wear suits and have a corner office than I can count.

Unfortunately intelligence and consideration doesn't always rise to the top in large corporations. Only the incessant need for money at the expense of everything else.

And understand that just because you don't like something doesn't mean it is stupid.
I never said that. You need to understand that it's possible to not like things BECAUSE they're stupid, and that just because an executive at a cable network decided to do it doesn't mean that it's not stupid.

I disagree. I suspect that fading the bug in and out periodically would engender far more consumer recall that leaving it steady throughout -- and would be a lot more annoying to some, if not most, people.

An interesting theory that I can't possibly believe is true, at least if anecdotal evidence regarding HDNet, Universal HD, and Starz around this website is to any degree reflective of the broader audience.

I never said that.However, it was the most likely implication of the innuendo you were projecting. Please be more clear and definitive about what you're saying, to preclude further confusion about what you're trying to say.

You need to understand that it's possible to not like things BECAUSE they're stupidI do understand that that is possible, so move past that silliness. The point is that I don't believe that that is the case, generally, with regard to this type of issue.

and that just because an executive at a cable network decided to do it doesn't mean that it's not stupid.If only one cable network had these bugs, then perhaps you'd have the beginnings of a point. They practically all have bugs, and there are legitimate arguments about which network's bugs are more annoying that the others. I see no rational basis for an assumption that they're all stupid. With respect, in the absence of objective evidence to the contrary, what I see is just emotional reaction to the frustration that things are not as viewers want things to be.

If only one cable network had these bugs, then perhaps you'd have the beginnings of a point. They practically all have bugs, and there are legitimate arguments about which network's bugs are more annoying that the others. I see no rational basis for an assumption that they're all stupid. With respect, in the absence of objective evidence to the contrary, what I see is just emotional reaction to the frustration that things are not as viewers want things to be.
Maybe since they all have them couldn't that mean that the others are following even if they think it is a bad idea?

Let's all be reminded of when HDNet started the snipes for other shows on its channel. There was outrage on this board and Cuban took them off.

?

Let's all be reminded of when HDNet started the snipes for other shows on its channel. There was outrage on this board and Cuban took them off.

It seems now this place has the opposite effect. Someone posted a thread on Friday voicing their outrage at the center cut NBA finals ad bug and today a 4:3 bug w/that ad shows up on ABC.

I think tomorrow I will post a thread speaking out against million dollar checks being given to AVS Forum members ;) :D Think it would work?

Probably not. Instead, FOX would make their bug 4:3 safe as well.

I see there's a new title: "Bug Chat '08" I like it. Sounds like something on CNN. Watching out for bugs. :D

Defending assertions relying on "could and couldn't" is mental masturbation. Say directly what is the most likely scenario, given that the networks practically are all doing the same thing.

And anyone who thinks Mark Cuban operates under the same parameters as the vast majority of network execs is deluding themselves. My impression is that Mark Cuban is among the most likely to be influenced in his decisions by his own sensibilities. He doesn't need to answer to millions of shareholders, like the networks that have kept the bugs.

An interesting theory that I can't possibly believe is true, at least if anecdotal evidence regarding HDNet, Universal HD, and Starz around this website is to any degree reflective of the broader audience.

Unfortunately, unless you've done the research, you cannot say that the beliefs held on this board are reflective of the broader audience. The opinions stated on this board are from people who hold their television experience to a higher level than the broader population. Just look at how many people own HDTVs, think they are watching HD, but actually never supply an HD signal.

I'm not saying that research shows the general population likes bugs, and I'm not saying that the general population does not like bugs. I would love to see the results of a legitimate study done on this, though. (My personal belief is it would surprise and dismay many on this board, but I could be wrong.)

Nate: I think we can all stipulate to the fact that no viewer "likes bugs". That's not really the issue. It is only a matter of how viewers respond, not their likes and dislikes.

Nate: I think we can all stipulate to the fact that no viewer "likes bugs". That's not really the issue. It is only a matter of how viewers respond, not their likes and dislikes.

My best guess would actually be that most of the population does not even realize they are there most of the time. While I wouldn't say that means they like them, I would say they are probably not anywhere in most people's top 5 or 10 complaints about their TV show. Most of the TV viewing population is happy if there show is on in its entirety and if their DVR captures the entire show (not preempted or delayed by breaking news, weather updates, etc.)

Now when we are talking about the extra animated ads over their shows, they might notice that, but its probably not enough of an annoyance to make them stop watching a show they like. The characteristics of the general population is much different than most AVSers.

Again, all this is just a guess. I'd love to see research of the general population's top 3 or 4 complaints about TV. I would guess bugs/ads during shows would not be on the list.

Most of the TV viewing population is happy if there show is on in its entirety and if their DVR captures the entire show (not preempted or delayed by breaking news, weather updates, etc.)

plus of course the majority have no option. It's not as if there is a bug free alternative you can easily access or a way to show networks what people will tolerate. You either watch the show with all it's visual distractions or not.

I canceled Showtime for their inane snipes and stopped watching the CW because of their onscreen bug treatment. If we had a l carte I would have canceled them as well. Some channels deserve a mass exodus. Losing money is the only way they'll get the message because that's all they care about.*

I'll wait for DVD or better online streaming.


* FOX might actually give a damn about quality. I'll reserve judgment for them until the Reilly remote-free TV experiment appears.

He doesn't need to answer to millions of shareholders, like the networks that have kept the bugs.

I would say there is probably no correlation between network bugs and a network's bottom line. I doubt shareholders would be concerned about network bugs and screen clutter during programming. I doubt that self-promotion improves the bottom line. Now ad revenue is a whole different issue.

I would love to see the results of a legitimate study done on this, though. (My personal belief is it would surprise and dismay many on this board, but I could be wrong.)

I too would love to see the results of a legitimate study but, I bet there isn't such a survey at least not one with viewer input. My guess is, a bunch of people in the tv graphics business sat around a table and brainstormed. They conceived of a product they could sell to networks. They convinced some networks that it was a good idea and sold them on the concept. A few networks bought into the idea and the rest followed.

My best guess would actually be that most of the population does not even realize they are there most of the time.Okay, I can accept that amendment.

Again, all this is just a guess. I'd love to see research of the general population's top 3 or 4 complaints about TV. Mine #1 is pixelization/skipping on recordings. FWIW.

I would say there is probably no correlation between network bugs and a network's bottom line.

Especially considering the point of the bug was never introduced as a marketing tool. It was simply an identification method for a network. Something which is becoming more and more irrelevant.

Adding useless clutter to the bug does nothing of significance to alter TV ratings as NBC have discovered. It just makes the network look like as predictable and inconsiderate as the rest.

I bet there isn't such a survey at least not one with viewer input. I bet you're wrong. :) I wish there was to figure out who owes who a dollar. :D

My guess is, a bunch of people in the tv graphics business sat around a table and brainstormed. They conceived of a product they could sell to networks. They convinced some networks that it was a good idea and sold them on the concept.

and if you look back at where all this crap began to appear you can see it was some of the lowest rated (and also worst) channels on cable. Which says it all.

One ad trend bleeds out until everyone feels the need to do it. Until it reaches a point where it has no effect because everyone does it and then it's time for something else.

and if you look back at where all this crap began to appear you can see it was some of the lowest rated (and also worst) channels on cable. Which says it all.

One ad trend bleeds out until everyone feels the need to do it. Until it reaches a point where it has no effect because everyone does it and then it's time for something else.

Though in television it is rarely the graphics people who are coming up with this stuff but rather the sales & marketing people. That would be like blaming the set designer for FOX's ugly advertisments sticking out of everyone's heads during the Super Bowl & BCS. Oftentimes in TV the creative people are the most constrained while the money people run amok. It is not uncommon for the sales folks to pitch and sell stuff that (1) doesn't look good, (2) is difficult or impossible to execute, and (3) clutters the screen with a barrage of logos and advertisements. FOX is by far the worst offender, they don't even use show identification for their wipes, they use a Chevy logo or a truck running across the screen.

I have not been watching much TV lately but my wife (who does) said she is really getting annoyed by these bugs and is now starting to watch less US TV channels, seems to be watching more BBC channels lately. :rolleyes:
I personally had decided some time ago to quit watching bug laden channels (starting with NBC) so I've taken up reading a lot more now, my family included. Some of these newer bugs/mini adverts, are really horrible - esp. some of the screen shots. I wonder why the majors stations are all losing eyeballs?

BBC America also has prominent on-screen bugs (and apparently they don't like folks discussing it on their forums :))...

http://discussions.bbcamerica.com/jiveforums/thread.jspa?threadID=3093&tstart=0

I see no rational basis for an assumption that they're all stupid.
My posts in this thread have all been referring to WGN's new bug. I understand that bugs are a fact of life, and some networks have better bugs than others. WGN's happens to be stupid.

Let's take a vote...who hates channel bugs.....the "eyes" have it. :)

BBC America also has prominent on-screen bugs (and apparently they don't like folks discussing it on their forums :))...

http://discussions.bbcamerica.com/jiveforums/thread.jspa?threadID=3093&tstart=0

NBC is the same. I checked out their forum section, not one thing about the bug. Just good conversation about their shows. I swear they must have employees paid to post positive things there. It just shows that the networks know viewers hate their ads, and they don't care.

Let's take a vote...who hates channel bugs.....the "eyes" have it. :)

The WGN logo? "Eye" hate it!!

Let's take a vote...who hates channel bugs.....the "eyes" have it. :)
Me, my wife, 2 year old son, 2 border collies, and rabbit all hate them.

t just shows that the networks know viewers hate their ads, and they don't care.As Nate indicated, the vast majority of folks probably don't care at all. All the networks care about is viewer behaviors and how that affects profitability. And that is all they should care about in respect to this issue.

ABC introduced a new one last night, it is actually better. It's much less intrusive.

I'm disgusted with the new "Planet Green" bug on HDTheater and the other Discovery channels.

Yet another Discovery channel that will air the same programming as the others channels that few people will watch. I guess we will be paying more for our programming package so Discovery can provide another avenue from which to sell advertising. I sure hope ala carte pricing becomes an option for subscribers.

Yet another Discovery channel that will air the same programming as the others channels that few people will watch. I guess we will be paying more for our programming package so Discovery can provide another avenue from which to sell advertising. I sure hope ala carte pricing becomes an option for subscribers.
Wouldn't Discovery be more "green" if they didn't start this network and just moved some programming around to other channels?

Anyone notice that channels besides having bugs also have ads on the screen durring the entire show?

I recorded Pirates of the Caribean Friday night and it had an ad for a show prmiering on Monday Night, this ad was almost in clear text, sometimes you could see it if the lighting was correct, other times it was blended into the picture.

I also noticed TBS HD doing the same thing yesterday when they ran Spiderman.

I hope this is not a sign of the future.

Wouldn't Discovery be more "green" if they didn't start this network and just moved some programming around to other channels?

That is what they are doing.

Planet Green is not really a brand new network, it is just a rebranded relaunched Discovery Home Channel.

Anyone notice that channels besides having bugs also have ads on the screen durring the entire show?

I recorded Pirates of the Caribean Friday night and it had an ad for a show prmiering on Monday Night, this ad was almost in clear text, sometimes you could see it if the lighting was correct, other times it was blended into the picture.

I also noticed TBS HD doing the same thing yesterday when they ran Spiderman.

I hope this is not a sign of the future.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=954645

Can I suggest that you write an article about this on MCN? Maybe if the word gets out then there will be less screen clutter in the future?

That is what they are doing.

Planet Green is not really a brand new network, it is just a rebranded relaunched Discovery Home Channel.
O

Can I suggest that you write an article about this on MCN? Maybe if the word gets out then there will be less screen clutter in the future? I almost wrote about it today, but I didn't have a screen shot to post so readers could see it better.

If anyone has any screen shots or has any comments they would like me to use for an upcoming article on this please send them to me at tips @at@ satelliteguys dot us. (If you write please include your avsforum username... anything you send may be published in my article.) :)

Lets see if we can make some news about this. I know many of those channels read multichannel religiously. :)

Click on the link I gave you and look up mr. video. He has a whole website devoted to it. Just make sure that you note the site is "R" rated.

Here are 2 screen caps I got a few weeks ago. Notice how they didn't stand out ? :)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1356/wregdt1ba9.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wregdt1ba9.jpg)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7594/wregdtso1.th.jpg (http://img238.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wregdtso1.jpg)

Sending links to ya.

Those are not them...

For example on TBS on the left hand side of the screen they had the words...

Less Commercials ...
More Great Movies!

The TBS logo was in the bottom right of the screen as well and both stayed on the screen for the entire move.

(Or something like that)

If anyone has any screen shots or has any comments they would like me to use for an upcoming article on this please send them to me at tips @at@ satelliteguys dot us. (If you write please include your avsforum username... anything you send may be published in my article.) :)

Lets see if we can make some news about this. I know many of those channels read multichannel religiously. :)

Be sure you include something about NBC. They're really laying it on heavy with the clutter. They have their ad-bug on almost every show plus obnoxious popup ads similar to TNT's "little people" that come up occasionally. Also, they've started labeling on screen when a show is new. "Last Comic Standing" and "American Gladiators" have a bug in the top corner telling us it is "ALL NEW".

Also, get their cable network USA. They have been running TWO bugs since mid May. The right corner has USA. The left corner has a disembodied ad for their pathetic "In Plain Sight".

In Plain Sight is actually very good. You should check it out.

Those are not them...

For example on TBS on the left hand side of the screen they had the words...

Less Commercials ...
More Great Movies!

The TBS logo was in the bottom right of the screen as well and both stayed on the screen for the entire move.

(Or something like that)

I've seen that one. They had an ad for one of their original shows that stayed on during the whole show. About the only thing I watch on TBS are old sitcoms and the occasional movie. I've never wanted to watch their crappy original shows and now I definately won't watch them, since they ruined my viewing experience on the shows I like.

Those are not them...

For example on TBS on the left hand side of the screen they had the words...

Less Commercials ...
More Great Movies!

The TBS logo was in the bottom right of the screen as well and both stayed on the screen for the entire move.

(Or something like that)
They might not in your specific example, but I don't want to discriminate. We should cover all of the bugs/snipes.

Though in television it is rarely the graphics people who are coming up with this stuff but rather the sales & marketing people. That would be like blaming the set designer for FOX's ugly advertisments sticking out of everyone's heads during the Super Bowl & BCS. Oftentimes in TV the creative people are the most constrained while the money people run amok.

Absolutely. The graphics guys are given an outline based on something sales or the CEO saw which invariably gets changed during the presentation by cries of "Bigger! Flashier! Rotating!" and that's the thing we see.

However saying that the same design heads can also be responsible for pitching the use of the idea in the first place. When someone from sales walks in and asks for some new promotional ideas. They don't have anything original in mind so they pull from the same well as everyone else. It works both ways.

In the case of WGNs atrocious new logo it could be the fault of both parties. A bad design firm and whoever stamped the approval on something that hideous thinking that it looked good and filled all of their bullet points.