Please tell me the Inauguration will be in HD? Was it in HD anywhere in 2005? Was there enough people with HD sets back then to even justify it?

With the plethora of HD digital cameras available now I bet this will be the most recorded HD event in history! It would be really cool if someone can shoot the event with a new Canon 5D MKII. Nothing like 1920x1080 progressive at 30 FPS from a 21 megapixel camera!

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662

How many people here are lucky enough to get tickets to the event? What do you plan on shooting it with?

I wouldn't necessarily count on it. All the former presidents (including incumbent & elect) were just together the other day and no one caught it in HD.

ABC showed the 2005 inauguration in HD.

ABC showed the 2005 inauguration in HD.
For the big 3 broadcast nets, CNN, and maybe Fox, the studio parts should be in HD. I would think the Inauguration itself and most of parade coverage should be in HD, although the live field shots may in HD on some nets and not others. Are the broadcast nets going to do any coverage of the inaugural balls in the evening?

I wouldn't necessarily count on it. All the former presidents (including incumbent & elect) were just together the other day and no one caught it in HD.

I don't know that I want to be seeing 39 of those guys in HD, they're a bit ripe.

Please state whether you know it will be in HD, what format it will be recorded in, and if you actually have tickets or not.

No, no HD, they're actually broadcasting it in morse code this year.

I think it will be in HD.

In '05, ABC did the whole inauguration in HD, and HDNet did the speech. Both got good reviews from members here.

I strongly expect all nets to have HD this time.

From TV Week

HBO Gets Exclusive Telecast of Jan. 18 Inaugural Kickoff

By Ira Teinowitz

The Presidential Inaugural Committee is tapping HBO to exclusively televise the opening celebration of the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, a Sunday afternoon event at the Lincoln Memorial.

The committee on Tuesday night said HBO will work with cable and satellite distributors to make the airing of its signal for the event free.

The free Sunday Lincoln Memorial event comes two days before the Jan. 20 swearing in of the new president, and is to feature major entertainment. Both President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden are expected to attend.

Brent Colburn, a spokesman for the inaugural committee, said the committee decided to work with HBO because it offered to televise the whole 90-minute event without commercial interruption. HBO did a similar telecast in 1993 for the inaugural of Bill Clinton.

Mr. Colburn said that while HBO will broadcast the full production with multiple cameras, other media will be able to cover the event. The committee has yet to name the talent that will perform.

In a statement, Bill Nelson, chairman-CEO of Home Box Office, said the channel is “honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the music and entertainment industry. HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible."

From HDTV UK (United Kingdom)

Sky News to broadcast Barack Obama inauguration in high definition
Sky News is to make its high definition debut next month as it broadcasts the US presidential inauguration of Barack Obama on 20th January 2009.

As the news channel currently has no high definition output, Sky has chosen to broadcast it on the Sky Arts HD channel (258); an interesting choice probably more to do with logistics than fitting the channel's usual genre.

Coming live from Washington, coverage will be presented by Jeremy Thompson and political editor Adam Boulton.

2009 Presidential Inauguration
Live HD Video Transmission
Capacity Available
Reserve Service Today!

MediaXstream will provide live digital and HD video transmission services for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration events in Washington D.C. from the MediaXstream demarc at the AVOC. Customers can take live transmissions back to their production centers either directly on the MediaXstream network or via interconnect with additional networks at major video switching centers in North America and the United Kingdom.

MediaXstream is the new leader in highly reliable contribution quality live video for broadcasters. We specialize in transporting flawless digital and HD content in its native formats demanded by leading news organizations.

I would think they all would have this in HD since it will be a widely watched event. (or i would expect it to be).

I would think they all would have this in HD since it will be a widely watched event. (or i would expect it to be).

Yeah, I don't know why anyone would think otherwise. :confused: After all, they all do live sports broadcasts so they have the cameras, they all have them great big HD trucks and all the high-bandwidth fancy switching/monitoring/broadcasting gear contained therein. No way every big broadcast network won't be doing this big-time, seminal event in HD. They'd be crucified.

The Paramount Theater
Charlottesville, Virginia

Come watch the INAUGURATION live in HD and for FREE!
January 20th, 2009 marks a historic day in our nation’s history and The Paramount Theater is proud to be a part of this by opening its doors to the community and broadcasting LIVE in HIGH DEFINITION the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. The community will come together to watch the exciting events unfold on the largest screen in central Virginia; it will be like you’re there but without all the crowds!

Doors open at 10:30 am with the broadcast beginning at 11 am, featuring the historic swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol at exactly 12 noon. As a service to the community, this event is FREE, but tickets must be obtained in advance (limit is 2 tickets per person).

Unfortunately, tickets are no longer available for this event!

PBS will have live coverage of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States, in HDTV.

CBS's broadcast coverage will be HDTV, according to their on line schedule.

(CBS) Katie Couric will anchor THE INAUGURATION OF THE 44TH PRESIDENT, CBS News’ live, comprehensive broadcast and online coverage of Inauguration Day, on Tuesday, January 20 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM, ET), which includes coverage of all ceremonies that day, as well as key interviews and analysis from the CBS News Inauguration Team. Couric will also anchor a live, one-hour primetime special, CHANGE AND CHALLENGE: THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), and a live Webcast on CBSNews.com and CNET.com at 10:00 PM, ET.

Joining Couric in Washington, D.C. will be Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer, Senior Political Correspondent Jeff Greenfield, CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Chip Reid, CBS News Congressional Correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News Correspondents Sharyl Attkisson, Jim Axelrod, Jeff Glor, Russ Mitchell, Bob Orr, Byron Pitts and Bill Plante. EARLY SHOW Anchors Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez will contribute to the special coverage. CBS News Political Analysts Dan Bartlett and Dee Dee Myers, CBS News Historian Doug Brinkley and CBS News special contributor Peggy Noonan will contribute from Washington, D.C.

CBS News kicks off coverage on Sunday, January 18 with a special edition of FACE THE NATION with Bob Schieffer. The CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC will originate from Washington, D.C. on Monday (19) and Tuesday (20) and THE EARLY SHOW will originate from Washington, D.C. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (21).

Anchored by Couric, CHANGE AND CHALLENGE: THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), is a one-hour primetime special tracing Barack Obama’s journey to the White House. Featuring exclusive interviews with friends and family, the broadcast takes an intimate look at the life of Barack Obama - the man and the President. The broadcast will also look back at some of the most iconic images from the civil rights movement, gaining insights about the journey to the inauguration of the first black President of the United States. Reports from behind the scenes will highlight the activities throughout the historic day, as well as stories of everyday Americans who have traveled to be a part of the momentous occasion.

Couric’s Webcast on CBSNews.com and CNET.com will be live at 10:00 PM, ET, immediately following CBS News’ primetime special. The Webcast includes interviews, special guests, and extended analysis from CBS News correspondents and contributors, as well as live response to viewer questions submitted online before and during the webcast. The Webcast will remain available for on-demand viewing at CBSNews.com, CNETTV.com and CBS Mobile News and will be distributed to CBS Audience Network partners and fed to the CBS Television Stations, as well as CBS Radio News affiliates for insertion into their own programming or for podcasting.

CBSNews.com is launching this week a new, comprehensive Inauguration site chronicling the preparations leading up to Inauguration Day, Obama’s historic journey to the White House and what lies ahead for the President Elect. CBSNews.com’s Inauguration site will also provide complete coverage of the day’s events with special reports, interviews and photos and videos from a variety of sources, including citizen journalists offering their unique viewpoints. CBSNews.com will simulcast all CBS News broadcast coverage throughout the day, as well as the primetime special.

The broadcast coverage will integrate video submissions from CBS EyeMobile users, enabling spectators at the historic event to report their experiences first-hand. Citizen reporters can share their vantage point on the Obama inauguration, and that coverage will be part of the CBS News broadcast, online and on mobile presentation. Clips and highlights of the inauguration coverage are available on carrier video services such as Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, as well as on the mobile site at CBSNews.com.

Rick Kaplan is the executive producer of CBS News Inauguration coverage. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer of CBS News’ primetime special. Paul Friedman is Senior Vice President, News Coverage, CBS News.

The Paramount Theater
Charlottesville, Virginia

Come watch the INAUGURATION live in HD and for FREE!

...and then...

Unfortunately, tickets are no longer available for this event!

:D Well, I guess it's the thought that counts.

Can you change the title to definitely? It looks like CBS will carry it for everyone.

Anyone have tickets?

:D Well, I guess it's the thought that counts.

I saw that.. that's hilarious!

I don't know that I want to be seeing 39 of those guys in HD, they're a bit ripe.I dunno; Reagan looked pretty good....:p

It could be interesting if HBO covers this in Real Time with Bill and some friends. At the end we can find out what the new rules are.

The truck that did the BCS title game last night (Game Creek Yankee Clipper) went straight from Miami to DC. They start setting on Monday - NBC is providing the pool at the Capitol, and this truck will be using 22 cameras.

Bono, Springsteen, Among Performers On HBO Inaugural Special

Network allowing any user with cable, satellite to view celebration for free

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/12/2009 2:34:00 PM

HBO unveiled the talent lineup for the January 18th Obama inauguration kickoff event, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

A number of boldface names will be performing or reading historical passages from the event, including Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Beyonce, Will.I.Am, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, John Mellencamp, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington and Queen Latifah.

George Stevens Jr.(The Kennedy Center Honors) will executive producer the special, with Don Mischer (Olympics ceremonies) producing and directing.

"Our intention is to root the event in history, celebrating the moments when our nation has united to face great challenges and prevail," said Stevens, Jr. in a statement. "We will combine historical readings by prominent actors with music from an array of the greatest stars of today."

HBO is televising the event on an open signal and is planning a free preview for that weekend, allowing any user with cable or satellite to view the celebration for free.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6628719.html

Bono, Springsteen, Among Performers On HBO Inaugural Special

Network allowing any user with cable, satellite to view celebration for free

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/12/2009 2:34:00 PM

HBO unveiled the talent lineup for the January 18th Obama inauguration kickoff event, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

A number of boldface names will be performing or reading historical passages from the event, including Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Beyonce, Will.I.Am, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, John Mellencamp, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington and Queen Latifah.

George Stevens Jr.(The Kennedy Center Honors) will executive producer the special, with Don Mischer (Olympics ceremonies) producing and directing.

"Our intention is to root the event in history, celebrating the moments when our nation has united to face great challenges and prevail," said Stevens, Jr. in a statement. "We will combine historical readings by prominent actors with music from an array of the greatest stars of today."

HBO is televising the event on an open signal and is planning a free preview for that weekend, allowing any user with cable or satellite to view the celebration for free.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6628719.html

Anyone know the time this event coverage begins on sunday?

Which broadcast of the swearing in and speech will provide the best PQ for DVR purposes? I want to get something I can save for a long time. I'm not interested in recording all the other peripheral coverage.

Obama ceremony to be beamed to Europe in High Definition TV

19 hours ago

GENEVA (AFP) — Eurovision said Monday that it will broadcast television pictures of the inauguration of US president Barack Obama next week live in High Definition (HDTV) for the first time.

European broadcasters will be offered full HDTV coverage of the ceremony, Obama's speech and motorcade produced from a battery of cameras on location in Washington, Eurovision said in a statement.

The association said it was setting up record-breaking facilities to cover the inauguration because of "unprecedented demand" from broadcasters.

"All over Europe, networks are planning special programming to bring this historic day to their viewers live," said Eurovision Americas president Bill Dunlop.

"Eurovision is more than trebling the number of circuits it provided for the same event four years ago."

Founded in 1950 with the first live fuzzy black and white TV pictures, which were beamed across the Channel from the French port of Calais, Eurovision is a network grouping more than 75 national broadcasters in Europe.

It is better known for its eponymous annual pan-European song contest, which now attracts some 120 million viewers thanks to an eastern-led revival.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h9brzXrQVeMi5T1KNNu4BsH-aF2A

Which broadcast of the swearing in and speech will provide the best PQ for DVR purposes? I want to get something I can save for a long time. I'm not interested in recording all the other peripheral coverage.
Are you asking about OTA only or via a service provider? If OTA and you have a CBS station with no sub-channels or maybe even only 1 low bandwidth weather sub-channel, odds are that CBS will have the best picture quality. All the nets will be getting their picture from a pool feed, so it will depend on the path and network the signal takes to your house. ABC should be be pretty good as well, although it will be 720p, and again depends on how many sub-channels the local affiliate has.

Are you asking about OTA only or via a service provider? If OTA and you have a CBS station with no sub-channels or maybe even only 1 low bandwidth weather sub-channel, odds are that CBS will have the best picture quality. All the nets will be getting their picture from a pool feed, so it will depend on the path and network the signal takes to your house. ABC should be be pretty good as well, although it will be 720p, and again depends on how many sub-channels the local affiliate has.
Thanks for your reply. I should have noted that my provider is DirecTV, so I imagine that opens up a host of options, from HD Net to CNNHD.

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES TALENT LINEUP FOR
NEIGHBORHOOD INAUGURAL BALL AND KIDS' INAUGURAL CONCERT

Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder to Perform, Nick Cannon to DJ at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, Airing Exclusively on ABC, Tuesday January 20

Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow to Perform with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Usher and Shaquille O'Neal Scheduled to Appear During Kids' Inaugural Concert, Airing Exclusively on Disney Channel Monday, January 19

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the producers and initial talent lineup for "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration," which will air live on ABC (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT, Tuesday, January 20), and the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert honoring military families airing on Disney Channel (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET/PT, Monday, January 19).

Musical performers scheduled for the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ the event. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.

Musical performances for the Kids' Inaugural event include Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow. Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher Raymond IV are also scheduled to appear. 13-year-old Perry Rubin, daughter of entertainment reporter Sam Rubin, will be the special backstage correspondent. Additional performers and guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment are Executive Producers of the Neighborhood Inaugural ball, with Glenn Weiss directing. White Cherry Entertainment is also executive producing the 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show and the 2009 Tony Awards, with Weiss also serving as Director.

The Kids' Inaugural concert special is executive produced by Greg Sills. Sills previously produced The Concert for New York (post-9/11), the Kids Choice Awards, and the VH1 Rock Honors. Louis J. Horvitz is the director.

"We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events," said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the PIC. "Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever."

The PIC today also announced Ricky Kirshner is the Executive Producer for all PIC TV events and Lisa Geers is the Excecutive in charge of production for all PIC TV events.

In an effort to make this inaugural celebration open and accessible to all Americans, President-elect Barack Obama will host the first-ever "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball," the premier event of inauguration evening, on January 20th. To help bring this unique event to neighborhoods across the nation, ABC will broadcast "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration." The event will air live from the Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

On MONDAY, JANUARY 19 (8:00 - 9:30 p.m., ET) Disney Channel will present "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert celebration from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. honoring military families. This inaugural concert celebration will be hosted by Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.

Beginning January 16, Disney.com guests are invited to join the celebration on the Kids Inaugural page www.Disney.com/USA which will feature polls, games and videos on the concert performers and a component which allows guests to chat with friends and send "shout outs" by texting USA, their first name and message to DISNEY (347639). Standard carrier fees apply and a parent's permission is required if users are under age 18.


For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=011309_07

I wouldn't necessarily count on it. All the former presidents (including incumbent & elect) were just together the other day and no one caught it in HD.

Well, it could've been recorded in HD. Just none of the networks bothered to edit their segment in HD.

The Oval Office would've been shot from the White House pool feed, right? I think that's probably HD now that the press operation has been upgraded and several networks do HD remotes from the White House.

So how high will the ratings be for this? Are we talking Super Bowl or American Idol Finally?

Good to see that security was well thought through.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090115/pl_afp/uspoliticsinaugurationobamasecurity_20090115063336

So what over the air channel should have the best PQ? CBS? I plan on keeping a lossless copy of this stored away.

DirecTV with have an Inauguration Mix HD channel that will show 8 different HD feeds.

Linky (http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P5370022)

Obama's visit to Baltimore on Saturday will be covered by the local news. Two channels have HD newscasts so it may at least be in widescreen SD. Neither channel has done any HD remotes yet.

I have never watched a Presidential Inauguration, no need to start now.

I'll be there live. Look for me on TV. I'll be the one with an Obama button. :)

PBS will have live coverage of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States, in HDTV.

PBS and HDNet will most likely have the least blabber and screen clutter.

I won't be watching it either. I have some HD movies on my dvr that I need to catch up on.

Well, I certainly will be watching this seminal event in the history of our nation. The crowd is expected to be significantly larger than any previous inauguration, and there will be something special in the air. I want to be able to tell my grandkids I witnessed it, even if I can't be there personally. Fortunately, there appear to be many opportunities to see it in glorious HD, next best thing to being there. :)

Anyone know the time this event coverage begins on sunday?

Live coverage begins at 2:30pm (E.T.), Sunday, on HBO, HBO HD and HBO Latino. It's free to all Bright House digital cable customers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbchd/programmes/schedules/2009/01/20

BBC HD are showing it in HD in the UK.

And HBO is free this weekend to Directv customers.

Will they do Neilson ratings for this? How high will it go? NFL Playoff game?

Will they do Neilson ratings for this? How high will it go? NFL Playoff game?

Over 71 million watched election night nationally.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/nov/07/abc-cnn-win-election-night-nationally---9news/

The average Super Bowl has 80 to 90 million viewers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl

The AFC divisional playoff game between the Chargers and Steelers: 34.1 million viewers.

The NFC divisional playoff game between the Eagles and Giants: 31.4 million viewers.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/01/chargers-steele.html

Thanks for your reply. I should have noted that my provider is DirecTV, so I imagine that opens up a host of options, from HD Net to CNNHD.

You can rest assured CNNHD will have the screen all crapped up with a useless information ticker at the bottom telling us what Obama ate for breakfast that morning, what they plan on naming the first dog, etc. If we're lucky they'll fill up the left and right pillar bars with that useless "sound from the floor" volume meter and a few pie charts displaying some meaningless statistic. :rolleyes:

You can rest assured CNNHD will have the screen all crapped up with a useless information ticker at the bottom telling us what Obama ate for breakfast that morning, what they plan on naming the first dog, etc. If we're lucky they'll fill up the left and right pillar bars with that useless "sound from the floor" volume meter and a few pie charts displaying some meaningless statistic. :rolleyes:

So very THIS!

If there's one lesson learned from the debate season it is this, record on PBS-HD. Less crap on the screen and no insta-poll crap!

I heartily agree. Something like this, PBS is absolutely the way to go. They'll have the best coverage, and they won't over-editorialize. There is no need for talking heads chattering incessantly lest 10 seconds of terrifying silence seize the screen, nor should scolling graphics and high-tech gee-wizzies distract from an event which will have both its own drama and quiet dignity.

I have never watched a Presidential Inauguration, no need to start now.

And we needed to know this because?

Bring back the 'Princess-Leia' cam......?

You can rest assured CNNHD will have the screen all crapped up with a useless information ticker at the bottom telling us what Obama ate for breakfast that morning, what they plan on naming the first dog, etc. If we're lucky they'll fill up the left and right pillar bars with that useless "sound from the floor" volume meter and a few pie charts displaying some meaningless statistic. :rolleyes:

I really believe that the networks will want to keep their Inauguration coverage pretty clean. They realize just how big of an event this is, historically, so they'll want to go very simple. I expect maybe a bug in the corner, perhaps even ghosted.

OK, here's a related question:

My workplace is going to stream it on Tuesday from a laptop to projector:

Are there any websites broadcasting a HD feed of the inaugural, or if not the inaugural specifically, one that streams HD all the time (like a local TV station) so I'd be able to advise them to stream HD to the projector? Otherwise I have a feeling they're just going to stream a SD picture and it's going to look crappy.

Comcast is Baltimore is having the free HBO preview just for today.

And yes the inauguration special is in HD and looks great.

Please tell me the Inauguration will be in HD? Was it in HD anywhere in 2005? Was there enough people with HD sets back then to even justify it?

With the plethora of HD digital cameras available now I bet this will be the most recorded HD event in history! It would be really cool if someone can shoot the event with a new Canon 5D MKII. Nothing like 1920x1080 progressive at 30 FPS from a 21 megapixel camera!

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662

How many people here are lucky enough to get tickets to the event? What do you plan on shooting it with?

The military is beta testing the 5D a buddy of mine will have one at the Inauguration on stage. Anxious to see the footage.

Comcast is Baltimore is having the free HBO preview just for today.

And yes the inauguration special is in HD and looks great.

To me the HBO feed seems SOFT.
Looking at shots from CNN much much sharper.

HBO HD = No bugs.

Very nice.

To me the HBO feed seems SOFT.
Looking at shots from CNN much much sharper.

HBO looks fine to me and on HBO I don't have to watch commercials or listen to stupid partisan talking heads.

American Portraits was simply amazing. Copeland was a master of these types of things

HBO is soft. They have the skin detail dialed way up. But it still looks pretty good. Some early technical glitches but still interesting to watch nonetheless. CNN by the way has some major softening going on for their talent. The big wide shots that are pool feeds look fine, but the stuff at the Newseum is pretty dialed down. Audio mix is not as dialed in as I would have hoped.

Someone forgot to tell Joe Biden there's a microphone in front of him. No need to shout it all the way to the Washington Monument. :D

Someone forgot to tell Joe Biden there's a microphone in front of him. No need to shout it all the way to the Washington Monument. :D

Barack told him the same thing

no free hbo here on twc, le sigh. what station do you plan on watching the inauguration on? for me, CNN HD always looks best.

no free hbo here on twc, le sigh. what station do you plan on watching the inauguration on? for me, CNN HD always looks best.

For me I'll check out a few in this order:

1. PBS (even with all their subchannels there won't be much motion, so the 1080i should still look good)
2. CBS when Katie Couric isn't talking
3. CNN to compare another 1080i source, but I won't stick around long with all their screen clutter.

If HDNet was doing it, that would have been my first choice.

The concert is looking & sounding good on HBO Canada HD on StarChoice!

No free HBO through Brighthouse Cable.

Oddly, it's fine on D* even though there's half a foot of snow on my dish.

1. PBS (even with all their subchannels there won't be much motion, so the 1080i should still look good)You're lucky.

Like a number of PBS stations apparently, KCET-DT here in LA has gone over to the 720p route to make room for numerous sub-channels, flushing their original glorious 1080i incarnation. Audio not so hot either, level seems too low.

Nevertheless... there is a second PBS station available here, KOCE-HD (50.1), which is going to be carrying the coverage all morning and it is 1080i. I'm there.

No free HBO through Brighthouse Cable.

Oddly, it's fine on D* even though there's half a foot of snow on my dish.

Free HBO on BHN in Tampa

Concert was great. I wasn't really planning on watching the whole thing, but they kept bringing out one big name after another. Nice array of talent, tastefully done.

Comcast is Baltimore is having the free HBO preview just for today.

Heh, they shut it off right after the show was over.

That's all you get for free!

Heh, they shut it off right after the show was over.

That's all you get for free!

i wonder if it will be turned on again for the repeats

It's on FIOS now, 7PM showing. No DD5.1, just DD2.0, sound is all click-poppy out of Verizon-Boston.

i wonder if it will be turned on again for the repeats

Yep!

HBO has a free video stream of the concert, http://www.hbo.com/weareone/webcast/index.html

FiOS TV

I've noticed on the audio, sometimes the high end sounds cut out and then come back a few seconds later.

What happened with the National Anthem. It sounded like the guy forgot the words but it could have just been a technical glitch.

They turned off the feed 10mins early here in Boston FIOS, the rat bastards.:mad:

The HBOHD PQ is definitely soft on my 50" 1080p plasma. No DD5.1 audio, either. (via D*)

Many are talking about recording this, and trying to pick out the least-cluttered channel. Don't you expect a clutter-free 1080 copy via blu-ray very soon? The way this event has been hyped, surely companies have been jockeying for how to be the first to publish the bD of this. No one need worry they might not have a good copy for posterity.

Many are talking about recording this, and trying to pick out the least-cluttered channel. Don't you expect a clutter-free 1080 copy via blu-ray very soon? The way this event has been hyped, surely companies have been jockeying for how to be the first to publish the bD of this. No one need worry they might not have a good copy for posterity.

There's been some comment on this already. Best bets are PBS and HDNet.

What happened with the National Anthem. It sounded like the guy forgot the words but it could have just been a technical glitch.

He was trying to sync up with the military band playing the music. He didn't forget the words, he simply had a lapse while singing, forgetting that there was a quiet spot in the music.

He was trying to sync up with the military band playing the music. He didn't forget the words, he simply had a lapse while singing, forgetting that there was a quiet spot in the music.

Whatever, happened it was pretty embarrassing! Heck, Jordin Sparks rendition was flawless before the Eagles got beat down yesterday. You would think that we could at least get the national anthem right for such a “Historic Event”.

NBC is hosting the pool feed at Capitol Hill. It will consist of 26 cameras in 1080i, no blimps, no rf cameras.
the pool will give feeds to the actual pool member networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN) who augment with their own cameras. Whatever conversion ABC and Fox does takes place in their facilities.
The Capitol Hill pool feed was 1080i back in 2005
ABC supplies the pool feed at the White House.
CBS will supply the pool feed for the parade route.

He was trying to sync up with the military band playing the music. He didn't forget the words, he simply had a lapse while singing, forgetting that there was a quiet spot in the music.

Whatever, happened it was pretty embarrassing! Heck, Jordin Sparks rendition was flawless before the Eagles got beat down yesterday. You would think that we could at least get the national anthem right for such a “Historic Event”.

You do know that most sporting anthems are recorded and then lip synced don't you? There is also a huge difference in singing a capella and singing with a band or orchestra. A capella allows you to control the entire pace. The musicians control mixed passages.

The singer missed his cue at the opening and rather than attempt to catch up on "O! Say can you see by the dawn's early light" , he just started with "what so proudly we hailed."

His other miscue was the last word, "brave." He started to sing it about one silent note too soon and recovered. Obviously, there wasn't a lot of rehearsal for this. I didn't find it to be such the desecration that you did. Live music has its blunders......

Kids Inaugural on Disney looks very good. Better than the hbo show IMO.

OK, here's a related question:

My workplace is going to stream it on Tuesday from a laptop to projector:

Are there any websites broadcasting a HD feed of the inaugural, or if not the inaugural specifically, one that streams HD all the time (like a local TV station) so I'd be able to advise them to stream HD to the projector? Otherwise I have a feeling they're just going to stream a SD picture and it's going to look crappy.

There's a list of streaming links here you may find useful:

http://newteevee.com/2009/01/14/where-to-watch-obamas-inauguration-online/

OK, here's a related question:

My workplace is going to stream it on Tuesday from a laptop to projector:

Are there any websites broadcasting a HD feed of the inaugural, or if not the inaugural specifically, one that streams HD all the time (like a local TV station) so I'd be able to advise them to stream HD to the projector? Otherwise I have a feeling they're just going to stream a SD picture and it's going to look crappy.

Maybe ask a generous SlingBox owner if your workplace has enough bandwidth.

I on my part am helping with my hospital conference room's setup by lending them my Accurian HD tuner and patching it into the projection system, which I believe is about XGA or SXGA quality; it does indeed look good when I tested it. I'm in the Los Angeles area and the hospital at Vermont/Sunset (Hollywood) with good line of sight to Mt. Wilson. It'll be a treat to witness history in HD and not having to stay home from work just to experience it. How are you other guys dealing with trying to watch the inauguration in HD at work?

I was going to suggest the Slingbox, but I have a Slingbox HD and it's not anything I would want to blow up onto a large projector screen. The Slingbox side would need upstream of 3 - 6 Mbps for it to look anything close to SD widescreen quality, let alone HD.

My local area is under a winter storm warning. We are expected to get almost 2 inches of snow! Needless to say the entire city will shutdown and I am sure that they will cut away from the inauguration to show the MASS CHAOS that "Only" 2 inches of snow can cause.

WGN America will also have coverage.

This is starting early in the morning (Wednesday) here in Australia. All stations are covering it live (one is playing Good Morning America right now at 11pm) but I don't see any mention of HD coverage. I really hope one of the stations here can get this right, I don't want to be up late for poor coverage (not that it really matters but it is 2009).

The following has been posted every year, so I'm sure it was an oversight this year.


MODERATORS WARNING: Any political comments will result in a one month suspension. If a member is found to have multiple AVS identities, you will be permanently banned and your IP will be notified.

I think ABC was a clear bug only in 2005, at least during the actual swearing in part. Unfortunately here in Raleigh we are going to be stuck with a weather crawl on all the big networks Im sure.

I think ABC was a clear bug only in 2005, at least during the actual swearing in part. Unfortunately here in Raleigh we are going to be stuck with a weather crawl on all the big networks Im sure.

I am right there with you man!

I can see it now. They will cut away at the most critical part of the inauguration to show Fischel talking about the "ONE" car that nearly slid off the road.

Then they will say "In other news, the first Afro American president was sworn in today".

I am going to switch to the CNN coverage so that I don't get the cropped, letter boxed, scrolling school closing coverage that our local networks will be displaying.

All major networks (sans FOX) and Fox news and CNN all up in HD at 9:30am EST.

FOX coverage starts at 11. I'm at work right now; I'm recording CNN, NBC, Fox, and WGN.

My Local CBS station is in SD. Any ofther CBS affils up in HD or is this a local issue?

My Local CBS station is in SD. Any ofther CBS affils up in HD or is this a local issue?


Must be a local issue. Note, however, that a few of CBS' cameras down on the ground in the crowd appear to be SD, so you've got some of those lousy looking shots in the mix.

ABC's cameras down on the ground in the crowd are 720p HD, so that's nice, however their wide shots of the mall don't look so good since 720p can't resolve that level of detail.

CNNHD is looking good, however they brought back that bottom info bar obliterating the bottom 1/4 of the screen. Earlier this morning they were running it clean without that crap and I had high hopes for them. :rolleyes:

DirecTV's Inauguration Mix on channel 102 is pretty cool.

Ok, well, to be fair, Ive only seen a weather update for about 30 seconds on WRAL (CBS) and none on WTVD (ABC). Havent watched NBC because their graphics are crazy huge. PQ on CBS is much better than ABC, but the graphics arent coming down nearly as much, but at least they come down...hopefully will during the important parts.

Must be a local issue. Note, however, that a few of CBS' cameras down on the ground in the crowd appear to be SD, so you've got some of those lousy looking shots in the mix.

ABC's cameras down on the ground in the crowd are 720p HD, so that's nice, however their wide shots of the mall don't look so good since 720p can't resolve that level of detail.

Not sure that's the case. Looks more like a transmission or cross conversion issue. Like digital noise. Those cameras are being pooled.

CNN has that awful giant gray bar at the bottom of the screen.

WNBC-DT was in SD when I checked at 9:50am till 10am ET when the feed went HD.

hulu.com is streaming the coverage from Fox (not FNC) in 16:9 format. (can't exactly say it's HD at full screen, though)

ABCNews.com streaming video in 16:9

NBC/MSNBC and CBS.com are streaming 4:3 video.

wlns went hd sometime between 10:30 and 10:45

HD camera on the motorcade is cool

All major networks (sans FOX) and Fox news and CNN all up in HD at 9:30am EST.

ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, FOX News Channel; all HD.

Is anybody else getting pixelation/distortion/feed disruption on CNNHD? It's annoying the heck out of me and it sucks cause this seems to be the best coverage.

completely off topic and this can be mod'ed out if needed...

on the d* hd mix channel, if i select cbs, i got comedy central hd

Does anyone know if the pool feeds are 1080i or 720p?

Is anybody else getting pixelation/distortion/feed disruption on CNNHD? It's annoying the heck out of me and it sucks cause this seems to be the best coverage.

Flipped over for a few minutes, didn't see any issues.

From yesterday:

NBC is hosting the pool feed at Capitol Hill. It will consist of 26 cameras in 1080i, no blimps, no rf cameras.
the pool will give feeds to the actual pool member networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN) who augment with their own cameras. Whatever conversion ABC and Fox does takes place in their facilities.
The Capitol Hill pool feed was 1080i back in 2005
ABC supplies the pool feed at the White House.
CBS will supply the pool feed for the parade route.

Only problem with CNN HD for me is the giant gray bar and some other annoying graphic on the right side of the screen.:rolleyes:

CBS has a nice DD5.1 mix from the stage with the band, etc.

PBS audio is kind of flat. The other networks don't seem to have much coming out of the surrounds, either.

....on my new Samsung 52" LCD. Beautiful pictures. This is my 7th inaugural since 1981 and never have seen it like this! Just noticed former VP's Mondale, Quayle, and Gore and man have they aged! The HD really shows that! Of course, we all are gett'ing up there I guess...

I wish the anchors would learn to shut the hell up. I like what Jon Stewart said about it. He compared to the movie "Speed" in that the anchors think that if they stop talking the bus will blow up or something.

It seems to have cleared up. Hopefully for good.

This news site is broadcasting this in HD. (Is this ok to post this link?)
http://skynews.streaming.skysports.com/news/hd/index.html#

Is it today? How in the world did I miss it?:D

pbs audio is kind of flat.pbs?

ABCNews.com keeps freezing on me.

This news site is broadcasting this in HD. (Is this ok to post this link?)
http://skynews.streaming.skysports.com/news/hd/index.html#

Thanks for the link! That's the best PQ I've seen on a streaming site so far this morning. Looks good even full screen on my 15.4" laptop screen.

I'm getting a chuckle out of this "Current" channel, whatever that is - looks like a bunch of teenagers texting messages and the channel overlays them on the live video.

WNBC-DT FiOS

I'm hearing lots of clicking and page turning from the anchors in the NBC Studio.
Now someone just loudly ripped a paper.

nice touches with the footage by Roger Goodman at ABC during Aretha.

Ah nice classical music before Obama's speech :)

Very fitting I think.

OK... I lost it when the John Williams piece dropped in some Copland...

Where's the Kleenix?

Turnabout is fair play: ESPN HD is carrying 'ABC News on EPSN'.

barack is nervous as hell

It didn't help that the person giving him the words to repeat was taking way too long to let Obama speak

OK... I lost it when the John Williams piece dropped in some Copland...If you're going to steal, steal from the best.

ESPN Latest With Plans For Inauguration

Network will put focus on African American athletes.

By P.J. Bednarski -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/14/2009 10:25:00 AM MT

Joining a gaggle of other networks ranging from QVC to BET, ESPN now says it has special programming plans for the Obama inauguration and Martin Luther King Day, the holiday that precedes it on Jan. 19.

On Jan. 20, starting at 1 p.m., one hour after the inauguration proceedings begin in Washington, ESPN Classic will unspool a 10 hour marathon, Breaking Barriers, that will highlight famous African American sports stars including tennis star Arthur Ashe, boxer Jack Johnson, NBA star Bill Russell, college football star Ernie Davies, and college football legends Eddie Robinson and Willie Jeffries who all struggled for fairness and equity. The day before ESPN Classic uses the Breaking Barriers banner for a seven hour program highlighting such black stars as Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron.

On ESPN, SportsCenter will cover the inauguration itself starting at 11:30 Jan 20 with Jeremy Schaap interviewing sports stars in attendance. All day long on various ESPN platforms, the networks will present vignettes featuring athletes about what the Obama election means to them. One of those interviewed is Craig Robinson, the Oregon State head basketball coach--and Obama's brother-in-law.

On ESPN.com the Web site takes a look at how past presidents have affected athletics and physical fitness, with a encouragement to Obama to encourage more physical activity by children. Also, ESPN's Len Shapiro lists pros and cons of Washington D.C. area golf courses where the Commander in Chief can take out his frustrations, or more likely, if he's like most golfers, take on some more.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/162131-ESPN_Latest_With_Plans_For_Inauguration.php?q=espn

Anything interesting happening?

Anything interesting happening?

Mr. Obama is using his first opportunity to speak as President. As would be expected, change is the subject.

I hope no one will think it political of me to note that I pray for the safety and health of President Obama. God bless him, and God bless America.

I hope no one will think it political of me to note that I pray for the safety and health of President Obama. God bless him, and God bless America.I would hope we all want that.

To CNN's credit, they turned off (almost all of) the screen puke for the main event.

CBS had the best audio, but I'm puzzled as to why they seemed to have so many SD crowd shots (from the the pool feed?) that was HD on every other channel. Also detracting from the broadcast was Katie Couric's need to blab every time there was a pause in the ceremonies.

PBS coverage was nice and clean, minimal bugs, no chatter.

We got a memo early this morning stating that the 9-1:30pm ETcoverage from FOX would be in HD via the splicer.

Someone in the NBC studio or near the pool feed audio source turned the cell phone or blackberry back on cause I can hear it interfering with the audio.

Someone in the NBC studio or near the pool feed audio source turned the cell phone or blackberry back on cause I can hear it interfering with the audio.

Yup.

To CNN's credit, they turned off (almost all of) the screen puke for the main event.

That stupid gray bar is still there. :P

NBC just had a nice shot of the anchors seeing the helicopter pass by their studio window.

That stupid gray bar is still there. :P

NBC just had a nice shot of the anchors seeing the helicopter pass by their studio window.

The gray bar wasn't there for a (short) time. Only the CNN logo and the inauguration graphic for the swearing in and speeches.

It all came back very quickly after the benediction.

Ok. I had tuned out.

I wish the NBC audio guy could get word to the anchors to turn the cell phones off. :P

Who has the best compliation of screenshots during the oath? We should compare. Did everyone take the pool feed? My office has the CNN feed, nice shot of Barack and Michelle in the same frame.

ABC's coverage has been the best. They've had the least screen diarrhea. Just the ABC bug and "LIVE", along with a lower third when necessary. NBC has bugs on two sides of the screen. CBS is too loud, their audio is crap. ABC had what looks like all HD crowd shots plus shots of the flag waving, the Golden Gate Bridge during the national anthem-in HD. FOX is, well FOX. That doesn't get watched in the dawg house ;). CNN, FNC, MSNBC, etc are all SD on cable. No need to even look at those.

CNN, FNC, MSNBC, etc are all SD on cable. No need to even look at those.

CNN was HD here, but not the other 2 cablers. ABCnews.com was streaming the widescreen feed with no commercials (except Audi which seemed to have bought ads for all the webstreams). Of all the broadcast networks, ABC's was the least intrusive. I also gave good marks to CNN for turning off most of the crap during the oath and speech.

ABC's coverage has been the best. They've had the least screen diarrhea. Just the ABC bug and "LIVE", along with a lower third when necessary. NBC has bugs on two sides of the screen. CBS is too loud, their audio is crap. ABC had what looks like all HD crowd shots plus shots of the flag waving, the Golden Gate Bridge during the national anthem-in HD. FOX is, well FOX. That doesn't get watched in the dawg house ;). CNN, FNC, MSNBC, etc are all SD on cable. No need to even look at those.

I don't know about that...PBS ran pretty lean, just a "Live" lower-thirdish nub, and, where I live, a 30% luminance station bug. As mentioned upthread, audio was a little flat

...show 4:3 shots when they roll tape of previous events of today's coverage when it was originally shot in 16:9 HD?

...show 4:3 shots when they roll tape of previous events of today's coverage when it was originally shot in 16:9 HD?
No HD capture, edit, replay capability.

No HD capture, edit, replay capability.

Are you serious? They arn't able to do this in 2009?

What. [dramatic pause]
Was. [dramatic pause]
Up. [dramatic pause]
With. [dramatic pause]
That. [dramatic pause]
Ri. [dramatic pause]
Di. [dramatic pause]
Cu. [dramatic pause]
Lous. [dramatic pause]
Po. [dramatic pause]
Em?

This just arrived in my inbox:

While Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in an inaugural ceremony attracting well over a million spectators, four enormous mobile video screens – including the world’s largest high-resolution mobile LED unit – assured that everyone got an up-close view of the historic moment.

The mobile video screens, provided by GoVision LP of Keller, Texas, and manufactured by South Dakota-based Daktronics Inc., provided live video footage of the event backed by state-of-the-art image processing. The largest of the four screens, known as “GoBigger,” boasted a massive 19’ x 33’ display utilizing Daktronics HD-X technology, which features higher contrast and wider viewing angles than any other display of its type.

Commentators on TV and radio covering the inauguration continued to mistakenly refer to large LED screens as “Jumbotrons” -- referring to a product, the Sony Jumbotron, that has not been sold for decades. However, the type of large outdoor LED wall deployed in the Capitol are produced by Daktronics, Barco, Lighthouse and a few others, with Daktronics holding the most market share - especially in the sports stadium market with fixed installation screens. This experience assured Daktronics was well suited to provide coverage for the crowd gathering around the more than arena-sized National Mall.

-snipped-


http://www.digitalsignageweekly.com/article/24330.aspx

Can I get a "GoBigger" screen for a home theater? ;)

....that my Uverse HD won't be as "crystal" clear as my Comcast currently is for live events such as today's Inaugral.

If only Comcast would ramp up their HD channels

Commentators on TV and radio covering the inauguration continued to mistakenly refer to large LED screens as “Jumbotrons” -- referring to a product, the Sony Jumbotron, that has not been sold for decades. However, the type of large outdoor LED wall deployed in the Capitol are produced by Daktronics, Barco, Lighthouse and a few others, with Daktronics holding the most market share

I would put that statement right up there in the corporate sniveling category along with Monster Cable's beef with Monster Putt-Putt Golf...

To CNN's credit, they turned off (almost all of) the screen puke for the main event.
Yes they did, but they also couldn't keep their mouths shut for long. I was annoyed when they were talking over important introductions and camera was showing the crowd until after the person had already been seated. Whoever was directed the camera shots for CNN seemed to be two steps behind the action.

Way too much talking. Wolf Blitzer gets nervous if there is more than 5 seconds of silence at anytime.

jrcorwin, you make a good point about over-talking by the commentators. I didn't watch this, but I can imaging the blabbering by those CNN folks. It's one thing for sportscasters to talk too much over televised events, but for newspeople to talk too much over an inauguration seems worse than merely annoying.

jrcorwin, you make a good point about over-talking by the commentators. I didn't watch this, but I can imaging the blabbering by those CNN folks. It's one thing for sportscasters to talk too much over televised events, but for newspeople to talk too much over an inauguration seems worse than merely annoying.
The story is already there. It's already sensational...they don't need to push it any harder. They're trying to make news rather than just reporting it. Oh well...it won't change.

In Washington, the Fox station has already gone local, which means SD. Our NBC station is also supposed to switch to local coverage (which will be in SD, confirmed by a phone call to the station) for the parade, foregoing NBC's HD coverage.

Yes they did, but they also couldn't keep their mouths shut for long. I was annoyed when they were talking over important introductions and camera was showing the crowd until after the person had already been seated. Whoever was directed the camera shots for CNN seemed to be two steps behind the action.

Way too much talking. Wolf Blitzer gets nervous if there is more than 5 seconds of silence at anytime.

CNN is notorious for talking over history. They don't even cover half the stuff the other networks do because they'd seemingly prefer to just listen to themselves talk.

Watched on NBC. Seemed a little more crisp than ABC's 720p feed. They shut completely up when the ceremony started and stayed that way 'till it ended - much appreciated. Can't believe Chief Justice Roberts screwed up the Oath - twice! He supposedly refused to take notes up there; you'd think he could have spent a few minutes memorizing and rehearsing. Kind of a big moment for him, you know? :p

Watched on NBC. Seemed a little more crisp than ABC's 720p feed. They shut completely up when the ceremony started and stayed that way 'till it ended - much appreciated.

Watching NBC's coverage of the President Obama's motorcade to the parade stand. BEAUTIFUL photos of the limo leaving the Capitol. That's a sweet ride indeed...not a spot on it!

NBC is one of the better networks regarding commentary. Brokaw was already very good about getting his people to shut up during these events.

Unfortunate news from the Inauguration Luncheon.

Senator Edward Kennedy suffered a medical problem, believed to be a seizure, and was taken to the hospital. He was reported to be conscious and talking at the time.

Senator Robert Byrd also became ill, and was escorted out and taken to the hospital, reasons unknown.

Roberts didn't, Groucho.

WGN's coverage was 4:3 SD with HD graphics and sidebars. Chicago studio shots were HD.

Brokaw was already very good about getting his people to shut up during these events.Mr. Brokaw is the last of a generation of television news reporters that know the meaning of the word restraint.

You are too kind, Ken. Way too kind.
But surely Brokaw is not as much of a waste as a commentator/reporter as so many since his heyday.

Can't believe Chief Justice Roberts screwed up the Oath - twice! He supposedly refused to take notes up there; you'd think he could have spent a few minutes memorizing and rehearsing. Kind of a big moment for him, you know? :p
That really was a shame, since the clip of the swearing-in will be played for generations and years to come. The President even paused to try to help him recover, but Roberts seemed to ignore it.

The Chief Justice tried to bail the president out, but to no avail.

Roberts didn't, Groucho.

Yes, I'm afraid he did. Twice. He was supposed to pause after speaking Obama's name, let the President repeat the name, then go on. Instead, he plowed on and Obama was forced to stop and begin again. Then, he left out the word "faithfully" (it's supposed to be "...and faithfully serve...") and instead put it at the end of the sentence. Obama paused to let him correct himself but he didn't. Then they both just sort of made the best of it. Interestingly, Obama voted against Robert's confirmation.

What. [dramatic pause]
Was. [dramatic pause]
Up. [dramatic pause]
With. [dramatic pause]
That. [dramatic pause]
Ri. [dramatic pause]
Di. [dramatic pause]
Cu. [dramatic pause]
Lous. [dramatic pause]
Po. [dramatic pause]
Em?
Yeah! How lame was it? :rolleyes: I tried to give it a chance, listening to the first couple of stanzas, but eventually had to walk away. Rev. Lowery's rhymes were sort of silly, too. Nonetheless, the president's great speech is what will be remembered.

The Chief Justice tried to bail the president out, but to no avail.

The chief justice mis-stated the oath in two places, misplacing the word "faithfully" and calling the office "president to the United States." Roberts awkwardly plowed through the name-stating part initially, and Obama clearly stopped when Roberts flubbed up the "faithfully." The AP (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28753348/) even has a story about it now.

It was one of those situations where after Roberts got everything out of sync, neither guy knew how to get back in sync, and so Roberts tripped over the rest of his words.

Yes, I'm afraid he did. Twice. He was supposed to pause after speaking Obama's name, let the President repeat the name, then go on. Instead, he plowed on and Obama was forced to stop and begin again. Then, he left out the word "faithfully" (it's supposed to be "...and faithfully serve...") and instead put it at the end of the sentence. Obama paused to let him correct himself but he didn't. Then they both just sort of made the best of it. Interestingly, Obama voted against Robert's confirmation.Here's the video http://www.breitbart.tv/html/262133.html

CBS has a nice DD5.1 mix from the stage with the band, etc.

CBS sounded the worst to me. Footsteps, coughing, "Are our mikes on?" (Yes they are, Katie!) And what's with the changing audio perspective when they went to shots from the crowd during the speech? Do you think I really want to hear what the speech sounds like a mile away? (Extra points for trying to sync them up, though.)

nice touches with the footage by Roger Goodman at ABC during Aretha.

Oh please! Do you have to suck up like that? Captain Ca-Ca again.

The Chief Justice tried to bail the president out, but to no avail.
Are you serious?:confused: The CJ clearly didn't have the words right, which HE was administering, and ignored the President's efforts to sync' up. That's beyond argument. Maybe they should have rehearsed it together when the President-elect paid him a courtesy visit a few days ago.

The chief justice mis-stated the oath in two places, misplacing the word "faithfully" and calling the office "president to the United States." Roberts awkwardly plowed through the name-stating part initially, and Obama clearly stopped when Roberts flubbed up the "faithfully." The AP (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28753348/) even has a story about it now.

It was one of those situations where after Roberts got everything out of sync, neither guy knew how to get back in sync, and so Roberts tripped over the rest of his words.

How long 'til some nut job claims that the oath isn't valid because of the mix-up?

Watching NBC's coverage of the President Obama's motorcade to the parade stand. BEAUTIFUL photos of the limo leaving the Capitol. That's a sweet ride indeed...not a spot on it!
I understand it's a brand new car, like the new one that Bush got in 2001. I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac that's regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.;)

I didn't think he would walk.. but I'm glad he's back in that brand new HOT limo!

I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac is regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.;) For the best interests of national security the cars are never resold or even available for open public inspection… at least for a long period.

Man is the parade slow. That is why I am typing now.

Are people still talking about the damn oath? Mistakes happen, and they both were probably nervous (let’s see how you perform in front of 1 million+ people). This was Robert's first time administering the oath as well...

I was very impressed how calm they both remained, and finished the job.

I understand it's a brand new car, like the new one that Bush got in 2001. I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac that's regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.;)

not to mention the fact that it's incredibly 'tricked' out with a lot of insane security features.

I understand it's a brand new car, like the new one that Bush got in 2001. I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac that's regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.
not to mention the fact that it's incredibly 'tricked' out with a lot of insane security features.
__________________
Just to keep this line of discussion on topic for the AVS Forum, I wonder what kind of HDTV set-up it has in the back seat?

What I dislike is multiple small images with much of the screen being used for a background graphic. What's the point of having HD?

Are people still talking about the damn oath? Mistakes happen, and they both were probably nervous (let’s see how you perform in front of 1 million+ people). This was Robert's first time administering the oath as well...

I was very impressed how calm they both remained, and finished the job.

Only one of them looked, and acted, nervous. ;) But as you say, they got through it.

I understand it's a brand new car, like the new one that Bush got in 2001. I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac that's regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.;)
Not to mention that it can withstand the direct hit of a rocket-propelled grenade. I'll give 'em $50 for it. $75 if they throw in the floor mats.

Parade looks pretty good now that artificial lighting is starting to take over.

I understand it's a brand new car, like the new one that Bush got in 2001. I wonder what the Blue Book value is on a 2001 Cadillac that's regularly inspected, never gets driven more than 30 mph -- and always with a a police escort -- and never gets scratched up in supermarket parking lots.;)

http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_n3/cadillac-limousine-presidential.html#hdng0

On January 6, 2009, it was announced that a new, model year 2009, modified Cadillac would be used during the January 20, 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama. According to GM, the new "2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine" is the first not to carry a specific model name......
.....GM said the vehicle, which is completely different to the one now being used by President George W. Bush, had been subjected to "an extreme testing regimen," for which read: a lot of prototypes were blown up.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45376000/jpg/_45376603_cadillac_466.jpg

What I dislike is multiple small images with much of the screen being used for a background graphic. What's the point of having HD?

All four major stations here in DC are now showing their own feeds of the parade, all in lovely SD, foregoing the HD network feeds. When it was HD, I thought NBC's picture looked the best.

Just before 5pm Brian said NBC would hand off coverage to MSNBC.
On WNBC they went to local news.

WCBS and WABC are still on the network coverage.
WNYW (FOX) has been in local coverage since this afternoon.

WNYW and WNBC's coverage is SD. There was some 16:9 SD video on WNYW of the President and Vice President entering the parade stand.

Charles left the ABC coverage at 5pm but is back now.
Katie is still on CBS.

Only HD feeds I can find are CNN and Foxnews, and both of them seem to have about 1/3 of the screen taken up with their graphics garbage. Foxnews isn't that bad, I suppose: just a rotating fox news logo and scrolling banner on the bottom and some GB logo that I have no idea what it is....oh wait, they just cut to shot of Cavuto in one small window, with the parade in a 4:3 window, and I'm guessing over 1/2 the screen is background graphics and stuff.

Whatever. Glad we all heralded the rise of HD so they could use the extra screen real-estate for graphics. Yay.

How long 'til some nut job claims that the oath isn't valid because of the mix-up?

Barack Obama became President of the United States at 12 Noon, oath or no oath.

No more HD coverage here. NBC ended, and the self absorbed douchebags at Cleveland's ABC and CBS decided to run local garbage starting at 5pm. I turned to CNN and MSNBC, still a great show, even in SDTV :(.

But I do get to see tripe like Sharon Reed(aka the Naked Reporter from 2004) talking about the Porta Johns at the Inauguration and now interviewing Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). And ABC WEWS is running a non-election related newscast. Plus local FOX was getting "local reactions" to the Inauguration. Wow, who cares!!!

All the more reason to avoid local TV like the plague!!

Did I mention I hate local news? :mad:

ABC, CBS, FNC and MSNBC are still streaming, all sponsored by Audi.
ABC and FNC are 16:9, CBS and MSNBC are 4:3.

Barack Obama became President of the United States at 12 Noon, oath or no oath.
This is true. I was surprised to hear Katie Couric on CBS say that, because they were running a little behind and Obama got sworn in after 12:00, Joe Biden was actually President up until then. Um, no. :rolleyes:

Barack Obama became President of the United States at 12 Noon, oath or no oath.

Uh, no.

The United States Constitution
Article II: The Executive Branch
Section 1
Clause 8:
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Uh, no.

The United States Constitution

Clause 8:

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

No. The next President takes office at noon regardless.


Requirement to take the oath

While Article 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_Two_of_the_United_States_Constitution#Clause_8:_Oath _or_Affirmation) of the the United States Constitution (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution) states that the president must take the oath before he enter office. This would be superseded by the 20th Amendment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution)[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_office_of_the_President_of_the_United_States#cite_no te-7) which states that The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January and the terms of their successors shall then begin. This would therefore allow the president to assume the duties of the office without requiring the oath to be administered.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_office_of_the_President_of_the_United_States#Require ment_to_take_the_oath


Amendment XX

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified. (http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxxv.html)

Section 4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.

Section 6. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission.



http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxx.html

Uh, no.

The United States Constitution
Article II: The Executive Branch
Section 1
Clause 8:
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The 20th Ammendment changed this:

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

This is true. I was surprised to hear Katie Couric on CBS say that, because they were running a little behind and Obama got sworn in after 12:00, Joe Biden was actually President up until then. Um, no. :rolleyes:
She just recanted the part about Biden, but did repeat that Obama was President at 12noon, oath or not.

Uh, no.

The United States Constitution
Article II: The Executive Branch
Section 1
Clause 8:
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Seems to me it's about time to take the gender out of the text...

No. The next President takes office at noon regardless.

The 20th Ammendment changed this:

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Thanks for the correction, but then why the oath still? You can always depend on good old pomp and circumstance....

She just recanted the part about Biden, but did repeat that Obama was President at 12noon, oath or not.
Biden became VP at noon as well...oath or not.

ABC is still on with Parade coverage till 6:30pm.
CBS ended at 6pm.

Nice to see the new Cadillac in action. You can really see that it's built on the frame of the GMC Topkick (a heavy duty truck). In photos, there's a sort of optical illusion where it looks just like an extended base CTS.

Nice to see the new Cadillac in action. You can really see that it's built on the frame of the GMC Topkick (a heavy duty truck). In photos, there's a sort of optical illusion where it looks just like an extended base CTS.

I think Bush's was based on a DTS but this is definitely more truck than limo. And if you've ever been around the President's Motorcade they rarely travel at 30 mph, more like 60+ even through busy New York and DC streets. It's quite impressive.

It seems like the Obama's are the only ones who bothered to attend the parade. Lots of empty seats but it is cold.

Thanks for the correction, but then why the oath still? You can always depend on good old pomp and circumstance....

Well, the Oath is part of that pomp and circumstance, isn't it? One might argue, the most important part. The people elect the President; they have a right to hear him take that Oath, just as they have for all who have come before him. P&C are important; heck, the Brits still love their monarchy, probably will never give it up, and that's all about P&C. ;)

Well, the Oath is part of that pomp and circumstance, isn't it? One might argue, the most important part. The people elect the President; they have a right to hear him take that Oath, just as they have for all who have come before him. P&C are important; heck, the Brits still love their monarchy, probably will never give it up, and that's all about P&C. ;)

What's REALLY strange for us Brits is hearing the melody of our National Anthem ("God Save the Queen") used as the melody for "America". When Aretha Franklin was performing this afternoon - we had the event on a plasma in our office - and after a couple of bars everyone starting looking at each other in a slightly confused manner, wondering why she was singing OUR National Anthem.

Great broadcast!
CNN-HD via E* this time around. (Usually I watch OTA NBC, for the 2008 Election coverage.)

I'm tired watching it all, let alone standing there in the cold for all those hours... and they said he's got 10 inaugural balls still to visit? Holy cow.

You would think they'd have the presidential viewing pavilion well heated. Seem to remember the same complaint 4 years ago during that parade.

Thanks for the correction, but then why the oath still? You can always depend on good old pomp and circumstance....

The oath is required by the Constitution. The 20th Amendment removes the current president from office at 12:00 noon on January 20th in the year following an election, but Section 1 of Article II says the President cannot execute his office until he has sworn the oath.

In other words, Obama was president from 12:00 until 12:05, but he had no power to, e.g., authorize a military strike until he had taken the oath. Under Section 1 of Article II, in such circumstances the Vice President serves as Acting President and can fulfill the duties of the President.

The Constitution requires no oath for the Vice President, but Congress has mandated one by statute, and Biden swore it at 11:59 am.

The oath is required by the Constitution. The 20th Amendment removes the current president from office at 12:00 noon on January 20th in the year following an election, but Section 1 of Article II says the President cannot execute his office until he has sworn the oath.

In other words, Obama was president from 12:00 until 12:05, but he had no power to, e.g., authorize a military strike until he had taken the oath. Under Section 1 of Article II, in such circumstances the Vice President serves as Acting President and can fulfill the duties of the President.

The Constitution requires no oath for the Vice President, but Congress has mandated one by statute, and Biden swore it at 11:59 am.

If you look at the 20th Amendment above, it states out with the old and in with the new both at noon. I think the oath is no longer necessary.

The 20th Amendment doesn't invalidate the oath provision, which specifically says you can't execute the office prior to swearing the oath.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."Shall = must.

Canons of Constitutional construction require that you reconcile the two provisions so that they don't conflict in the event of an ambiguity; thus while the 20th Amendment removes the existing president from office and inserts the president-elect into the office, the clock striking noon does not instill into him the authority to execute the office until he's sworn the oath.

ABC is back on the air with the Neighborhood Ball Post-Inaugural Celebration concert. PQ is holding up pretty well, slightly soft but not terrible. I'm only getting 2.0 though.

Notice that the First Limo is a GM vehicle. Bailout? You betcha! ;)

The 20th Amendment doesn't invalidate the oath provision, which specifically says you can't execute the office prior to swearing the oath.

Shall = must.

Canons of Constitutional construction require that you reconcile the two provisions so that they don't conflict in the event of an ambiguity; thus while the 20th Amendment removes the existing president from office and inserts the president-elect into the office, the clock striking noon does not instill into him the authority to execute the office until he's sworn the oath.
Doesn't an Amendment supercede the section it's in reference to?

Notice that the First Limo is a GM vehicle. Bailout? You betcha! ;)

It's been a GM vehicle since Bush 41. In fact GM is the primary vehicle provider of the United States government. Reagan had a Lincoln.

What's REALLY strange for us Brits is hearing the melody of our National Anthem ("God Save the Queen") used as the melody for "America". When Aretha Franklin was performing this afternoon - we had the event on a plasma in our office - and after a couple of bars everyone starting looking at each other in a slightly confused manner, wondering why she was singing OUR National Anthem.I just wanted her to hurry up and finish; she's getting older and no longer the singer she once was. In fact, nearly all the singers sound terrible on ABC's Inauguration Concert tonight. Perhaps they're all tired.

I just wanted her to hurry up and finish; she's getting older and no longer the singer she once was. In fact, nearly all the singers sound terrible on ABC's Inauguration Concert tonight. Perhaps they're all tired.

I think these shows are just overproduced and somewhat under-rehearsed and don't let artists really perform in their environment. And there is just no way Jay-z even with glasses and a tux is going to be a home performing in a Presidential Ball, this isn't MSG.

The dancing at The Obamas at the Home Stall Ball was very nice. Touching.

Doesn't an Amendment supercede the section it's in reference to?

It can, but the 20th Amendment doesn't reference any other section of the Constitution. It's purpose was to move up the transfer of power from March to January and thereby erase the lame duck session, not cancel the oath.

The 20th Amendment doesn't invalidate the oath provision, which specifically says you can't execute the office prior to swearing the oath.

Shall = must.

Canons of Constitutional construction require that you reconcile the two provisions so that they don't conflict in the event of an ambiguity; thus while the 20th Amendment removes the existing president from office and inserts the president-elect into the office, the clock striking noon does not instill into him the authority to execute the office until he's sworn the oath.
Vice President Joe Biden (having been sworn in ~11:55a) was the acting President (as of noon) until President-Elect Obama took the oath. I forgot which anchor mentioned this.

When there is a huge event, I've always noted that Standard Def stations would always send out a slightly different picture. The brightness, contrast and colors would vary between networks, even beginning with a pool feed.

Now we go to HDTV. I get HDTV from over the air, so there are no satellite or cable companies mediating the picture. Here in NY CBS has no subchannels, NBC a few and ABC a few.

I was very surprised to see that contrast and level of color varied. Fox had much "punchier" color. CBS and ABC looked pretty much the same with a nod for detail for the 1080 line CBS picture.

NBC had a smoother look, like the "cinema" mode for some plasmas. NBC vs. Fox would be the ends of the "vivid" spectrum.

Most broadcast, unlike movies, is very uneven. Still, the whole idea of HDTV is that it is "right". Why would HDTV from the same feed look different, even marginally, between broadcasters ?

Vice President Joe Biden (having been sworn in ~11:55a) was the acting President (as of noon) until President-Elect Obama took the oath. I forgot which anchor mentioned this.
Katie Couric said it and it proved to be false.

I'm confused that networks carrying today's big event looked a bit different.

I get HD from Over The Air, so it is unmolested by a cable or Sat company.

CBS and ABC looked pretty much the same, most accurate. CBS with the 1080 picture and no sub channels here in NYC was best.

Fox had "vivid" color and more contrast. NBC was like "cinema" mode on some plasmas. I thought that the CBS/ABC pictures were most accurate.

Most broadcast is quick and dirty unlike movies, but why would the same pool feed from one camera look different on the various networks ? I thought the purpose of HDTV was to eliminate this.

Katie Couric said it and it proved to be false.
URL? I'm actually curious.

why would the same pool feed from one camera look different on the various networks ?
Each network does their own processing on their signals.

Most broadcast is quick and dirty unlike movies, but why would the same pool feed from one camera look different on the various networks ? I thought the purpose of HDTV was to eliminate this.

The distribution systems used by the networks - both from Washington to their playout centres (and possibly control rooms on the way) and then from their playout centres to the local stations (apart from Fox) and then from the local station to you (apart from Fox - who don't let local stations get in the way of their HD network feed) can all use different encoding and distribution gear, and equally some networks may decide to do a bit of processing of other networks signals to "match" their own.

If Fox like their signals nice and colourful - but the other pool feeds they receive are less saturated, then they may chose to bump up the saturation on their incoming feeds from the others etc.

As a Brit watching the coverage (SD watched Live at work, HD watched DVRed when I got home from work) was the contrast between the way US broadcasters cover large state occasions and the way the BBC do.

It struck me that the US coverage was faster cut (though often not always sympathetically with the rhythm of the speech or the contents of it) - but that some of the camera positions and mountings were less than ideal (quite a few pretty wobbly shots), and that there was less variety of shots on some elements. There only seemed to be one main "speaker" shot at the podium, so most of the coverage of speeches was speaker/cutaway/speaker/cutaway, rather than different shots available of the speaker.

It may also have been the nature of the way the locations were pooled I guess - and there were a LOT of people in Washington D.C. to contend with.

However as someone brought up on a diet of BBC state occasion coverage - Royal Weddings, Royal Funerals, State Opening of Parliament, Military Parades etc. - this felt a bit less "confident".

This could be because the network teams get less opportunity to produce this kind of event coverage - or it could be that the relationships are different between event organisers and broadcasters because they are less "core"? (Is the Presidential Inauguration organised by a civil service team who do it every four years, or by a new team every 4 years?)

I think it has to do with the pooling and how many domestic outlets were carrying the HD feed. It was also around -5C with some wind. Perhaps being one of the highest viewed events of all time it could have been better, but I suspect there was a fair amount of pandemonium.

As for the different look between networks, there are obviously many variables from the networks to the stations and the providers. The feed looked quite good on NBC, and as it's been reported here that they supplied the pool I didn't see any reason for the others to tweak it. Just because "yes we can" doesn't mean "yes we should". There is also the issue of unintentional distribution degradation. At least it doesn't vary as much as it did in the analog composite NTSC days.

However as someone brought up on a diet of BBC state occasion coverage - Royal Weddings, Royal Funerals, State Opening of Parliament, Military Parades etc. - this felt a bit less "confident".

Agreed 100%. The BBC does this better on a consistent basis -- the pacing, the choice of shots, the scene transitions. It's as if everything is choreographed, or by the script. Or if you like a chess analogy, they plan every shot two or three steps ahead.

Case in point, NBC shot the pool feed at the Capitol, but it didn't mean that's what NBC viewers saw. NBC cut away from the pool during the ceremony all too often. It totally destroyed the rhythm of shots in the original feed. The cuts were, shall I say, very unprofessional looking too. Some shot stayed on a less than a second, before being cut away, to an unplanned shot pulled in by another director, .... and so on.

Loved the coverage. Started to watch the CNN HD coverage but with their annoying banner at the bottom of the screen I switched to ABC HD and it was more visually appealing. Damn banners.

Loved the coverage. Started to watch the CNN HD coverage but with their annoying banner at the bottom of the screen I switched to ABC HD and it was more visually appealing. Damn banners.

I was really hoping that useless banner, which was used during the conventions, would go away, hogging 1/4 or so of the screen. Add in the CNN box with the annoying animations (ex: NO BIAS NO BULL, CAMPBELL BROWN, presidential logo), and CNN is just about unwatchable.

Obama's Inauguration Watched By 29.2% Of Households In Top 56 Markets

Nielsen says most-watched inauguration since Ronald Reagen in 1981

By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/21/2009 11:15:23 AM MT

The combined overall household rating for the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Nielsen’s top 56 metered markets was 29.2%.

That puts Obama way ahead of the second inauguration of George W. Bush four years ago. That inaugural was among the least watched at 11.8% in the top markets with a mere 15.5 million tuning in.

The 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan is still the most-watched inaugural with 37.4% penetration in the top markets and 41.8 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

The audience estimate for yesterday’s inaugural includes live coverage on 14 broadcast and cable networks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on CNBC and ESPN from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Of course Nielsen’s audience measurement is based on home viewing only and does not account for the potentially substantial number of viewers that watched the inauguration at offices, schools and public spaces.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/162488-Obama_s_Inauguration_Watched_By_29_2_Of_Households_In_Top_56 _Markets.php

Obama's Inauguration Watched By 29.2% Of Households In Top 56 Markets

Nielsen says most-watched inauguration since Ronald Reagen in 1981

By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/21/2009 11:15:23 AM MT

The combined overall household rating for the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Nielsen’s top 56 metered markets was 29.2%.

That puts Obama way ahead of the second inauguration of George W. Bush four years ago. That inaugural was among the least watched at 11.8% in the top markets with a mere 15.5 million tuning in.

The 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan is still the most-watched inaugural with 37.4% penetration in the top markets and 41.8 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

The audience estimate for yesterday’s inaugural includes live coverage on 14 broadcast and cable networks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on CNBC and ESPN from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Of course Nielsen’s audience measurement is based on home viewing only and does not account for the potentially substantial number of viewers that watched the inauguration at offices, schools and public spaces.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/162488-Obama_s_Inauguration_Watched_By_29_2_Of_Households_In_Top_56 _Markets.php

I wonder if Nielsen somehow accounted for those watching at work. I know at my office, just about everyone was huddled around a TV watching as an extended break. Other used the time to sulk away and get some non-work stuff done.

Either way, I doubt little work got done during it outside of work that couldn't be stopped.

No doubt that penetration of television and video services outside of the home, at work, and on the Internet makes it harder than ever to aggregate all viewing into one easy statistic. Many universities, for instance, had public screenings. And the networks themselves showed countless public screenings in public places, churches, etc., across the country and the world. To say nothing of viewing that occurs, as you say, huddled around the TV at work.

Does Nielson attempt in any way to account for such viewing outside the household? To my amateur knowledge, they don't, but I could certainly be wrong. So while Nielson's numbers are helpful, my inclination is that they are also far from complete, and growing less complete with every passing day.

I mean, if 29.2% of all television viewers were at home watching the inauguration, imagine how many people viewed it in total. Anecdotal evidence suggests this was one of (if not the) the most watched non-sporting events in global broadcast history.

:rolleyes: Apparently the discussion regarding the “oath flub” is not going away.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/20/AR2009012004482.html?wprss=rss_metro

:rolleyes: Apparently the discussion regarding the “oath flub” is not going away.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/20/AR2009012004482.html?wprss=rss_metro

I'll wager they've already re-done the Oath behind closed doors. They probably wouldn't mention it out of deference to the Chief Justice, who undoubtedly wishes the story would just go away. And it quickly will unless it becomes a rallying point for those who would claim it de-legitimizes Obama's presidency or some such nonsense. They're still blathering on about his birth certificate.

Off topic, political and nearly-political-but-close-enough-to-spur-political-response comments removed.

I'm not sure of the reasons, but I've usually found that in cases like these I tend to prefer the end result on CBS. They also seem to do less intrusive graphics.

For me (through Comcast), ABC had the softest picture but the best commentary. CBS and CNN had the greatest detail, with CBS being slightly better.

Lots of reasons, but its hard to pinpoint exactly the causes of the variations since much of what you saw was pooled. Also each network's engineers have subjective tastes as to what a 'good' image is and this subjectivity occurs at the production truck, at the integration stage and often at the transmission phase, not to mention anything a local affiliate might be doing to a signal.

The NBC cameras, who provided the pool, seemed to have bumped the saturation a bit and pulled the blacks. NBC's studio programming (Sunday Night Football notwithstanding) generally has smoother tonality with deep but warm blacks, but a little bit of roll-off in the highs which would contribute to that 'cinema look' you describe. The image is less digital and edgy...also a tad less detailed. But these shows are very complex entanglements between the broadcasters, and given the amount of long distance transmission and RF it's amazing some of it got off the ground at all. It had to be quite a feat to cover the motorcade and parades from all over town in HD RF oftentimes with poor or restricted line-of-sight.

For info - the inauguration was shown live during the afternoon on BBC One in the UK (main BBC terrestrial analogue and digital channel) and simulcast on BBC HD. It was also shown by Sky News in HD on Sky Artsworld HD (there isn't a Sky News HD yet) and also Sky News SD.

BBC One got an audience of around 7 million people for the main coverage - thats a VERY big audience for UK daytime (in fact it's a pretty big audience for UK prime time - similar level to something like Strictly Come Dancing - the original UK version of Dancing with the Stars!)

You guys discussing the oath and whether it's deemed necessary by the constitution:

There is no right or wrong answer. In fact, there is no answer unless it goes to court.

Constitutional scholars debate this issue all the time and the reason there is a debate is because unless a court resolves the issue it is open to interpretation.

Hopefully it never goes to court and stays in the realm of "what if". I see no reason why it ever would, although the flubbing issue scared me a tad. :D

All that said, society deems it necessary to have an oath. It's part of our culture so the oath will always be a requirement. If not constitutionally required, it will be traditionally required.

Obama's Inauguration Watched By 29.2% Of Households In Top 56 Markets

On the domestic broadcast networks, NBC was narrowly the most watched.

11am-2pmET

• Total Viewers:

NBC - 10,406,000
ABC - 10,129,000
CBS - 7,049,000

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/ratings/nbc_draws_most_tv_viewers_for_inauguration_106499.asp#more

I wonder if Nielsen somehow accounted for those watching at work. I know at my office, just about everyone was huddled around a TV watching as an extended break. Other used the time to sulk away and get some non-work stuff done.

Either way, I doubt little work got done during it outside of work that couldn't be stopped.

Also I wonder is they take into account back in 1981 your pickings were slim on what you were going to watch whereas today with hundreds of channels it's amazing it got that much viewing.

In 1981 something might be on the TV but it doesn't mean it was being watched. I can't tell you the countless hockey games that were on when I was a kid but I guarantee that not ONE person was watching. Pops falls asleep in the chair and nothing I want to watch is on at the time. Mom in the other room doing mom stuff and sister in the room doing whatever it was she did.

Looks like Obama and Roberts believe the oath must be taken(correctly):

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D95RS3EO0&show_article=1


"WASHINGTON (AP) - Obama retakes oath of office, blundered first time, at White House."

Apparently is was done in the map room. First oath flubbed or not, the second fixes things so the issue is not going to court thank god.

Although, it wouldn't shock me to see someone take him to court for any decisions he might have made before re-taking the oath. Apparently is was just re-administered tonight.

confirmed:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28780417/

confirmed:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28780417/

Still just a formality.

Looks like Obama and Roberts believe the oath must be taken(correctly):

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D95RS3EO0&show_article=1


"WASHINGTON (AP) - Obama retakes oath of office, blundered first time, at White House."

Apparently is was done in the map room. First oath flubbed or not, the second fixes things so the issue is not going to court thank god.

Although, it wouldn't shock me to see someone take him to court for any decisions he might have made before re-taking the oath. Apparently is was just re-administered tonight.


It really doesn't matter...the Constitution states he becomes President at 12 noon on January 20.

Still just a formality.

Again: "Craig, the White House lawyer, said in a statement Wednesday evening: "We believe the oath of office was administered effectively and that the president was sworn in appropriately yesterday. Yet the oath appears in the Constitution itself. And out of the abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath a second time."

Doesn't sound like just a formality to me.

If anyone wants to see more pictures of that sweet ride, check out this link.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/president-obama-takes-inaugural-ride-in-presidential-limousine/

It really doesn't matter...the Constitution states he becomes President at 12 noon on January 20.Don't forget the rest of the contitution:D:

Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8 of the Constitution states:

"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."


This whole issue shouldn't even be an issue. IMO, the president elect should be taking the oath as the clock strikes noon.

That's what bothered me so much yesterday. Had they not gone to that stupid musical group, he'd have been taking the oath right on time. I checked when they started playing and it was 25 seconds to noon. I was dumbfounded given that they'd have timed the oath PERFECT without the musical piece.

This is just my opinion but I believe the constitution, when taken in it's totality regarding this issue, is saying that the president elect must take the oath while the clock is striking noon so as to satisfy BOTH requirements: 1. He becomes president at noon, and 2. he take the oath. The only way I see to satisfy the constitution is to take the oath at noon exactly.

Constitutional issue solved. :)

No cameras in the oval office for the second oath, but apparently there was a mic. So here's the audio.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6703656

I assume you mean no video camera? There is at least one photo.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/01/21/obama.oath/art.obama.roberts.wh.jpg