That says something.
Yeah, and that something isn't good.

fredfa posted the following in the HOTP thread about cable ratings. I provide it as information only and nothing else.

In post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16163975&postcount=32545 the following was posted:

Total Day Cable Average Viewers (Live+SD)
Week ending: March 29, 2009
(in thousands)

5.FOXN 1,208
22.CNN 631
32.MSNB 447
40.CNBC 283

Source: Nielsen Media Research data

In post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16164019&postcount=32546

Prime Time Cable Ratings
Week ending March 29, 2009
Average Viewers (Live+SD)
(in thousands)

2.FOXN 2,336
24.CNN 947
25.MSNB 928

Source: Nielsen Media Research data

Fox News will be providing all day coverage of the Tax Day Tea Parties on April 15th with 4 shows brodcasting live from location.

Neil Cavuto from Sacramento, CA ( 4:00 )

Glen Beck from San Antonio, TX ( 5:00 )

Sean Hannity from Atlanta, GA ( 9:00 )

Greta Van Susteren from Washington, DC ( 10:00 )

Since all shows except Cavuto's are in HD, I would expect the coverage to also be in Hidef.
As of now I don't know of any other networks that will be covering this so Fox might be the only option to tune into for those that are interested.

More off-topic comments removed.

All political opinions aside, the show downright sucks, as does Glen Beck, a buffoon, and Neil Cavuto, just plain stupid. Now throw in the Grand Master of them all, Bill O'reilly, and you have a complete list of a-holes.

Sheppard Smith has it goin on, that's about it, in my opinion.



Sounds like Fox News isn't the channel for you. BTW, Sheppard Smith is the only person on your list that is just a news anchor, and isn't an editorial commentator.

As far as Red Eye is concerned, I hated the show at first. But I have gradually grown to like it. It's like a more conservative version of Bill Maher's show on HBO (mixing politics and humor). And you gotta love frequent, HOT guest... PAB!

Sheppard Smith is the only person on your list that is just a news anchor, and isn't an editorial commentator. Welllll, he does editorialize. A lot. But yeah, he's a news anchor where the others are commentators. IMHO he's the most fun when he's doing play-by-play of a car chase.

Why does front heavy Fox News HD send an EX flag down with their broadcast? It's not like they are using the rear channels a ton. Yes, I really see a news channel needing 6.1 or 7.1. :rolleyes:

I watched Last night and saw Meghan Kelly (think that is her name) as oppossed to Greta what a great surprise that was wish she were on every night

Sounds like Fox News isn't the channel for you. BTW, Sheppard Smith is the only person on your list that is just a news anchor, and isn't an editorial commentator.

As far as Red Eye is concerned, I hated the show at first. But I have gradually grown to like it. It's like a more conservative version of Bill Maher's show on HBO (mixing politics and humor). And you gotta love frequent, HOT guest... PAB!

You're absolutely right, Rutgar, Fox News isn't for me, but neither is CNN. That's what I was working to when it all went to hell in a hand basket here.

Dare I say it, I find CNN too far to the left and Fox too far to the right.

In my opinion, Wolf Blitzer is great, if you need a nap, Lou Dobbs is a stuffy, angry old man, nothing more, and Campbell Brown is a complete and total disaster. Oh, Rick Sanchez, lol, Can you tell he's from Cuba, wow. Kiran Chetry, well now were talkin, lol, I can't keep my eyes off her.

At the end of the day, I'm unable to find American news that's truly "fair and balanced".

Chetry used to be Fox News Babe.

Sounds like you just don't care for political commentary in any form. And political commentary is the life's blood of Cable News. I on the other hand, am a major political news junkie! Hence I enjoy watching all of those people you listed.

Kiran Chetry, well now were talkin, lol, I can't keep my eyes off her.

You DO like FOX then since it was FOX who molded Kiran to what she is today! :D

Seriously though, in your opinion, is the CBC or BBC more "fair and balanced" than American news? Just curious to know.

You DO like FOX then since it was FOX who molded Kiran to what she is today! :D

Seriously though, in your opinion, is the CBC or BBC more "fair and balanced" than American news? Just curious to know.

As far as the CBC, yes they are much more objective, when it comes to news about the States, and international news. Harder to say about Canadian news.

It has nothing to do with HD, but the most fair-and-balanced news there is comes from major network radio. Granted, it's usually only five minutes an hour, and that's probably why.

It has nothing to do with HD, but the most fair-and-balanced news there is comes from major network radio. Granted, it's usually only five minutes an hour, and that's probably why.

When it comes to the HD Cable News Channels (had to keep it about HD somehow;)) I think the distinction between News Reports and Op Ed Pieces must be noted. The HD Cable News Channels are ripe with Op Ed personalities, who host opinion shows, and not news shows. Although, just as you noted earlier, the news shows can have editorializing. On the other side of the coin, the opinion shows can also contain news. However, there is still a distinct difference between the two.

It has nothing to do with HD, but the most fair-and-balanced news there is comes from major network radio. Granted, it's usually only five minutes an hour, and that's probably why.

Which major radio networks would those be?

ABC and CBS radio news are just as biased IMHO as their network TV counterparts - not surprising as most of their reporting staff is the same.

Which major radio networks would those be?

ABC and CBS radio news are just as biased IMHO as their network TV counterparts - not surprising as most of their reporting staff is the same.…and… since these network radio stations are doing a very short newscast they are in the dubious position to pick and choose the headlines. They decide what we need to know in a few minute report.

I listen to a lot of radio and I’m aware of the day’s events from a multitude of web sites, newspapers, etc. I am always curious to see what stories the radio networks choose to highlight, at the top of the hour. It isn’t a drastic bias but there is an agenda —in my opinion—on the radio too.

Hey, note I didn't say they were UN-biased, just less so than a lot of other media outlets.

But now, I'VE taken a thread off-topic. Excuse me while I go chastise myself and remind me exactly what the topic is and warn me to get back on track. Aw, heck with it. I'm just gonna suspend myself and get it overwith <G>.

lol

Now there is a man with morals! DrDon for President in 2012! :D

You DO like FOX then since it was FOX who molded Kiran to what she is today! :D

Seriously though, in your opinion, is the CBC or BBC more "fair and balanced" than American news? Just curious to know.

I know, foxeng, I've seen video clips of her on Youtube. She was famous for her leg crosses, lol.

As for CBC or the BBC, I honestly don't know, I've never watched either of them, the only local news I watch is CityTV, late at night and OTA. The only show I've ever watched on CBC is Hockey Night In Canada, ever. I can't even get the BBC.

During the day, I flip between Fox News and CNN. I then try to form my own opinion based on both of them.

Now there is a man with morals! DrDon for President in 2012! :DLOL. You don't want to see this face on FNC-HD, CNN-HD or even in the little avatar square under my name <G>.

LOL. You don't want to see this face on FNC-HD, CNN-HD or even in the little avatar square under my name <G>.
Good thing we can relegate you to radio. :D

Tea Party coverage is now up and running on FOX. It will continue from now till 11:00pm.
As expected Cavuto is not in HD but the other shows should be.

Tea Party coverage is now up and running on FOX. It will continue from now till 11:00pm.
As expected Cavuto is not in HD but the other shows should be.

Great coverage on these events from Fox. What little I see on the other 'News Channels' about the Tea Parties, are spending much of their coverage trying to misrepresent what they are all about.

Great coverage on these events from Fox. What little I see on the other 'News Channels' about the Tea Parties, are spending much of their coverage trying to misrepresent what they are all about.

I agree. From the camera angles you could not see where the crowds ended for both Cavuto's and Beck's shows but they did seem to be very large. Using The Alamo as a backdrop was striking to say the least.

Disappointed though that the coverage has been upconverted so far but maybe the later ones will be in HD.

Our cable system (Mediacom) just added Fox News HD today, and I must say I am impressed. It puts CNN to shame. They make MUCH better use of the widescreen (pushing the rotating logo to the left edge for example) and more of their field reports are HD compared to CNN.

The Live Desk is now in HD.

Indeed, The Live Desk with Martha MacCallum and Trace Gallagher is in HD. The weekend program, America's News HQ (at least in the NY studios) went HD in late April.

Took Fox News long enough to switch to HD, but when they did they really did it with a vengeance. Let's hope this pressures the other cable news co's to step up.

Is Your World with Cavuto in HD? It looks like he moved to a new studio and the picture is HD, but he has sidebars up.

Is Your World with Cavuto in HD? It looks like he moved to a new studio and the picture is HD, but he has sidebars up.

Cavuto complains that he is getting squeezed out by all of the on-screen graphics, especially on FBC. I agree. I think the graphic I hate the worse on Fox News is the bottom news feed crawl. It's the one thing that seems to burn in the most on my plasma.

Is Your World with Cavuto in HD? It looks like he moved to a new studio and the picture is HD, but he has sidebars up.

I noticed that as well. Maybe they'll make the transition soon?

Special Report w/ Bret Baier went HD today.

Red Eye also went HD, but like Cavuto's show it has sidebars up.

Red eye was in HD for a while now

Anybody notice that the "copy-once" flag is getting triggered lately (past few weeks?) when they try to record/time-shift evening programming on FNC onto a dvd recorder? Mine has never done this up until a few weeks ago, and only on this channel.

interesthing

Is it my TWC guide, or is this channel now incorrectly flagging everything as HD? I've noticed every show across the schedule is listed as HD, but when I looked at many of them, they have sidebars the entire time.

...and as strangely as the copy-once showed up, today it is gone? :confused: I swear, it was on solid for the past 3 wks or so. To me, it had the markings of it being set and purposely so for good, rather than a sporadic glitch. Alas, I guess somebody inadvertently "flipped the switch" and didn't correct it until now?

Is it my TWC guide, or is this channel now incorrectly flagging everything as HD? I've noticed every show across the schedule is listed as HD, but when I looked at many of them, they have sidebars the entire time.

Same thing with Comcast.

Same thing with Comcast.

Then I guess it is the network. Must be FNC's "Fair & Balanced" way of saying they have more HD than CNN. ;);):rolleyes:

They do have more HD than CNN. A lot more. The entire evening lineup (from 5pm until 11pm) is in HD, and many field shots, remotes, and taped segments are in widescreen when they're not HD.

It's sad to say that despite almost a two year head start, CNN is woefully behind Fox News in terms of HD content. Hopefully that will change soon; otherwise, MSNBC is probably going to leave CNN in the dust as well.

They do have more HD than CNN. A lot more. The entire evening lineup (from 5pm until 11pm) is in HD, and many field shots, remotes, and taped segments are in widescreen when they're not HD.

It's sad to say that despite almost a two year head start, CNN is woefully behind Fox News in terms of HD content. Hopefully that will change soon; otherwise, MSNBC is probably going to leave CNN in the dust as well.

MSNBC probably will. NBC News already has almost all of their news programming in HD(except for Dateline and Meet The Press). NBC News has many HD live shots on Today and Nightly News. And since their studios are modern, I'd imagine that all the evening/primetime shows will be HD as well as the daytime in studio news. Also, most of the documentary programming on weekends is currently shown in that awful windowbox format. That will be either HD or 16:9 SDTV.

And with the exception of Shepard Smith, I wouldn't watch the evening lineup on FNC even if I was paid to do so! ;)

Red Eye has clean video but I don't think it's HD, it looks like the video is HD down converted to 4:3.
There would be no reason for the side bars if it was broadcast in HD since FOX retired the HD Wing.

Anyone know if and when studios C and D will go HD?

FNC's Studio C is SD 4:3 and used for Geraldo at Large, Fox News Watch, Cashin' In, Bulls & Bears, and the Sunday 10am America's News HQ.

FNC's Studio D is SD 16:9 was being used by Your World, broadcast SD 4:3 and is used by Huckabee broadcast SD 16:9.

Did the The O'Reilly Factor move back into studio A? Seems no other show is using that studio if he did move back.

What's the "HD Wing"? Is that something like CNBC HD?

And with the exception of Shepard Smith, I wouldn't watch the evening lineup on FNC even if I was paid to do so! ;)

But many, many more do so for free! ;)

^^^^Sadly, that's true. The ones at 5, 8 and 9 irritate me the most. ;)

^^^^Sadly, that's true. The ones at 5, 8 and 9 irritate me the most. ;)

Thats funny, those are my favorites except you can throw in Cavuto at 4!

What's the "HD Wing"? Is that something like CNBC HD?

From the HDTV Programming Synopsis:

Fox Business Network HD - broadcasting 720p
New channel dedicated to world wide business from FOX, debuting in HD. Headquartered in News Corp’s street level studios in midtown Manhattan, FBN has also established bureaus in such key markets as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco (Silicon Valley), Washington, D.C. and London. HD programs include The Dave Ramsey Show from Nashville, TN, and Bulls & Bears from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC. The centerpiece of the graphic look is the FOX HD Wing, a piece of HD screen real estate that combines the two HD side wings into a single unit on the right side of the screen while HD video is displayed in 4:3 to the left.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/

From the HDTV Programming Synopsis:

Fox Business Network HD - broadcasting 720p
New channel dedicated to world wide business from FOX, debuting in HD. Headquartered in News Corp’s street level studios in midtown Manhattan, FBN has also established bureaus in such key markets as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco (Silicon Valley), Washington, D.C. and London. HD programs include The Dave Ramsey Show from Nashville, TN, and Bulls & Bears from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC. The centerpiece of the graphic look is the FOX HD Wing, a piece of HD screen real estate that combines the two HD side wings into a single unit on the right side of the screen while HD video is displayed in 4:3 to the left.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/

yeah, I saw Rupert Murdoch on Cavuto the other day... Mudoch was saying how much he really liked that format on FBN. He indicated that it gave him quick and easy market news. Of course, that's when Cavuto mentioned that he felt like he was being 'squeezed out' by all of the graphics.

Getting a chance to check Red Eye and they are now doing the show from Studio E.
The set is where where FOX used to do Happening Now which has moved in to the old FOX Report area of Studio E.
Odd they are using the HD Studio E but still recording the show in 4:3.

Does anybody need to see Bill Schulz in HD?

Does anybody need to see Bill Schulz in HD?

Bill Schulz no, Fox News babes in party dresses and leg chairs yes.:D

Bill Schulz no, Fox News babes in party dresses and leg chairs yes.:D

Exactly!

Bill Schulz no, Fox News babes in party dresses and leg chairs yes.:DSo I guess in a perfect world, keep FOX in HD and shroud Bill in mosquito netting, softening his image a bit.:p:D;)

Just tuned in and Gregg and Julie's show is in SD. Usually its in HD.

So I guess in a perfect world, keep FOX in HD and shroud Bill in mosquito netting, softening his image a bit.:p:D;)

This has possibilities. Maybe he could also hold a fan or personal mister blowing on the hot babe of the evening. Something useful.

Now we just need somebody to pitch it to RedEye.

With all of the MJ coverage originating from the West Coast, it was interesting to see FNC (The Fox Report) take the KABC-HD live feed instead of the normal SD feed. I didn't think that would be possible?

And again, I think Shepard Smith may be the best Breaking News Anchor out there...

I'm sure there are agreements in place in many major cities around the country to do stuff like that. Especially in cities where they have a borough.

And again, I think Shepard Smith may be the best Breaking News Anchor out there...

Today has been the most I've watched FNC in one day since (insert last big event anchored by Shepard Smith). Shep is the man and it was nice to see the channel's only professional in prime time in place of the human waste that usually occupies FNC's primetime.

With all of the MJ coverage originating from the West Coast, it was interesting to see FNC (The Fox Report) take the KABC-HD live feed instead of the normal SD feed. I didn't think that would be possible?

There is no more SD feed. The only place you'll find a true "SD feed" is from a local cable or satellite provider. TV stations are now digital only, so if they broadcast their news in HD, they're probably going to send a HD feed since all the major news outlets are equipped to broadcast HD.

Shep is the man and it was nice to see the channel's only professional in prime time in place of the human waste that usually occupies FNC's primetime.





Human waste? As opposed to whom? Kieth Oberman? That jerkwad is nothing but a hateful, lying, idealog. Frankly, I don't think you even like Shepard Smith. I think you just use Shep as cover to come in this thread and bash all of the other Fox anchors. Of course, this so called 'human waste' as you put it, is kicking all their competitors butts in the ratings.

With all of the MJ coverage originating from the West Coast, it was interesting to see FNC (The Fox Report) take the KABC-HD live feed instead of the normal SD feed. I didn't think that would be possible?

And again, I think Shepard Smith may be the best Breaking News Anchor out there...

FNC along with all the other major news organizations and stations belong to a consortium call NNS (Network News Service) that shares video and live breaking news feeds from its members. I don't think CBS is a member though, but I know CNN, FOX and ABC along with a slew of local stations are.

Today has been the most I've watched FNC in one day since (insert last big event anchored by Shepard Smith). Shep is the man and it was nice to see the channel's only professional in prime time in place of the human waste that usually occupies FNC's primetime.



There is no more SD feed. The only place you'll find a true "SD feed" is from a local cable or satellite provider. TV stations are now digital only, so if they broadcast their news in HD, they're probably going to send a HD feed since all the major news outlets are equipped to broadcast HD.

Human waste are all the hatefull lying jerks on MSNBC and most on CNN. Not Fox news.

Human waste are all the hatefull lying jerks on MSNBC and most on CNN. Not Fox news.

ahem, ahh, not true at all.:rolleyes:

They're all subjective reporters--whether they're on BBC, ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.

Back on topic--I actually like graphics on my screen. I know that's heresy to the people at AVS. However, one of the things I like is taking advantage of the larger screens w/ HDTV and doing something with it. Now, maybe there should be an option to turn them off. But I don't need to see Cavuto or Lou Dobbs whole head taking up a 57" or even a 32" display.

What I still don't get is why Fox News and Fox Business News send down an EX flag. I mean, "Who needs news in 7.1 surround?"

My gripe about the excessive graphics are 3 fold. First, my TV is not a computer, and I don't expect it to be treated like one by the broadcasting network. Second, the graphics are horrible when it comes to screen burn-in issues. And Third (the most important), every time they show a hot Fox News Babe with a low-cut top, as soon as she comes onto the screen, they put up a bottom graphic which blocks the view! :mad: :D

I'll give you #3!

They're all subjective reporters--whether they're on BBC, ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.

Back on topic--I actually like graphics on my screen. I know that's heresy to the people at AVS. However, one of the things I like is taking advantage of the larger screens w/ HDTV and doing something with it. Now, maybe there should be an option to turn them off. But I don't need to see Cavuto or Lou Dobbs whole head taking up a 57" or even a 32" display.

What I still don't get is why Fox News and Fox Business News send down an EX flag. I mean, "Who needs news in 7.1 surround?"

My gripe about the excessive graphics are 3 fold. First, my TV is not a computer, and I don't expect it to be treated like one by the broadcasting network. Second, the graphics are horrible when it comes to screen burn-in issues. And Third (the most important), every time they show a hot Fox News Babe with a low-cut top, as soon as she comes onto the screen, they put up a bottom graphic which blocks the view! :mad: :D

They're all subjective reporters--whether they're on BBC, ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.

Back on topic--I actually like graphics on my screen. I know that's heresy to the people at AVS. However, one of the things I like is taking advantage of the larger screens w/ HDTV and doing something with it. Now, maybe there should be an option to turn them off. But I don't need to see Cavuto or Lou Dobbs whole head taking up a 57" or even a 32" display.

What I still don't get is why Fox News and Fox Business News send down an EX flag. I mean, "Who needs news in 7.1 surround?"



I'll give you #3!


They do not send EX flag. It must be your provider doing this.

Of course, that's when Cavuto mentioned that he felt like he was being 'squeezed out' by all of the graphics.

Speaking of Cavuto, why was he not on last night at 9PM on FBN?

Speaking of Cavuto, why was he not on last night at 9PM on FBN?

I can't say for sure, but I assumed it was because of Michael Jackson.

My gripe about the excessive graphics are 3 fold. First, my TV is not a computer, and I don't expect it to be treated like one by the broadcasting network. Second, the graphics are horrible when it comes to screen burn-in issues. And Third (the most important), every time they show a hot Fox News Babe with a low-cut top, as soon as she comes onto the screen, they put up a bottom graphic which blocks the view! :mad: :D

Just another reason to get a PVR, lol.

Then, if your display can magnify the image, you're really in business. :p

Huckabee debuted in HD last night.

Huckabee has been HD since it started in the fall.

Huckabee debuted in HD last night.

It did look great. I was tired of that upconverted SD picture we were getting from TWC in NYC. Now maybe they can make that damned spinning "Fox News" bug in the lower left corner smaller or transparent

Huckabee has been HD since it started in the fall.It's been widescreen but definitely not HD.

It's been widescreen but definitely not HD.

It is the same studio that the former The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet used and Glenn Beck uses for town meetings. It has been HD for a while.

It appears that all of "America's News Headquarters" on weekends is now in HD.

I've only had FNC HD since 6/1, so I have no clue when exactly this started, but every once and awhile there will be macroblocking on FNC HD. It'll usually only last a few seconds and then all will be well. A cable news blogger just did a writeup on this and apparently various people on various providers have noticed this. I have Comcast BTW. Here's the link to the cable blogger's writeup:

http://insidecablenews.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/macroblocking-and-fnc-hd/#respond

Which I could stream regular shows on FNC from alternative sources. (I'm on a service hiatus from DirecTv)

Has something happened to Red Eye? All this week, instead of Red Eye, the repeat of Bill Oreilly is on my DVR.

Geraldo At Large debuted in HD this past weekend.

Maybe Red Eye is taking a week off to convert to 16:9.:D

Has something happened to Red Eye? All this week, instead of Red Eye, the repeat of Bill Oreilly is on my DVR.

The crew is just taking the week off. They'll be back next week.

Does Fox have any plans for either of the following?

An OTA 24-hour news channel
OTA availability of some of their FOX NEWS CHANNEL programs, i.e.: FOX Report, Baier, Beck, Cavuto, Hannity, O'Riley, Van Susteren
Thanks

Does Fox have any plans for either of the following?

An OTA 24-hour news channel
OTA availability of some of their FOX NEWS CHANNEL programs, i.e.: FOX Report, Baier, Beck, Cavuto, Hannity, O'Riley, Van Susteren
ThanksI know of no plans, but I would doubt it.

1. They wouldn't launch something that would be in direct competition with themselves.

2. Cable and DSS, which pay them for the rights to that programming would demand a reduction of rates if the same fare were available for free OTA or if broadcasters weren't charged an equivalent fee.

That's not to say it's impossible, as we've seen with Fox News Sunday. But you've noticed that Mike and Juliet had to come off of FNC to go syndicated and live news coverage has different anchors for FOX and FNC.

Personally, I think a 30-minute Fox Report would give the Big 3 nightly news programs a run for their money.

Personally, I think a 30-minute Fox Report would give the Big 3 nightly news programs a run for their money.
Agreed.

Perhaps if enough OTA viewers emailed or called and expressed interest in The FOX Report, they might offer it.

newsmanager@foxnews.com <newsmanager@foxnews.com>
Foxreport@foxnews.com <Foxreport@foxnews.com>
1-888-369-4762

The only news program from FNC that I know of that is also OTA is Fox News Sunday.

But I agree, a FNC news report opposite of the Networks nightly news shows, would definately give the Networks a run for their money.

The only news program from FNC that I know of that is also OTA is Fox News Sunday.

Yep, and the broadcast network gets it first, so it's technically aired on FNC as a "repeat."

But I agree, a FNC news report opposite of the Networks nightly news shows, would definately give the Networks a run for their money. Just think if CBS had hired Shep and crew over Couric a) they'd have saved a fortune and b) they'd be in second place 25 - 54. But do they ever listen to me? Nooooooooo. Then again, I kind of doubt Shep would have wanted to go into that lion's den of antiquity. They'd have to fire everyone just to stop the arguing over how it should be done.

Not that they shouldn't do that, anyway.

I like Shep, the only one with functioning brain cells at FOX. However, going against the “BIG 3” would provide a different viewpoint and create a great opportunity to advance the ‘birthers’, the conspiracies of Glenn Beck, and advance the Aryan Nation. Things many on the right believe we need.

I think Fox affiliates prefer to air syndicated fair rather than news in the evening since they run news from 10pm until 11:30 in many markets.

There is a thing as too much news. Fox News on Fox network would probable dilute ratings on FNC.

I like Shep, the only one with functioning brain cells at FOX. However, going against the “BIG 3” would provide a different viewpoint and create a great opportunity to advance the ‘birthers’, the conspiracies of Glenn Beck, and advance the Aryan Nation. Things many on the right believe we need.

Wow! Tell me you're smart enough to not really believe all of this dribble you just spouted. :rolleyes:

Personally, I think a 30-minute Fox Report would give the Big 3 nightly news programs a run for their money.I think it would be a great idea, especially if they kept it to straight news coverage, without opinion pieces.
It would rejuvenate the nightly news.

...going against the “BIG 3” would provide a different viewpoint and create a great opportunity to advance the ‘birthers’, the conspiracies of Glenn Beck, and advance the Aryan Nation. Things many on the right believe we need.:rolleyes: That point is misguided, to say the least. :rolleyes:

The only people interested in advancing that agenda, or keeping it in the daily talking points are those that need a diversion from discussing the actual news of concern.

I think Fox affiliates prefer to air syndicated fair rather than news in the evening since they run news from 10pm until 11:30 in many markets.
The 10pm until 11:30 typically has a large percentage of local news.
There is a thing as too much news.
FOX & CNN have been very successful with their 24-hr cable news channels. A 30-minute OTA FOX Report of national & international news to compete with the other three evening network news offerings would provide a much needed alternative.
Fox News on Fox network would probable dilute ratings on FNC.Actually, it would expand the total audience of The FOX Report to include OTA viewers and OTA HD viewers.

I think Fox affiliates prefer to air syndicated fair rather than news in the evening since they run news from 10pm until 11:30 in many markets.

Not in the top 50 markets. Just about all if not all of the top 50 markets do have a late news produced by someone on a FOX affiliate. It is the smaller markets that the numbers of of none news amount the FOX affiliates begins to soar.

:rolleyes: That point is misguided, to say the least. :rolleyes:



;)

2. Cable and DSS, which pay them for the rights to that programming would demand a reduction of rates if the same fare were available for free OTA or if broadcasters weren't charged an equivalent fee.

That's not to say it's impossible, as we've seen with Fox News Sunday. But you've noticed that Mike and Juliet had to come off of FNC to go syndicated and live news coverage has different anchors for FOX and FNC.

Personally, I think a 30-minute Fox Report would give the Big 3 nightly news programs a run for their money.
Much of FNC's content is already available on the web - http://www.foxnews.com/ without a viewer subscription fee.

Much of FNC's content is already available on the web - http://www.foxnews.com/ without a viewer subscription fee.but for how long? (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25893937-664,00.html)

I meant to ask whether Fox News Sunday was a major player in the Sunday morning ratings. It's not (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/326725-Ratings_This_Week_Beats_Meet_The_Press_For_First_Time_In_a_D ecade.php), which probably explains why Fox is not interested in an evening news program.

Agreed. All businesses, including networks, need to be profitable.

However, if adding the The FOX Report to their OTA network increases their market share, then FOX will benefit from higher OTA advertising revenue.

Agreed. All businesses, including networks, need to be profitable.

However, if adding the The FOX Report to their OTA network increases their market share, then FOX will benefit from higher OTA advertising revenue.Getting FOX affiliates outside of O&Os to clear the program might prove difficult since those stations may be making more with whatever syndicated fare they have in that timeslot now. Having to give several minutes of inventory back to the mothership just to carry an evening news program in a time where evening news programs are a fading breed would - on paper, at least - be a very tough sell.

And, since the network can't guarantee an ad will be seen outside of O&O markets, it has to charge less. Possibly not enough to cover the additional expenses of carrying the broadcast. And there will be lots of additional expenses. Ya can't just slap the show on Big Fox without having to renegotiate a ton of contracts, affiliate agreements, etc.

... in a time where evening news programs are a fading breed ...
No wonder Jay Leno has no trouble finding uninformed "talent" for his JAYWALKING (http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/video/categories/jaywalking/20187/) segments.

Good one.

So why are 30-minute "evening news programs are a fading breed" when there's sufficient viewer interest in news to support 24-hr news channels?


Not all households have access to cable or Fios.
Due to the economy (unemployment, foreclosures, stock market, etc.), many people are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenses. A TV antenna is much less expensive than a never-ending monthly cable/satellite bill that only becomes more expensive over time.
Many people are rediscovering OTA TV due to HD programming.

So why are 30-minute "evening news programs are a fading breed" when there's sufficient viewer interest in news to support 24-hr news channels? You answered your own question. :D

With a VCR / DVD recorder / DVR, one can watch the evening news whenever is convenient without the expense of cable.

Not to go too far off topic, but instant news - no matter its source - is what's eating away at the relevance of evening news broadcasts (as well as newspapers).

"Instant news" is most often just recycled news ad nauseam.
How many times per day does one need to see the same news story?

Not everyone sits in front of a TV hours on end on the news channels.

Not everyone sits in front of a TV hours on end on the news channels.I know. I really need help. :D

I support FOX’s right to choose to concede evening news viewers to ABC / Charles Gibson, CBS / Katie Couric, NBC / Brian Williams, & PBS / Jim Lehrer. However, I believe FOX is missing an opportunity to compete and succeed. Additionally, the United States would be better served and its citizens better informed if The FOX Report becomes available to all Americans.

I support FOX’s right to choose to concede evening news viewers to ABC / Charles Gibson, CBS / Katie Couric, NBC / Brian Williams, & PBS / Jim Lehrer. However, I believe FOX is missing an opportunity to compete and succeed. Additionally, the United States would be better served and its citizens better informed if The FOX Report becomes available to all Americans.

FOX has no desire to compete in that realm as long as they pull the ratings and dollars they are currently pulling without the issues of affiliates and such.

I support FOX’s right to choose to concede evening news viewers to ABC / Charles Gibson, CBS / Katie Couric, NBC / Brian Williams, & PBS / Jim Lehrer. However, I believe FOX is missing an opportunity to compete and succeed. Additionally, the United States would be better served and its citizens better informed if The FOX Report becomes available to all Americans.

:rolleyes:

"and its citizens better informed if The FOX Report becomes available to all Americans."

you mean misinformed, dontchoo?

:rolleyes: Someone musta' kicked over the stone and let the bugs out.

"and its citizens better informed if The FOX Report becomes available to all Americans."

you mean misinformed, dontchoo?

Kind of like MiSinformedNonsenseBullCrap?

Kind of like MiSinformedNonsenseBullCrap? [MOD HAT] Ok, enough of this. [/MOD HAT]

Say what you will about the opinion shows and political commentary on any network, but "The Fox Report" is little more than a cavalcade of stories presented in a fast-paced, highly-produced format. I think the better argument is that the format of the program better suits today's short-attention-span viewer. Any of the broadcast networks looking to revitalize their evening news broadcasts would be doing themselves a disservice not to adopt this style of presentation. Local television stations are already doing it.

Pretty HD-friendly faces, short segments, flashy production. It works.

Obviously Don, those comments are made by people who don't watch the Fox Report, probably have no idea what the Fox Report is, and are just regurgitating the crap they read off of the Left-Wing Blogs and Web Sites about Fox News.

Obviously Don, those comments are made by people who don't watch the Fox Report, probably have no idea what the Fox Report is, and are just regurgitating the crap they read off of the Left-Wing Blogs and Web Sites about Fox News.

It amuses me to no end how some people will have an option about a program and have never seen it except short clips on other shows and then claim to be experts on that show. Talk about parroting. :D

Watch the show, then come back with examples of why you think A,B or C. These drive-bys are pretty ridiculous and totally useless to the topic.

It amuses me to no end how some people will have an option about a program and have never seen it except short clips on other shows and then claim to be experts on that show. Talk about parroting. :D

Watch the show, then come back with examples of why you think A,B or C. These drive-bys are pretty ridiculous and totally useless to the topic.

It also amuses me that people have to come into a thread about a subject, show, or even a news channel, that they obviously don't like, or watch, and have to bash it.

It also amuses me that people have to come into a thread about a subject, show, or even a news channel, that they obviously don't like, or watch, and have to bash it.

Unfortunately we have quite a few of those around here. :(

As for myself, I used to switch between all the cable news networks but now Fox is the only cable news channel I watch now after seeing what all the other news channels have turned into.

Be careful. That isn't a good "attitude" around these parts! ;)

Be careful. That isn't a good "attitude" around these parts! ;)

Well I don't see why? This is the Fox news thread and I stated a fact about myself that I based on my own judgement. Last time I checked we were free to watch whatever channel we want.

True, but the thread is here to discuss the technical aspects of the channel as it pertains to HD. Discussions of the editorial content don't belong.

True, but the thread is here to discuss the technical aspects of the channel as it pertains to HD. Discussions of the editorial content don't belong.

Well actually... this is the HDTV "Programming" forum. So this is exactly where to discuss content. But the problem is that much of the content is politically charged. Which, is against the forum rules.

True, but the thread is here to discuss the technical aspects of the channel as it pertains to HD. Discussions of the editorial content don't belong.

Yeah, but I read a lot more generalized rather than technical questions. I'm still surprised no one but me talks about the EX flag on Fox News.

Well actually... this is the HDTV "Programming" forum. So this is exactly where to discuss content. But the problem is that much of the content is politically charged. Which, is against the forum rules.
Remove that, and there's still plenty left. Particularly: the babes.:D

Remove that, and there's still plenty left. Particularly: the babes.:D

Yeah! Even the most hard-core anti-FNC person couldn't complain about the Fox News Babes! Besides, many of them are Democrats.

It also amuses me that people have to come into a thread about a subject, show, or even a news channel, that they obviously don't like, or watch, and have to bash it.

I couldn't agree more. Evidence of this here:
Kind of like MiSinformedNonsenseBullCrap?

Case closed.

Fox Business Network has the best roster:

Cheryl Casone
Jenna Lee
Nicole Petallides
Liz Claman
Alexis Glick
Rebecca Diamond
Tracy Byrnes
Sandra Smith
Shibani Joshi

Fox Business Network has the best roster:

Cheryl Casone
Jenna Lee
Nicole Petallides
Liz Claman
Alexis Glick
Rebecca Diamond
Tracy Byrnes
Sandra Smith
Shibani Joshi

Are these the best minds in business and finance today? :rolleyes:

Fox Business Network has the best roster:
Yeah, they are sweet. I’m partial towards Italian women, like Sofia Loren.... or.... Maria Bartiromo ;)

http://www.accesshollywood.com/content/images/62/230x306/62451_maria-bartiromo-in-vegas-magazine-jan-2008.jpg
She’s the only thing worth watching on that network.

Fox Business Network has the best roster:

Cheryl Casone
Jenna Lee
Nicole Petallides
Liz Claman
Alexis Glick
Rebecca Diamond
Tracy Byrnes
Sandra Smith
Shibani Joshi

Jenna Lee and Alexis Glick could pass for sisters but I would have a hard time picking who is prettier. They are both stunning in my book. :D

I haven't seen any statistics to support that theory.

Cablecos continues to lose subs during the second Q of '09, but increases in DirecTV, Dish, FiOs and UVerse far outweighed those cable losses.

The pay subscriber count is actually inching upward -- despite the steady losses by cable.

I don't see any hard data that shows us many people are rediscovering OTA -- especially when all pay providers -- cable. telco and satellite -- provide far more HD options than OTA.

So why are 30-minute "evening news programs are a fading breed" when there's sufficient viewer interest in news to support 24-hr news channels?...


Many people are rediscovering OTA TV due to HD programming.

Are these the best minds in business and finance today? :rolleyes:No, but if brains got more ratings than beauty, then I'd be in television! :D

Seriously, television is all about images. How many times have we seen "smart" scripted programming fail simply because the lead actors really weren't easy on the eyes? I mean, honestly, do you think "Cannon" would even get a shot at primetime in today's thousand-channel environment?

What Fox News Channel does better than anyone is attention to imagery. Pretty faces, flashy graphics and a pace geared to today's attention span. The other thing they do very well is rope you in. Their teases come from the "Entertainment Tonight" school of baiting, which works every time.

Something I have noticed is how FNC's "style" is being adopted by local television stations. The pace is faster, the teases sound like the front page of a supermarket tabloid and all of the anchors have gotten makeovers or swapped for hotter-looking ones.

Another example: When I came up in this business, you didn't run the "bulletin" card unless it was earth shattering. Now just about everything merits a "breaking news" flasher on the screen. Fox started that. And while it may be incredibly annoying... it works. In our studio, we cannot resist unmuting the television monitors when the card goes up just to make sure we aren't missing something big.

Something I have noticed is how FNC's "style" is being adopted by local television stations. The pace is faster, the teases sound like the front page of a supermarket tabloid and all of the anchors have gotten makeovers or swapped for hotter-looking ones.


That's true. But it's not just television news that's adopting a more ADD approach to reaching their customers, newspapers are doing the same thing. While my daily fishwrap has gotten thinner in terms of hard news and coverage of local issues (and advertising column inches), the fluff and personality portions are growing larger, especially online. A change I lament, but what are you gonna' do? The people have spoken, and their thoughts are increasingly brief.

I haven't seen any statistics to support that theory.
NY Times
March 2, 2009
Cutting the Cable as the Economy Pinches (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/cutting-the-cable-as-the-economy-pinches/)
By Ken Belson
Mr. Jackson and many others said that doing without a pay television service had economic benefits, too. Not spending $39.99 a month for a basic cable package from Time Warner or Cablevision means he has more money to spend on the weekend.
Industry analysts do not have accurate figures on how many consumers, in New York or nationally, are no longer paying for cable or satellite television connections.But in a report issued on Monday, Bruce Leichtman, of the Leichtman Research Group, said that 1 percent of adults view televisions shows online daily, and 8 percent watch shows at least once a week, up from 6 percent last year.

His survey also found that 8 percent of adults who watch video online “strongly agree that they now watch TV less often.”

Cable companies are losing subscribers, too, though many of them may have simply moved. Time Warner Cable, which has more than 13 million basic cable subscribers across the country, lost nearly 120,000 cable customers in the fourth quarter last year.
Comments:
March 2, 2009
I jettisoned my cable about 6 months ago and am now using the antenna and the internet. The digital signal comes in pretty clear in my area where I receive about 11 different networks. Most of these are HD. I’ve been watching the nightly business report, top gear, and frontline via the web. During football season, I watched games on ESPN 360. The resolution is crummy, but the selection of games is pretty good. Cable is an anachronism.

The Toronto Star
How to get free HDTV (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/640344)
May 26, 2009
Kenyon Wallace
STAFF REPORTER
Karim Sunderani flicks through channels on a 40-inch high-definition flat panel television at his Mississauga electronics store, Save and Replay. The picture is crystal clear, the sound powerful.

But the stunning HD images don't come via cable or satellite. They come over the air. For free.

"All you need is an antenna, just like in the old days, and an HD television with a digital tuner," says Sunderani, adding that he has sold more than 1,000 antennas a month since March.

While there aren't any official government or industry figures, electronics stores across the GTA are reporting surges in demand for antennas, metal grids about one metre by half a metre with several protruding spokes. No technical savvy needed – just plug into the back of your HD TV and enjoy as many as 18 high-def channels.

And not a cent goes to the cable companies.

"In the poor economy, people are looking for ways to cut back. When they see the clarity you get from HD channels using an antenna, it blows them away," said Paul Schukow, a salesperson at Radioworld on Steeles Ave. W. in Toronto.

He said the store has been selling hundreds of antennas every month since last fall.

Save And Replay (http://blog.saveandreplay.com/)
Sun Newspaper feature
July 6th 2009

Now we are getting more feedback that the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) in Canada are trying to introduce a new tax, and whatever is this for? Its called a television tax? So now not only does cable or basic satellite services come with a monthly bill but now perhaps a new tax on top of that! For what you can receive for free with no monthly cost and in better quality and even in true 1080i HD people are going to be charged a television tax on top of the monthly bills. We have seen even a bigger demand for over the air HD Antennas. The cost of basic cable or satellite is around $30 a month plus tax with no HD, outdoor Antenna is still only a one time cost of $54.99. a J-Pole $16.99 and RG6 good quality cable around $8 is all you need and you can be free of any monthly bills for basic cable services and enjoy them in true HD. Customers are stating that for basic cable in HD the cost is $70 a month! No wonder our sales are skyrocketing and the amount of people going to OTA is increasing dramatically!
Big Picture Big Sound
HDTV Antenna Business is Booming with DTV Transition, Says Antennas Direct (http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/HDTV_Antenna_Business_is_Booming_with_DTV_Transition_Says_An tennas_Direct.shtml)
By Rachel Cericola
6-2-2009
Manufacturer Antennas Direct just made an announcement that their first-quarter sales were up a whopping 224 percent over last year.
Or maybe, because of the economy? As consumers tighten their belts, they're taking a long hard look at expenses. Paying $40 to $100 a month for cable or satellite TV? Sure, no problem when money was flush, but is so-called "Pay TV" really worth the cost when times are tough? Maybe not when less expensive alternatives exist.
"Our sales in first quarter of 2009 totaled over $2 million, which is more revenue than our company made the entire year of 2006."


Engadget HD
OTA antenna sales skyrocket, cable subscribers jump ship (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/05/ota-antenna-sales-skyrocket-cable-subscribers-jump-ship)
by Darren Murph posted Dec 5th 2007
One could certainly argue the actual link between OTA antenna sales going through the roof while some one million cable subscribers decided to ditch their service this year, but nevertheless, that's exactly what has happened. Richard Schneider, President of Antennas Direct, saw his Terrestrial Digital brand of antenna sales "triple" during the same time period in which the cable industry lost two-percent of its market share, and while there's a very real possibility some of those folks opted for fiber or satellite-based alternatives, we've no doubt that some just decided to make do with the crystal clear, uncompressed HD locals; furthermore, new satellite subscribers in areas without HD locals would be awfully tempted to pick up an OTA antenna to complement their service.

Ok, enough of this. Let's get back on the topic, please.

Well, I second that for getting back to the actual topic at hand. And my question is this: is there any word of when we'll see shows like Your World With Neil Cavuto, Red Eye, and any of the news/business shows on the weekend in HD? Having seen Red Eye and Your World recently, I notice that both are in new studios. But both of them are also utilizing the side bars in spite of the fact that they look like they're in an HD capable studio. I'll say one thing about Fox News Channel - they are leaps and boundaries ahead of the likes of MSNBC HD and especially CNN HD. While most of us are wondering if CNN's Atlanta studios will ever wee the light of HD, FNC is a giant step ahead in that department.

I think the tornadoes in Atlanta pushed that back a bit, they had a lot of damage to be fixed in ah hurry just to get back operating normally.

Well, I second that for getting back to the actual topic at hand. And my question is this: is there any word of when we'll see shows like Your World With Neil Cavuto, Red Eye, and any of the news/business shows on the weekend in HD? Having seen Red Eye and Your World recently, I notice that both are in new studios. But both of them are also utilizing the side bars in spite of the fact that they look like they're in an HD capable studio. I'll say one thing about Fox News Channel - they are leaps and boundaries ahead of the likes of MSNBC HD and especially CNN HD. While most of us are wondering if CNN's Atlanta studios will ever wee the light of HD, FNC is a giant step ahead in that department.

They've put a lot of work into some of the sets on FNC. Glenn Beck's set looks fantastic. And it's huge!

Red Eye just debuted early this morning in HD.

Red Eye just debuted early this morning in HD.

Good news! They always have a couple of major Fox News Babes on that show. And on Red Eye, the female guests are very fond of evening gowns!

Good news! They always have a couple of major Fox News Babes on that show. And on Red Eye, the female guests are very fond of evening gowns!

OH, HOW SICK! (but I like your style! :D)

How did Cavuto draw the short straw? Looks like he is the last to transition.

How did Cavuto draw the short straw?

Just being fiscally responsible that is all!! :D

Shep just teased that they have an "HD surprise" on the way. Said he couldn't talk about it, but it'd be a big surprise. Which kind of rules out Cavuto. Any show going HD wouldn't be a surprise. Making all the Fox News Babes work in bikinis, now that would be a surprise. Wonder what it really is..?

:d

Maybe the surprise is they felt sorry for CNN's inability to keep up with HD conversion and are assisting them in the process.:eek:

Shep just teased that they have an "HD surprise" on the way. Said he couldn't talk about it, but it'd be a big surprise. Which kind of rules out Cavuto. Any show going HD wouldn't be a surprise. Making all the Fox News Babes work in bikinis, now that would be a surprise. Wonder what it really is..?Considering how Fox seems to overhype everything, it wouldn't be a shock if Cavuto in HD is what he meant. But, I heard Shep say on tonight's Fox Report that the weather graphics were "now in HD", so that might be it.

How did Cavuto draw the short straw? Looks like he is the last to transition.That is odd, since if Wikipedia is to be believed, Cavuto broadcasts from Studio E, the same as Fox and Friends, which in itself is available in HD.

Shep just teased that they have an "HD surprise" on the way. Said he couldn't talk about it, but it'd be a big surprise. Which kind of rules out Cavuto. Any show going HD wouldn't be a surprise. Making all the Fox News Babes work in bikinis, now that would be a surprise. Wonder what it really is..?

What was the hd surprise??

Don't know that it's happened, yet. I'll watch this afternoon and see.

Those interested, Glen Beck will be hosting special coverage of the Tea Party Express's March on Washington today starting at 1 pm. I believe it will be in studio so it should be in HD. No other network is covering it, heck no other network is even mentioning it so this is your only option. Thank you Fox!

Those interested, Glen Beck will be hosting special coverage of the Tea Party Express's March on Washington today starting at 1 pm. I believe it will be in studio so it should be in HD. No other network is covering it, heck no other network is even mentioning it so this is your only option. Thank you Fox!

MSNBC is totally covering it....matthews, olberman, maddow they are all there....

MSNBC is totally covering it....matthews, olberman, maddow they are all there....

This statment obviously needed a 'sarcasim' icon. I don't believe any of the above actually 'covered' the Tea Party Protestor's march on Washington.

CNN did air it as a news story though. But, as mentioned earlier, FNC was the only network to give it extensive coverage that I could find.

here's a little HD-related surprise (although I don't know if it's the aforementioned one). I've heard (and seen a fox website, although I'm unable to find it now to post a link) that at some time (I think early in the morning) on 9/28/09, FNC will begin broadcasting in 16:9 format only. the SD version will be letter boxed. I'm paraphrasing, but the reason on the web site was so that all FNC viewers would enjoy the same look / experience. There was a video on the web site by the two anchors of their Live Desk show talking about it and a little tutorial about how to make sure your aspect ratio settings are correct. I can't believe I can't find the site now, but Comcast has information about it so that CSRs can be prepared if customers call in thinking it's a problem with their service.

This seems pretty cool since they will no longer have to make their graphics 4:3 safe. It will be interesting to see if they make any changes to take advantage of this new freedom.

That's great. I hope everyone else follows suit.

here's a little HD-related surprise (although I don't know if it's the aforementioned one). I've heard (and seen a fox website, although I'm unable to find it now to post a link) that at some time (I think early in the morning) on 9/28/09, FNC will begin broadcasting in 16:9 format only. the SD version will be letter boxed. I'm paraphrasing, but the reason on the web site was so that all FNC viewers would enjoy the same look / experience. There was a video on the web site by the two anchors of their Live Desk show talking about it and a little tutorial about how to make sure your aspect ratio settings are correct. I can't believe I can't find the site now, but Comcast has information about it so that CSRs can be prepared if customers call in thinking it's a problem with their service.

This seems pretty cool since they will no longer have to make their graphics 4:3 safe. It will be interesting to see if they make any changes to take advantage of this new freedom.

That's terrible. Take a screen already cluttered with tiny text and shrink it into "ant farm" format. I'll bet that's gonna go over well with FOX's over 60 viewer base:rolleyes:.

As if I needed another reason to hate FOX News... :D

That's terrible. Take a screen already cluttered with tiny text and shrink it into "ant farm" format. I'll bet that's gonna go over well with FOX's over 60 viewer base:rolleyes:.

As if I needed another reason to hate FOX News... :D
It's called progress, and while I am certainly not a fan of the channel, I applaud them for being the first ones to take this necessary step.

I certainly hope MSNBC doesn't decide to make "progress" like this anytime soon.

I'm really surprised they haven't, considering their parent company's letterbox fetish.

I don't see this as progress or necessary at all. Every broadcast TV news program is still in 4:3. How is it better to squash the picture into ant farm format? Will they begin stretching non-HD b roll video or will SD viewers be treated to a 'bars on all 4 sides' experience?

I don't see this as progress or necessary at all. Every broadcast TV news program is still in 4:3. How is it better to squash the picture into ant farm format? Will they begin stretching non-HD b roll video or will SD viewers be treated to a 'bars on all 4 sides' experience?To their credit, almost all video on Fox News is 16:9. Most of the non-studio content is just widescreen SD, but it is widescreen.

Is this going to involve a brand new graphics package? I could see CNN making this change, since their graphics are, generally speaking, clean and oversized. Fox's are a bit large, but there's so much crap cluttering the screen I can't imagine this will look good to SD viewers.

About time.

Is this going to involve a brand new graphics package? I could see CNN making this change, since their graphics are, generally speaking, clean and oversized. Fox's are a bit large, but there's so much crap cluttering the screen I can't imagine this will look good to SD viewers.

That's exactly my point. All that clutter graphics is going to look horrible. It's like ESPN News HD. It looks great in HD on a larger screen but just imagine that shrunk into ant farm format and shown on a 19 or 27 inch CRT:eek:. Plus thrown in the lower bitrate of SD channels and the fact that FOX is usually in analog on the SD side and :eek::eek::eek:.

The only thing I can see coming in graphics changes are HUGE GRAPHICS on the HD channel to make it easier to read on the SD channel. That's the reason why the current method of SD/HD news has worked so well. You can keep the graphics normal size while having a result that is readable on both SD and HD TVs.

And yes, I have SEEN this. I have a CECB and I looked at a local newscast complete with a bottom of screen ticker. It looked terrible. This station's already obnoxiously large graphics looked small, so I'd expect obnoxiously larger graphics on FOX.

This should be interesting.

With Cartoon Network letterboxing more 16:9 shows on the SD channel, hopefully this will become a trend.

And once Family Guy switches to HD next year, everything on FOX will be 16:9. Maybe they will do the same thing.

With Cartoon Network letterboxing more 16:9 shows on the SD channel, hopefully this will become a trend.

And once Family Guy switches to HD next year, everything on FOX will be 16:9. Maybe they will do the same thing.

Fox already does this with their scripted dramas.

Fox already does this with their scripted dramas.

I'm talking about ALL programs.

I'm talking about ALL programs.

Most scripted programs are not framed for 4:3 while most reality type shows are, no matter what format they air in. FOX network doesn't air their HD/16:9 reality shows in letter box only center cut on the "SD feed" (now just an AFD of the HD feed to the SD output of the sat receiver. I don't see that changing anytime soon since the number of SD only FOX affiliates are a very small number now. Most cable and sat systems use AFD from the network signal to adjust the SD AR for those viewers.

here's a little HD-related surprise (although I don't know if it's the aforementioned one). I've heard (and seen a fox website, although I'm unable to find it now to post a link) that at some time (I think early in the morning) on 9/28/09, FNC will begin broadcasting in 16:9 format only. the SD version will be letter boxed. I'm paraphrasing, but the reason on the web site was so that all FNC viewers would enjoy the same look / experience. There was a video on the web site by the two anchors of their Live Desk show talking about it and a little tutorial about how to make sure your aspect ratio settings are correct. I can't believe I can't find the site now, but Comcast has information about it so that CSRs can be prepared if customers call in thinking it's a problem with their service.

This seems pretty cool since they will no longer have to make their graphics 4:3 safe. It will be interesting to see if they make any changes to take advantage of this new freedom.

Well this came true. Now the font on Fox News HD is huge. :(

FNC Pushes Widescreen

Will deliver letterboxed standard-def feed

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/28/2009 2:00:00 AM EDT

Fox News Channel is aiming to optimize the on-air product for its growing high-definition audience while continuing to serve the majority of viewers still watching standard-definition, 4:3 sets. So the network has decided to produce all of its programming in high-definition using the 16:9 aspect ratio, and deliver a downconverted, letterboxed version to standard-definition viewers.

The cable network has overhauled its camera positions, graphics and editing to accommodate all-widescreen production, and is using Active Format Description (AFD) technology internally to specify how the widescreen HD pictures are downconverted for display on 4:3 aspect-ratio standard-def sets.

Beginning Sept. 28, viewers of Fox News Channel and Fox News Channel HD will see the same content, including graphics and tickers. Because camera operators no longer have to “safe protect” for a center-cut 4:3 image when shooting in the Fox News Channel studios, viewers will also see new camera angles that capture more of the set.

Fox's widescreen shift may turn out to be a milestone in the gradual evolution from standard-definition to HDTV. While broadcast networks like NBC and Fox have provided letterboxed versions of entertainment programming to standard-def viewers for years, Fox News Channel is the first U.S. cable news network to go fully widescreen for both HD and SD distribution. If the new letterboxed version of the SD network is well-received, it may spur other cable networks to go the all-widescreen route, which Fox says delivers a better overall viewing experience and streamlines production workflows.

It is logical to assume that a letterboxed version of Fox News Channel would result in a compromised experience for viewers on old 4:3 sets, including smaller text in graphic tickers. But Fox executives say SD viewers will actually now see more. That's because new HD sets display video more efficiently over the entire screen without lopping off the picture at the edges, a phenomenon known as overscanning. That gives programmers more real estate to work with in HD, which has a trickle-down effect to SD.

In retooling for all-widescreen production, Fox News Channel was able to increase the size of its lower-third graphics and use larger text fonts. It can also shoot much closer to the sides of the frame without worrying about the HD picture being cut off at the edge when displayed on a widescreen set. That, in turn, means that on a 4:3 set the new letterboxed version of Fox News Channel provides bigger, more legible graphics and more visual information on the screen than the old 4:3 center-cut version.

To prove the concept, Fox created, in essence, a letterboxing lab on the third floor of its Manhattan headquarters, with a wall of flat-panel HDTV sets from various manufacturers alongside several old-school 4:3 tube TVs. Graphics engineers were then able to test how the new HD and letterboxed SD versions would appear on any screen in any picture mode, including the 4:3 standard, stretch, zoom and wide-zoom modes available on most HDTV sets, and ensure that no part of the picture got cut off by overscanning.

More, not less
“It's counterintuitive,” admits Fox News Channel senior VP and creative director Richard O'Brien. “You'd think on a 4:3 screen you'd be getting less, because it's letterboxed. But the way it's designed, and the way you're able to make use of the whole width of the screen now, you're actually able to get more. It's hard to think that way until you see it, but when we did all the tests, it was a no-brainer that this was the right way to go.”

The network plans to insert more added-value graphics into the widescreen frame, O'Brien says, now that the additional info can be seen by the entire viewing audience. Fox News Channel HD had initially launched with an “HD wing” that showed 4:3 video on the left and a graphic panel on the right, but the network discontinued that format in the past year, moving instead to a more conventional widescreen look.

“You really can't produce anything worthwhile in those [graphic] regions because the SD viewer can't follow along,” says Peter Blangiforti, Fox News director of graphics engineering.

Fox was using a mix of Avid Pinnacle Deko and Vizrt graphics, but has moved fully to the Vizrt platform as part of the widescreen shift. Other key technology includes Apple Final Cut Pro editors, Harris Nexio servers for playing out animations, and Evertz downconverters.

While Fox News Channel is still distributing separate HD and SD satellite feeds, Fox's long-term plan is to transmit a single HD version of Fox News Channel and its other cable networks, and use AFD-compliant satellite receivers at cable headends to downconvert the signal there to support standard-def viewers. Those new Motorola radios should be fully deployed in 2010.

“The road map for AFD is promising,” Blangiforti says. “But before we flip the switch and go to a single distribution path, we need to make sure that all of the distribution outlets we deal with are conforming to the AFD specification.”

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/355467-FNC_Pushes_Widescreen.php

This is the ugliest, moronic thing I've ever seen. Not only did FOX f**k the SD viewer but they f**ked the HD viewer even more. The graphics are HUGE and INTRUSIVE. The lower third is now a lower HALF. Just like I said, they made it bigger to compensate.

Hey FOX, take your letterbox and put it in the LITTER BOX where it belongs! :D

“It's counterintuitive,” admits Fox News Channel senior VP and creative director Richard O'Brien. “You'd think on a 4:3 screen you'd be getting less, because it's letterboxed. But the way it's designed, and the way you're able to make use of the whole width of the screen now, you're actually able to get more. It's hard to think that way until you see it, but when we did all the tests, it was a no-brainer that this was the right way to go.”

That statement really irks me. "Make use of the whole width of the screen". Uhh yesterday you used the whole screen on both the SD and HD channels. How is this better? This is like saying its better to have a panoramic photograph scaled down and displayed in a wrong-size frame rather than displaying a photo the correct size for the frame.

Cropping the sides vs. squashing the picture. I'd take cropping any day. I've been watching FOX & Fiends, so far I've seen bars on the sides of video or that blur effect on some footage.

FNC set up a website about this change:

http://www.foxnews.com/widescreentv/

Personally I hate it, since as others said, the graphics are huge. I feel like I'm taking an eye test. They need to do some tweaking badly.

Saw this coming when people started beging for broadcasts that didn't protect for 4:3 over the years. Have to have an intermediate step unless you want them to wait until every TV in the country is 16:9. Small graphics for 4:3 is not an option.

This is the ugliest, moronic thing I've ever seen. Not only did FOX f**k the SD viewer but they f**ked the HD viewer even more. The graphics are HUGE and INTRUSIVE. The lower third is now a lower HALF. Just like I said, they made it bigger to compensate.

Hey FOX, take your letterbox and put it in the LITTER BOX where it belongs! :D

Wow! For someone that hates this channel, you do seem to watch it an awful lot! :D

FNC set up a website about this change:

http://www.foxnews.com/widescreentv/

Personally I hate it, since as others said, the graphics are huge. I feel like I'm taking an eye test. They need to do some tweaking badly.

I agree but as you get older, the eyes don't see as well and when that time comes I might appreciate this more but I'm not there yet. :D

The graphics are HUGE and INTRUSIVE. The lower third is now a lower HALF. Just like I said, they made it bigger to compensate.

2011 I think we'll see many more TV channels showing letterbox on their SD channels.
When shows start to "frame and protect for 16:9" not 'protect for 4:3' is when things will really change.
Look how ridiculous Saturday Night Live, Today show, Good Morning America are where everything is protected for 4:3.

These are the growing pains of the major widescreen transition. No not the HD transition but the millions of 4:3 SD television sets watching widescreen programming. It is Joe Six-Pack crying "Why are there black bars on my TV"? "Why doesn't it fill the screen?"
The very fact that FOX News Channel set up a webpage (http://www.foxnews.com/widescreentv/) called The Widescreen experience shows the public will give negative feedback.
Over the past 5 years networks have waded out into letterboxed primetime airing like The West Wing, ER, Law & Order, Smallville. NBC has been doing it the longest. CBS never does it. Once all the networks have letterboxed SD feeds it will be mainstream. Sure we all know that AFD is the way to go and anamorphic video should be the way but with so many 4:3 SD TVs out their this is the way they are going to transition to 16:9.

Fox News Channel has ratings and thus power.

Wow! For someone that hates this channel, you do seem to watch it an awful lot! :D

No, I just hate it when this channel starts new "trends" because the other MSM outlets follow like sheep. Every bad habit in TV news can be directly or indirectly attributed to FOX. News crawls, bugs, "Breaking News"/"News ALERT" over use, lower thirds that constantly remain on screen, flashy graphics, sound effects... Now this squashed picture BS. How long until one of the channels I like starts this? I still have two Sony Trinitron CRTs I have no interest in or money for trashing since these network jackasses decide to forcibly shrink my TV.

Wow you seem to harbor a lot of hate.

2011 I think we'll see many more TV channels showing letterbox on their SD channels.
When shows start to "frame and protect for 16:9" not 'protect for 4:3' is when things will really change.
Look how ridiculous Saturday Night Live, Today show, Good Morning America are where everything is protected for 4:3.

Saturday Night Live is the most un-4:3 friendly show on TV. They did a better job with the first episode this season but last season's episodes were a nightmare. Some skits even had text cut off the screen. :eek: As for the Today show, I like the new graphics that debuted this month. It shows you can have the best of both worlds. The centered text box is clean and unobtrusive on the HD channel(since there is no banner the entire width of the screen) and it is visible on the 4:3 channel too without being oversized. NBC did it right, FOX is doing it wrong(no surprise there!)

Saturday Night Live is the most un-4:3 friendly show on TV. They did a better job with the first episode this season but last season's episodes were a nightmare.
nickdawg I must admit it's been a while since I watched an episode of SNL. Probably last season Winter or Spring. When they switched to letterboxing on the SD feed in Autumn of 2008 the framing looked awful for the entire picture.
Perhaps they have since been moving things out to the 'protect for 14:9' area for the UK broadcasting that protects for 14:9 on most of their 16:9 programming (for the BBC especially)...
Perhaps SNEALS2000 can give us an update on if SNL actually did that?

nickdawg I must admit it's been a while since I watched an episode of SNL. Probably last season Winter or Spring. When they switched to letterboxing on the SD feed in Autumn of 2008 the framing looked awful for the entire picture.
Perhaps they have since been moving things out to the 'protect for 14:9' area for the UK broadcasting that protects for 14:9 on most of their 16:9 programming (for the BBC especially)...
Perhaps SNEALS2000 can give us an update on if SNL actually did that?

I watched the Will Ferrel/Green Day episode last week. Some of the shots looked a bit awkward, which isn't a big deal as in the 4:3 only days sometimes people were planned to be close to the edge of the frame. But during the Weekend Update segment and some of the commercial parodies with text on screen really suffered. Also a really cool intertitle towards the end with Will Ferrel and the guys from Green Day in a parody of Dogs Playing Poker had the people on the edges cropped off.

This season when they were doing a CSPAN spoof the text on screen what Gaddafi was saying was centered so it was visible. I'd really be surprised if NBC is paying attention to 14:9 at all. Except for programming that is foreign(BBC News on PBS, BBC America channel) you don't hear much about 14:9.

I just now checked out FOX News on my HDTV(50 inch plasma). Yikes!! Going between channel 483 CNN and channel 485 FOX it's like changing your computer monitor from 1024 or 1280 back to 640x480! :eek:

That news crawl is so big, it's comical. The lower half banner is gigantic. This channel looks even more satirical than before!!:rolleyes:

Better bump the cameras up a bit or they're gonna block the tits! ;)

-----

I checked out their website and their claims of seeing more. Nope. The way it was before you could see more on the HD channel. By doing a MSNBC or ESPN News HD style layout where the picture is shifted to the side and normal sized graphics are placed on screen---there's the possibility to see more. That's why I can't wait until MSNBC HD is added. I don't want a tight shot of a head filling the screen, that's useless and taking steps backwards. Utilize the extra screen space for HD only without trashing the video.

I prefer when they shoot 4:3 safe and then allow me to see more on the sides on the HD feed.

16:9 shots that aren't 4:3 safe just seem too tight.

Just checked it out but only for a few minutes. My 1st impression is the news tracker graphics are a bit TOO BIG so some tweaks are in order. But, I love it! It's a step in the right direction that's long overdue. Those with 4x3 sets will adjust to it. They ought to be getting used to letterbox by now. It's only a matter of time before all networks do the same.

I haven't see dramas in letterbox format on my local FOX and NBC stations for a while now. I remember seeing House in letterbox in like January or February of this year but not since then. The only networks I see with letterbox are USA and Spike.

Just tuned in. Yikes. This isn't what I had envisioned at all.

Your World now HD, complete with new graphics.

I had the day off of work today. So I was able to take alook at FNC Hd's new graphics. I have to agree with some of the previous responses that the size of teh ticker was way too big. If they only condensed the size and enlarged the picture, I think I'd be ok with it. Not quite as bad as the Weather Channel giving updated forecasts of every city on the left hand side of the picture. But there it room for improvement...and I mean that quite literally.

Sure at first it does look funny and way to large....but, give it time. In a few weeks it may seem " normal " for 16:9 HD sets. On a 4:3 SD set it looks wierd, but what about OAR movies like TCM?

Aside from the huge ticker I'm okay with it. At least as much as I ever was with all the screen clutter.

The SD channel looks fine on my 13" analog TV. We'll see if they get a lot of complaints.

The ticker is a little bigger, but I don't think it's that much bigger. Anyone got screenshots to compare just how much bigger it got.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/733/fncl3.png

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7566/fncbanners.png

You can tell the lack of 4:3 protect in the angles and split screens today.

So it doesn't take up that much more space.

I noticed it today that it was in widescreen and I thought it looked pretty good on my 32 inch SD set.

Wow. I'm loving the 120-point font size of the ticker, it's so big Stevie Wonder could read it. Also, is it scrolling slower than usual?

The only downside is the size of the "Alert/Breaking News" & the ticker @ the bottom of the screen. Looking @ nickdawg's photos shows they have increased in size & now covers 30% of the lower screen. It looks to be about 20% in the before photo which was much better in MHO. I'd bet Fox is concerned about SD folks being able to read it clearly if it were any smaller.
Framing for 16x9, however, is a major improvement & long overdue.

After reading all the whining yesterday about Fox's new video format, I was expecting my TV to melt when I turned-on Fox News last nignt. However, I think the changes are great and a sign of things to come from other providers. I do agree that the font sizes are to big; taking maybe 25% of the picture; way too much.

It was nice watching live programming that was framed for 16x9 TVs, instead of being framed for 4x3 TVs, which made us widescreen viewers look at a lot of side panels/bars. I suspect that SD viewers will not be happy, especially elderly viewers who do not understand HD, but as other providers move to all widescreen formatting, I guess they will get over it.

I watch Fox News a lot and must agree that the new ticker font size and on screen graphics are WAY too big for those with an HDTV. I hope they shrink it down a little bit once they get comfortable with the new format and get used to working with it.

The bar is not that much larger, it is the size of the font that stands out making it seem worse than it really is. I think it just needs time to get used to although I would not mind if they shrunk it down just a little like others have said.

Apparently shows using Studio C, will move to other studios. These include "The Cost of Freedom" business block. More below:

www.insidecablenews.wordpress.com/category/fnc/

I can still see EE halo artifacting on some shots, even on an SD set. One example: Bob Casey on yesterday's Fox News Sunday. Glenn Beck also has the occasional EE-heavy moment (primarily promos for the next segment.) I hope that FOX double-checks every Evertz board in their pipeline to make sure detail enhancement (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17048220&highlight=evertz#post17048220) is turned off.

Having browsed through some shows such as Fox News Watch, Your World with Neil Cavuto and what I believe was The Journal Business Edition, all 3 of these are now in HD. I'm pretty sure that every show on Fox News Channel is in HD. But it will take some time to get used to their new graphic tickers.

So far, I still think the banners are way too big. Sometimes, they take up almost all of the lower half of the screen. Even Beck the other day, joked that he could now do his show naked!

Noticed today Fox was really making use of the entire 16:9 area, especially during The Fox Report. Group shots at the White House, panels in the studio, splits screens and graphics are clearly no longer protected for 4.3.

I watched this last night on Fox Buisiness HD. Usual Stossel style. He focused on the Global Warming Debate.

One thing that completely drove me nuts, was the 'HD Wing' cutting off a third of the screen on the right. I guess Fox decided Stossle's show doesn't merit being in full HD as some of the other headlining host's shows are in. But I felt 'crowded' the entire time I was watching.

Was Stossel's debut show any good? I saw that he had a live audience, but since I'm not really into the whole global warming debate, I didn't watch much. I wonder if many tuned in, especially considering it's on FBN.

Was Stossel's debut show any good? I saw that he had a live audience, but since I'm not really into the whole global warming debate, I didn't watch much. I wonder if many tuned in, especially considering it's on FBN.

I missed (forgot about) John's show because it was on FBN. It is odd that Fox decided to put John's show on FBN, but I expect the reason is that there is no room at FNC, at least during prime time. FNC totally dominates all other cable news channels now in primetime, so who would they push off to insert John's show? My guess, his show will have to stay on FBN until a spot opens up on FNC. Maybe a weekend slot if his show remains as a 1 hour per week show (I think it is 1-hour per week??)?

I missed (forgot about) John's show because it was on FBN. It is odd that Fox decided to put John's show on FBN, but I expect the reason is that there is no room at FNC, at least during prime time. FNC totally dominates all other cable news channels now in primetime, so who would they push off to insert John's show? My guess, his show will have to stay on FBN until a spot opens up on FNC. Maybe a weekend slot if his show remains as a 1 hour per week show (I think it is 1-hour per week??)?

It wouldn't break my heart if they put Stossel's show in place of Greta's. But I suppose Greta pulls enough numbers that this isn't even a remote possible. Of course, the hour before Cavuto (2:00 Central Time) might be good place Stossel. I mean, 2:00pm couldn't be any worse than going up against O'Reilly in the same time slot.

Noticed today Fox was really making use of the entire 16:9 area, especially during The Fox Report. Group shots at the White House, panels in the studio, splits screens and graphics are clearly no longer protected for 4.3.

FNC started using the entire screen back in the summer when they introduced the new graphics (on Viz RT to the geeks out there) and began using AFD for 4:3 receivers for letterbox during the shows and for those commercials not in HD switching to center cut while maintaining the 16:9 aspect for HD receivers.

Sorry...Mistake.

But why put another opinion show at 3PM Eastern? I mean there as to be time for plain old news reporting on a 24 hour news channel. It seems all 24 hour so called news channels are going to opinion shows instead of just reporting the news.

But why put another opinion show at 3PM Eastern? I mean there as to be time for plain old news reporting on a 24 hour news channel. It seems all 24 hour so called news channels are going to opinion shows instead of just reporting the news.

Opinion shows have bigger, more stable ratings day in and day out compared to the whims of breaking news. CNN is a testament to that unlike FNC, MSNBC and even HLN. Bottom line is "money."

Opinion shows have bigger, more stable ratings day in and day out compared to the whims of breaking news. CNN is a testament to that unlike FNC, MSNBC and even HLN. Bottom line is "money."

haha, that was a good one about CNN. But unfortunately not a true one. No one has more opinion shows than FOX.

The closest thing to legitimate news On FNC is Shepard Smith.

Anyone else on DISH Network watching FOX News HD & FOX Business HD experiencing periodic stuttering? They seem to be the only channels that do that.

Anyone else on DISH Network watching FOX News HD & FOX Business HD experiencing periodic stuttering? They seem to be the only channels that do that.

No, but you need to post your location. We don't know what satellite you're receiving.

haha, that was a good one about CNN. But unfortunately not a true one.

Even CNN admits they stay away from opinion shows (they have what they themselves call "personality driven prime time news" shows) and that is why they are in 4th place now being beat by their sister network HLN. Don't know where you are getting your info from.

No, but you need to post your location. We don't know what satellite you're receiving.

Portland, OR. One is on 110, the other on 129.

Even CNN admits they stay away from opinion shows (they have what they themselves call "personality driven prime time news" shows) and that is why they are in 4th place now being beat by their sister network HLN. Don't know where you are getting your info from.

Because HLN does tabloid, sensationalist news, much like the style originally introduced by FNC. And of course ratings are the best indicator of quality. Forget FNC, I'm gonna start getting my news from Jon & Kate Plus Eight and CSI:Miami. ;)

That's my biggest criticism of journalism today(and that was the subject of my original post). Rather than objective, unbiased journalists who are held to high standards reporting facts, people like Cronkite and Murrow, we now have demagogues who develop talk-radio like followings. Certain networks have more of these demagogues than other networks, and that's having a scary, negative effect on politics.

Demagogues and agendas hurt the truth.

Nickdawg, you obviously don't like FNC. So why do you keep insisting on posting in thread, about a topic you don't care for?

But why put another opinion show at 3PM Eastern? I mean there as to be time for plain old news reporting on a 24 hour news channel. It seems all 24 hour so called news channels are going to opinion shows instead of just reporting the news.

I see your point. I was just thinking that going head to head against O'Reilly, is just setting Stossel up for failure. Dave Ramsey gets away with it because of the strictly personal finance advice nature of his show. Which really draws a different crowd than O'Reilly.

At one time i think CNN should have put Larry King against OReilly,with each man guesting on the other's show the Friday before the switch.

Glen Beck had one of the most powerful 60 mins shows I have ever seen on broadcast television today. Wow!

Glen Beck had one of the most powerful 60 mins shows I have ever seen on broadcast television today. Wow!
i don't even dare imagine...:eek: