The Weather Channel HD

Rutgerskid · 05-29-08, 03:05 PM

The new graphics package looks amazing!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5wRnBZYXko8

f300v10 · 05-29-08, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

did we ever find out if just the 7-10am & the 9p-3a studio shows are in HD and the rest arent ? thats what an article seemed to imply.

The studio shows are being moved in a phased approach, with most/all being HD by October.

dcowboy7 · 05-29-08, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f300v10

The studio shows are being moved in a phased approach, with most/all being HD by October.

oh ok....so that above article is wrong then cause it does say all.

stephenC · 05-29-08, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDEye

According to this press release all studio programs will be broadcast in HD by 3Q '08. (Next week?) I know Evening Edition will be in HD next week, they were talking about it last night.

http://press.weather.com/company/hd_fact_sheet.asp

Q3-2008 begins on 1 July 2008, not next week.

dcowboy7 · 05-29-08, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephenC

Q3-2008 begins on 1 July 2008, not next week.

the other poster said by october....so july 1 per the article is still wrong then.

f300v10 · 05-30-08, 08:49 AM

The latest data I can find shows 4 shows going HD in June, 2 more in July, 3 in August, 1 in September and 3 more in early October. The plan has always been during Q3, not the start of Q3, and the press release does not say the start of Q3, just Q3. Technically early October is early Q4, so the Q3 statement in the press release is a little off.

Aliens · 05-30-08, 07:02 PM

They have the HD sidebars up in prep for Monday. Just a couple of days until Heather in HD.

Number_6 · 05-31-08, 12:37 AM

While I guess having TWC in HD is better than non-HD, I'd like it more if the CONTENT on TWC was as good as it was 20 years ago. Back then, TWC had real-time local weather conditions at the bottom of the screen, all the time (even during commercials). And they ran local weather forecasts and local radar much more often than they do now. It was actually an informative channel back then, without all the fluff and irrelevant national garbage they have now.

If TWC actually tried to deliver weather information in a concise and efficient way, you could find out everything you needed to know about your local weather and local conditions in 20 seconds of viewing. Today's TWC is carefully designed so you are forced to watch 10 minutes of filler before getting to the information you want or need. It's progress!

fredfa · 05-31-08, 03:56 PM

HDTV Notes
Weather Anchors Ready for HD Closeup
The Weather Channel to Cut Ribbon on HD Facility Monday
By Joel Topcik, Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2008

While Landmark Communications’ imminent sale of The Weather Channel has yet to come into focus, things at the 24-hour cable network will be a lot clearer come June 2, when it cuts the ribbon on its new 12,500-square-foot HD facility.

Starting Monday, Your Weather Today and Evening Edition will be broadcast in 1080-line-interlace HD from a new four-story, 5,000-square-foot studio, the centerpiece of which is a 40-foot-long rear-projection display wall.

“That is a monster wall,” said on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore, who spoke with B&C about the challenges of adjusting to the new studio. “There’s going to be some times when Cantore’s pointing to Alabama and he really means to be pointing to North Carolina.”

Cantore and his colleagues Paul Goodloe, Heather Tesch and Marshall Seese have been breaking in the new space for the past several weeks, rehearsing for several hours each day on top of their live broadcasts.

“I was telling my neighbor that my schedule’s been so busy,” Your Weather Today’s Tesch said. “And she asked me, ‘Is it really that hard to figure out which camera to look at?’”

Given the amount of moving around between -- and often within -- segments, Tesch said, yes, it is that hard: “One of the hardest things is keeping track not only of the weather, but where we’re supposed to move to.”

That spaciousness has been a blessing, Goodloe said, adding, “There’s so much more room to work with and walk around in after being limited to a small box. It gives us the opportunity to create new shots.”

It also presents basic logistical challenges, Cantore said. “Some of these new monitors on stands don’t have the easiest rollers,” he added. “Watching the floor directors struggling to move them in time for the next shot, you want to go down there and help.”

And while all four anchors are thrilled at the prospect of showing dramatic images of hurricanes and tornadoes in stunning clarity, they acknowledged some apprehension about the cosmetic challenges of going HD. “It’s scary,” Cantore said. “I don’t exactly have Jessica Alba’s skin.”

“We’ve invested $30,000 on the latest plastic surgery,” Goodloe joked.

“I have four cats and a dog, so I always have a bit of animal hair on me,” Tesch said. “Before it wasn’t a problem, but now I’m going to have to keep a lint-roller nearby.”

To see behind-the-scenes video of the rehearsals, click here.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6565762.html

acs12798 · 05-31-08, 04:05 PM

Since so many channels screw with the guide, I thought I would note that in Albany, the TWC cable guide is properly showing the shows that should be in HD on Monday.

stunnerstorm · 05-31-08, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredfa

HDTV Notes
Weather Anchors Ready for HD Closeup
The Weather Channel to Cut Ribbon on HD Facility Monday
By Joel Topcik, Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2008

While Landmark Communications’ imminent sale of The Weather Channel has yet to come into focus, things at the 24-hour cable network will be a lot clearer come June 2, when it cuts the ribbon on its new 12,500-square-foot HD facility.

Starting Monday, Your Weather Today and Evening Edition will be broadcast in 1080-line-interlace HD from a new four-story, 5,000-square-foot studio, the centerpiece of which is a 40-foot-long rear-projection display wall.

“That is a monster wall,” said on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore, who spoke with B&C about the challenges of adjusting to the new studio. “There’s going to be some times when Cantore’s pointing to Alabama and he really means to be pointing to North Carolina.”

Cantore and his colleagues Paul Goodloe, Heather Tesch and Marshall Seese have been breaking in the new space for the past several weeks, rehearsing for several hours each day on top of their live broadcasts.

“I was telling my neighbor that my schedule’s been so busy,” Your Weather Today’s Tesch said. “And she asked me, ‘Is it really that hard to figure out which camera to look at?’”

Given the amount of moving around between -- and often within -- segments, Tesch said, yes, it is that hard: “One of the hardest things is keeping track not only of the weather, but where we’re supposed to move to.”

That spaciousness has been a blessing, Goodloe said, adding, “There’s so much more room to work with and walk around in after being limited to a small box. It gives us the opportunity to create new shots.”

It also presents basic logistical challenges, Cantore said. “Some of these new monitors on stands don’t have the easiest rollers,” he added. “Watching the floor directors struggling to move them in time for the next shot, you want to go down there and help.”

And while all four anchors are thrilled at the prospect of showing dramatic images of hurricanes and tornadoes in stunning clarity, they acknowledged some apprehension about the cosmetic challenges of going HD. “It’s scary,” Cantore said. “I don’t exactly have Jessica Alba’s skin.”

“We’ve invested $30,000 on the latest plastic surgery,” Goodloe joked.

“I have four cats and a dog, so I always have a bit of animal hair on me,” Tesch said. “Before it wasn’t a problem, but now I’m going to have to keep a lint-roller nearby.”

To see behind-the-scenes video of the rehearsals, click here.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6565762.html

Video link isn't working

tigerfan33 · 05-31-08, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredfa

HDTV Notes
Weather Anchors Ready for HD Closeup
The Weather Channel to Cut Ribbon on HD Facility Monday
By Joel Topcik, Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2008

While Landmark Communications’ imminent sale of The Weather Channel has yet to come into focus, things at the 24-hour cable network will be a lot clearer come June 2, when it cuts the ribbon on its new 12,500-square-foot HD facility.

Starting Monday, Your Weather Today and Evening Edition will be broadcast in 1080-line-interlace HD from a new four-story, 5,000-square-foot studio, the centerpiece of which is a 40-foot-long rear-projection display wall.

“That is a monster wall,” said on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore, who spoke with B&C about the challenges of adjusting to the new studio. “There’s going to be some times when Cantore’s pointing to Alabama and he really means to be pointing to North Carolina.”

Cantore and his colleagues Paul Goodloe, Heather Tesch and Marshall Seese have been breaking in the new space for the past several weeks, rehearsing for several hours each day on top of their live broadcasts.

“I was telling my neighbor that my schedule’s been so busy,” Your Weather Today’s Tesch said. “And she asked me, ‘Is it really that hard to figure out which camera to look at?’”

Given the amount of moving around between -- and often within -- segments, Tesch said, yes, it is that hard: “One of the hardest things is keeping track not only of the weather, but where we’re supposed to move to.”

That spaciousness has been a blessing, Goodloe said, adding, “There’s so much more room to work with and walk around in after being limited to a small box. It gives us the opportunity to create new shots.”

It also presents basic logistical challenges, Cantore said. “Some of these new monitors on stands don’t have the easiest rollers,” he added. “Watching the floor directors struggling to move them in time for the next shot, you want to go down there and help.”

And while all four anchors are thrilled at the prospect of showing dramatic images of hurricanes and tornadoes in stunning clarity, they acknowledged some apprehension about the cosmetic challenges of going HD. “It’s scary,” Cantore said. “I don’t exactly have Jessica Alba’s skin.”

“We’ve invested $30,000 on the latest plastic surgery,” Goodloe joked.

“I have four cats and a dog, so I always have a bit of animal hair on me,” Tesch said. “Before it wasn’t a problem, but now I’m going to have to keep a lint-roller nearby.”

To see behind-the-scenes video of the rehearsals, click here.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6565762.html

Will TWC be hd 24/7???

XBR11 · 05-31-08, 05:17 PM

It'd be nice if Comcast had plans to show the Weather Channel HD but they don't show it in their channel lineup. According to TWC, they should go live on Monday June 2,

Marcus Carr · 05-31-08, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBR11

It'd be nice if Comcast had plans to show the Weather Channel HD but they don't show it in their channel lineup.

Comcast has an agreement to carry it, but as usual it may take a while for them to add it.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4741578&EDATE=

stunnerstorm · 05-31-08, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerfan33

Will TWC be hd 24/7???

not at first, From 7-10am (Your weather Today) and again from 9pm-3am (Evening Edition) will be in HD starting Monday. The rest of the programming will be added to the HD lineup over the next few months

dcowboy7 · 05-31-08, 08:39 PM

so no stephanie abrams in HD....im surprised cause they make a big deal out of that show but then do have it in HD.

geoff2 · 06-01-08, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBR11

It'd be nice if Comcast had plans to show the Weather Channel HD but they don't show it in their channel lineup. According to TWC, they should go live on Monday June 2,

I presume you mean your local Comcast franchise, because here just outside Boston, we've had TWC in HD on Comcast for the past few weeks at least.

Marcus Carr · 06-01-08, 11:59 PM

Weather Channel HD gears for launch

Posted by Jeffrey Nukom on May 29th, 2008

The Weather Channel, after a $60 million upgrade and rehearsals this month from the four-story-high studio, will launch its first native HD shows on June 2. “Your Weather Today,” and “Evening Edition” will be shown on opening day, along with taped HD programs including “When Weather Changed History” and “Forecast Earth.”

The Weather Channel HD has reportedly reached agreements with top programming distributors including Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network, and Time Warner Cable. It seems the channel is gearing up for potential purchase. News Corp. or NBC Universal have been mentioned by analysts. CBS Corp., which just acquired CNET for $1.8 million may no longer be in the bidding.

The new studio which began construction eighteen months ago will vary from traditional studio technologies which include green and blue screening. Instead, news anchors will stand in front of a $400,000 high-definition screen.

The Weather Channel HD expects to have its full 24-hour programming schedule in native HD by the end of 2008.

http://www.hd-report.com/2008/05/29/...rs-for-launch/

Marcus Carr · 06-02-08, 12:05 AM

Weather Channel to debut high-definition studio

Starting June 2, viewers with the right equipment can watch upgraded offering

By KRISTI E. SWARTZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/25/08

Weather Channel executive Ray Ban can't stop talking about the network's new high-definition studio.

To get across the vivid experience viewers will have starting next month, he describes a horrific picture of a hurricane slamming into the Gulf Coast. High-definition video will capture the sharp contrast between light and dark sky, which would serve as the backdrop for crashing waves, says Ban, who seems poised to fly out of his chair.

The scene would be akin to an IMAX movie, only this would be live.

"Now, tell me that isn't cool," said Ban, the executive vice president of programming and meteorology.

Ban is so enamored with the Weather Channel's transformation to HD, he considers it a complete relaunch of the network. It took 18 months and $60 million to build the 5,000-square-foot studio, infrastructure and other improvements. The $400,000 HD screen is as wide as a tennis court and can bring up radar, maps and graphics at the touch of a finger.

It may seem like a strange time to make a big investment, considering the Weather Channel's owner, Norfolk, Va.-based Landmark Communications, put the station on the auction block in January. Company executives have remained quiet about potential buyers, though analysts have tossed around names such as News Corp. and NBC Universal. The network wants $5 billion, but analysts say it's likely to get half that.

A Landmark executive declined to comment on the status of the sale.

Adding an HD feed should make the network more valuable, said Alan Breznick, an analyst at Heavy Reading, a technology and media research firm in the Washington, D.C., area. It's also more expensive to produce a show in HD.

"They are taking on the major expense of doing it now," Breznick said. "It's like fixing up the kitchen before selling the house."

The crisp, clear screen has also been known to drive up ratings.

"Every network recognizes that if they have an HD version of that channel, they are going to have higher ratings for that channel," said John Mansell, a senior analyst with Kagan Research LLC. "Higher ratings translates to higher ad revenue," as well as the potential to charge cable and satellite operators a higher fee to carry the station.

"If you don't go HD, you're basically left at the starting blocks," said Bruce Leichtman, president of Durham, N.H.-based Leichtman Research Group. "There are so many other networks that are already there, if you're not there, you're conspicuously absent."

Ready for rollout

Right now, like at a lot of other TV stations, Weather Channel meteorologists stand in front of a chroma, or "green," screen. It's actually blank, requiring forecasters to look at an off-camera screen and gesture as if the map is behind them.

But that old technology is about to disappear.

On June 2 at 7 a.m., viewers can catch a glimpse of the new project, which includes posh workstations for the anchors. Weather Channel's morning program, "Your Weather Today," goes live in HD for the first time, followed by "Evening Edition" at 9 p.m. Some of the network's taped programs, such as "When Weather Changed History," "Epic Conditions" and "Forecast Earth," are already shown in HD.

"High definition is become more and more the norm: The networks have gone that way, the sports networks have gone that way already, the movie networks have already gone that way," Breznick said. "I am surprised that the Weather Channel hasn't already done that."

Just because the Weather Channel is offering an HD channel doesn't mean that everyone will get to see the new studio in HD. Viewers need a souped-up television set that has an HD tuner and either satellite TV or a digital cable package.

Comcast customers in metro Atlanta may not be able to view the network in HD on June 2.

The cable provider recently signed an HD contract with the Weather Channel and is "currently reviewing rollout plans," said Gene Shatlock, regional senior vice president for the Comcast Atlanta Region.

Never too prepared

The station's anchors were rehearsing in the 5,000-square-foot studio last week to become accustomed to their new digs — which include computers embedded in their desks, nine cameras and a circle-shaped console that can rotate nearly 360 degrees. The anchors must figure out directions such as where to stand and which camera to look at all over again.

The mod-looking, shiny metal workstation and all of the new cameras and screens can take some getting used to. The producers, technical directors and other staffers continue to make changes in the weeks leading up to when they go live. For example, the horizontal runway strip where the meteorologists stand used to be made of white tile, which Ban said had a glare that washed out the crispness of the large HD screen. So they had to redo it in black.

"That's why you rehearse, and you do the drill," Ban said. "There's nothing like doing it for real."

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/...ther_0525.html

davcole · 06-02-08, 07:06 AM

Well it's definitely HD now and the studio is beautiful!!

mp3trojan · 06-02-08, 07:11 AM

HD in the field too...Jim Cantore live from the beach looked great as well.

Gojhawks · 06-02-08, 07:18 AM

The channel was added to local cable this morning (Sunflower). Looks pretty impressive. Seeing the radar on my 50" screen is cool. The studio looks amazing. I remember when the Weather Channel was my default channel when there was nothing else to watch. It just might happen again.

dcowboy7 · 06-02-08, 11:32 AM

like they said....j.lo isnt in HD.

stunnerstorm · 06-02-08, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

like they said....j.lo isnt in HD.

Yea, I'd like to see her in HD.........and much less

DFul4d · 06-02-08, 01:10 PM

Tune in tonight at 9 PM EST to see the next broadcast from the new HD Studio. Over the next several months, TWC will be migrating its entire lineup to HD. So, if you have a favorite meteorologist, you will be able to see them in HD soon. If you have any questions on specifics, I will do my best to answer them.

dcowboy7 · 06-02-08, 02:17 PM

wonder why its HD at 2:00am et....yet at 8:00pm et primetime its not...isnt that strange ?

bdraw · 06-02-08, 03:05 PM

Can anyone post a screen shot?

XBR11 · 06-02-08, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFul4d

If you have any questions on specifics, I will do my best to answer them.

So when will Comcast in Atlanta carry this new HD channel?

I just called up Comcast customer service line and asked this question and they said that TWC is still launching it, and after they launch it, then Comcast will start to think of adding it. Now I know that I asked the wrong people this question, so I don't trust the answer much, but it isn't listed on their HD programming website either. So I don't think Comcast will carry it for a while.

stunnerstorm · 06-02-08, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdraw

Can anyone post a screen shot?

Just click the link below. You'll see what it looks like:

http://www.weather.com/tv/studio/ind...m=secondarynav

A_Dude · 06-02-08, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

wonder why its HD at 2:00am et....yet at 8:00pm et primetime its not...isnt that strange ?

The morning show that is in HD, from 7am ET to 10am ET is 4am to 7am on the West Coast - in other words, mostly before anyone is up and watching HD TV.

The evening show that will be in HD, from 9pm ET to 3am ET is 6pm to midnight on the West Coast - in other words, right during the time that people there might be watching The Weather Channel in HD.

So, for the initial rollout, there is one show convenient for one coast and one more convenient for the other coast.

Also, dates are highly dependent on logistics like certain parts being on backorder, etc.

But, one would think it likely that "Abrams & Bettes" primetime on the East Coast show would be the next to premier in HD.

05-29-08, 03:05 PM	#151 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
Rutgerskid Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 73	The new graphics package looks amazing!! http://youtube.com/watch?v=5wRnBZYXko8

05-31-08, 03:56 PM	#159 \| Link
fredfa AVS moderator AVS GOLD CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tarpon Springs FL 34688 Posts: 45,641	HDTV Notes Weather Anchors Ready for HD Closeup The Weather Channel to Cut Ribbon on HD Facility Monday By Joel Topcik, Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2008 While Landmark Communications’ imminent sale of The Weather Channel has yet to come into focus, things at the 24-hour cable network will be a lot clearer come June 2, when it cuts the ribbon on its new 12,500-square-foot HD facility. Starting Monday, Your Weather Today and Evening Edition will be broadcast in 1080-line-interlace HD from a new four-story, 5,000-square-foot studio, the centerpiece of which is a 40-foot-long rear-projection display wall. “That is a monster wall,” said on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore, who spoke with B&C about the challenges of adjusting to the new studio. “There’s going to be some times when Cantore’s pointing to Alabama and he really means to be pointing to North Carolina.” Cantore and his colleagues Paul Goodloe, Heather Tesch and Marshall Seese have been breaking in the new space for the past several weeks, rehearsing for several hours each day on top of their live broadcasts. “I was telling my neighbor that my schedule’s been so busy,” Your Weather Today’s Tesch said. “And she asked me, ‘Is it really that hard to figure out which camera to look at?’” Given the amount of moving around between -- and often within -- segments, Tesch said, yes, it is that hard: “One of the hardest things is keeping track not only of the weather, but where we’re supposed to move to.” That spaciousness has been a blessing, Goodloe said, adding, “There’s so much more room to work with and walk around in after being limited to a small box. It gives us the opportunity to create new shots.” It also presents basic logistical challenges, Cantore said. “Some of these new monitors on stands don’t have the easiest rollers,” he added. “Watching the floor directors struggling to move them in time for the next shot, you want to go down there and help.” And while all four anchors are thrilled at the prospect of showing dramatic images of hurricanes and tornadoes in stunning clarity, they acknowledged some apprehension about the cosmetic challenges of going HD. “It’s scary,” Cantore said. “I don’t exactly have Jessica Alba’s skin.” “We’ve invested $30,000 on the latest plastic surgery,” Goodloe joked. “I have four cats and a dog, so I always have a bit of animal hair on me,” Tesch said. “Before it wasn’t a problem, but now I’m going to have to keep a lint-roller nearby.” To see behind-the-scenes video of the rehearsals, click here. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6565762.html __________________ The Latest TV News, Comments, Reviews and Ratings

05-31-08, 04:05 PM	#160 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
acs12798 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Troy, NY Posts: 129	Since so many channels screw with the guide, I thought I would note that in Albany, the TWC cable guide is properly showing the shows that should be in HD on Monday.

05-31-08, 05:17 PM	#163 \| Link
XBR11 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 99	Comcast to carry or not? It'd be nice if Comcast had plans to show the Weather Channel HD but they don't show it in their channel lineup. According to TWC, they should go live on Monday June 2,

06-01-08, 11:59 PM	#168 \| Link
Marcus Carr HDTVangelist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baltimore City Posts: 6,756	Weather Channel HD gears for launch Posted by Jeffrey Nukom on May 29th, 2008 The Weather Channel, after a $60 million upgrade and rehearsals this month from the four-story-high studio, will launch its first native HD shows on June 2. “Your Weather Today,” and “Evening Edition” will be shown on opening day, along with taped HD programs including “When Weather Changed History” and “Forecast Earth.” The Weather Channel HD has reportedly reached agreements with top programming distributors including Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network, and Time Warner Cable. It seems the channel is gearing up for potential purchase. News Corp. or NBC Universal have been mentioned by analysts. CBS Corp., which just acquired CNET for $1.8 million may no longer be in the bidding. The new studio which began construction eighteen months ago will vary from traditional studio technologies which include green and blue screening. Instead, news anchors will stand in front of a $400,000 high-definition screen. The Weather Channel HD expects to have its full 24-hour programming schedule in native HD by the end of 2008. http://www.hd-report.com/2008/05/29/...rs-for-launch/ __________________ YOU ARE READING AVS FORUM

05-30-08, 08:49 AM	#156 \| Link
f300v10 Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 921	The latest data I can find shows 4 shows going HD in June, 2 more in July, 3 in August, 1 in September and 3 more in early October. The plan has always been during Q3, not the start of Q3, and the press release does not say the start of Q3, just Q3. Technically early October is early Q4, so the Q3 statement in the press release is a little off.

05-30-08, 07:02 PM	#157 \| Link
Aliens To Serve Man Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,010	They have the HD sidebars up in prep for Monday. Just a couple of days until Heather in HD.

05-31-08, 12:37 AM	#158 \| Link
Number_6 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 319	While I guess having TWC in HD is better than non-HD, I'd like it more if the CONTENT on TWC was as good as it was 20 years ago. Back then, TWC had real-time local weather conditions at the bottom of the screen, all the time (even during commercials). And they ran local weather forecasts and local radar much more often than they do now. It was actually an informative channel back then, without all the fluff and irrelevant national garbage they have now. If TWC actually tried to deliver weather information in a concise and efficient way, you could find out everything you needed to know about your local weather and local conditions in 20 seconds of viewing. Today's TWC is carefully designed so you are forced to watch 10 minutes of filler before getting to the information you want or need. It's progress!

05-31-08, 08:39 PM	#166 \| Link
dcowboy7 AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pequannock, NJ Posts: 2,599	so no stephanie abrams in HD....im surprised cause they make a big deal out of that show but then do have it in HD.

06-02-08, 12:05 AM	#169 \| Link
Marcus Carr HDTVangelist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baltimore City Posts: 6,756	Weather Channel to debut high-definition studio Starting June 2, viewers with the right equipment can watch upgraded offering By KRISTI E. SWARTZ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 05/25/08 Weather Channel executive Ray Ban can't stop talking about the network's new high-definition studio. To get across the vivid experience viewers will have starting next month, he describes a horrific picture of a hurricane slamming into the Gulf Coast. High-definition video will capture the sharp contrast between light and dark sky, which would serve as the backdrop for crashing waves, says Ban, who seems poised to fly out of his chair. The scene would be akin to an IMAX movie, only this would be live. "Now, tell me that isn't cool," said Ban, the executive vice president of programming and meteorology. Ban is so enamored with the Weather Channel's transformation to HD, he considers it a complete relaunch of the network. It took 18 months and $60 million to build the 5,000-square-foot studio, infrastructure and other improvements. The $400,000 HD screen is as wide as a tennis court and can bring up radar, maps and graphics at the touch of a finger. It may seem like a strange time to make a big investment, considering the Weather Channel's owner, Norfolk, Va.-based Landmark Communications, put the station on the auction block in January. Company executives have remained quiet about potential buyers, though analysts have tossed around names such as News Corp. and NBC Universal. The network wants $5 billion, but analysts say it's likely to get half that. A Landmark executive declined to comment on the status of the sale. Adding an HD feed should make the network more valuable, said Alan Breznick, an analyst at Heavy Reading, a technology and media research firm in the Washington, D.C., area. It's also more expensive to produce a show in HD. "They are taking on the major expense of doing it now," Breznick said. "It's like fixing up the kitchen before selling the house." The crisp, clear screen has also been known to drive up ratings. "Every network recognizes that if they have an HD version of that channel, they are going to have higher ratings for that channel," said John Mansell, a senior analyst with Kagan Research LLC. "Higher ratings translates to higher ad revenue," as well as the potential to charge cable and satellite operators a higher fee to carry the station. "If you don't go HD, you're basically left at the starting blocks," said Bruce Leichtman, president of Durham, N.H.-based Leichtman Research Group. "There are so many other networks that are already there, if you're not there, you're conspicuously absent." Ready for rollout Right now, like at a lot of other TV stations, Weather Channel meteorologists stand in front of a chroma, or "green," screen. It's actually blank, requiring forecasters to look at an off-camera screen and gesture as if the map is behind them. But that old technology is about to disappear. On June 2 at 7 a.m., viewers can catch a glimpse of the new project, which includes posh workstations for the anchors. Weather Channel's morning program, "Your Weather Today," goes live in HD for the first time, followed by "Evening Edition" at 9 p.m. Some of the network's taped programs, such as "When Weather Changed History," "Epic Conditions" and "Forecast Earth," are already shown in HD. "High definition is become more and more the norm: The networks have gone that way, the sports networks have gone that way already, the movie networks have already gone that way," Breznick said. "I am surprised that the Weather Channel hasn't already done that." Just because the Weather Channel is offering an HD channel doesn't mean that everyone will get to see the new studio in HD. Viewers need a souped-up television set that has an HD tuner and either satellite TV or a digital cable package. Comcast customers in metro Atlanta may not be able to view the network in HD on June 2. The cable provider recently signed an HD contract with the Weather Channel and is "currently reviewing rollout plans," said Gene Shatlock, regional senior vice president for the Comcast Atlanta Region. Never too prepared The station's anchors were rehearsing in the 5,000-square-foot studio last week to become accustomed to their new digs — which include computers embedded in their desks, nine cameras and a circle-shaped console that can rotate nearly 360 degrees. The anchors must figure out directions such as where to stand and which camera to look at all over again. The mod-looking, shiny metal workstation and all of the new cameras and screens can take some getting used to. The producers, technical directors and other staffers continue to make changes in the weeks leading up to when they go live. For example, the horizontal runway strip where the meteorologists stand used to be made of white tile, which Ban said had a glare that washed out the crispness of the large HD screen. So they had to redo it in black. "That's why you rehearse, and you do the drill," Ban said. "There's nothing like doing it for real." http://www.ajc.com/business/content/...ther_0525.html __________________ YOU ARE READING AVS FORUM

06-02-08, 07:06 AM	#170 \| Link
davcole Advanced Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 771 Classified Rating: 100% (3)	Well it's definitely HD now and the studio is beautiful!!

06-02-08, 07:11 AM	#171 \| Link
mp3trojan AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: On the eastern fringe of the Dallas DMA Posts: 1,083	HD in the field too...Jim Cantore live from the beach looked great as well. __________________ HDTV since 9/9/2001...The Sunday before. D* since '95. A digital radio transition can't come soon enough. Hopefuly the FCC will agree/ http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitalradio.html

06-02-08, 07:18 AM	#172 \| Link
Gojhawks Advanced Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 577	The channel was added to local cable this morning (Sunflower). Looks pretty impressive. Seeing the radar on my 50" screen is cool. The studio looks amazing. I remember when the Weather Channel was my default channel when there was nothing else to watch. It just might happen again. __________________ "There's gotta be some way to hook it up, it's the freakin' future" - Eric Cartman

06-02-08, 11:32 AM	#173 \| Link
dcowboy7 AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pequannock, NJ Posts: 2,599	like they said....j.lo isnt in HD.

06-02-08, 01:10 PM	#175 \| Link
DFul4d Captain Kuro Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,063	Tune in tonight at 9 PM EST to see the next broadcast from the new HD Studio. Over the next several months, TWC will be migrating its entire lineup to HD. So, if you have a favorite meteorologist, you will be able to see them in HD soon. If you have any questions on specifics, I will do my best to answer them.

06-02-08, 02:17 PM	#176 \| Link
dcowboy7 AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pequannock, NJ Posts: 2,599	wonder why its HD at 2:00am et....yet at 8:00pm et primetime its not...isnt that strange ?

06-02-08, 03:05 PM	#177 \| Link
bdraw AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tampa FL 33602 Posts: 2,332	Can anyone post a screen shot? __________________ Ben How good could it be if it isn't HD? Engadget HD