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UPN 20 in Houston, and the WB

531 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by 1starmovet, May 22, 2002

hookem

Discussion Starter · May 2, 2002

While working on a story related to the May 1 deadline for TV stations to begin broadcasting digital signals I called UPN and the WB general managers to inquire about their digital transmitters, and lo and behold, UPN 20 has been up and running since April 29. I didn't believe it when I spoke to D'Artagnan Babel at FOX/UPN, but by golly, when I got home and pointed my tuner to 19-1 last night there was Enterprise, looking damned good even though it was an upconvert. No plans at the station to pass any HD through at this time, unfortunately. I don't know if/when TWC plans to add it to their line-up, if at all.

As for WB 39, they have had some problems, but the GM expects to have the new transmitter running in 60 to 90 days (the new tower and transmitter line have already been installed). He said the network is contemplating adding one HD show in the fall to the network's line-up (Angel, perhaps, which is already in widescreen?)

Anyway, that's all.

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ADebar

· #2 · May 2, 2002

wow thanks for the update. UPN being digital will certainly help the quality on those rockets broadcasts, but who watches that team anyway? do you know if KNWS is commercially owned?

update: called KNWS. they filed for an extension and plan to start rolling digital out this november. i'll take that. i look forward to seeing the astros on the digital feed next season. although it wont be HD, it will look WAY better than that terrible SD feed from KNWS.

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feldon23

· #3 · May 2, 2002

Hopefully UPN 20 will take after UPN 50 WKBD Detroit.

See my website for snapshots under "Locals" (going to relabel this button WKBD soon).

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JKohn

· #4 · May 2, 2002

Quote:

Hopefully UPN 20 will take after UPN 50 WKBD Detroit.

I'm not counting on it. My understanding is that the Houston UPN affiliate had been purchased by KRIV (or was it FOX), and any plans for actual HD died when that happened.

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JKohn

· #5 · May 2, 2002

Quote:

He said the network is contemplating adding one HD show in the fall to the network's line-up (Angel, perhaps, which is already in widescreen?)

That would be awesome if it actually happens.

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hookem

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 2, 2002

It seemed to be a 50:50 proposition, John. It would be one way of separating themselves from UPN, at least.

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BobJ

· #7 · May 3, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by JKohn
I'm not counting on it. My understanding is that the Houston UPN affiliate had been purchased by KRIV (or was it FOX), and any plans for actual HD died when that happened.

Apparently not. Their signal is 1080i (upconverted), and they tell me there will be an occasional (monthly or so) 1080i movie broadcast. They also *might* be broadcasting a "Crocodile Hunter" episode in 1080i next week.

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avguygeorge

· #8 · May 3, 2002

In LA,here the only difference in UPN reg or digital, is, I get digital audio. The picture sucks; or is that blows? Geo

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1starmovet

· #9 · May 22, 2002

I'm really itching to get some HD feeds. I have reg sat right now but I am adding up the cost to get a decoder and a new oval dish, then there's this sat c kit not to mention if I went with the DTC-100 which I like, I have to get the converter...geesh....so, I'm thinking digital cable will be a smarter more cost effective solution. True? I'd just like to have HBOalong with the locals....BTW, are they any fights in HD? Just looking to show this stuff off over the weekend to family. Any suggestions? Go for it or what? I hate the 50 buck install though. Oh well, still cheaper and cost effective with cable. I'm just worried about compression and from what i hear, DirectTV is still quite a bit better. Thanks for helping with this buying decision and thanks for those awesome pics that makes me wnat this even more!

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