Lost Finale NOT Going to be in HD?

[tbuiler]

I actually got a polite response from WISN.  It doesn't really change anything, but at least it shows they're aware of the issue.  Here's what I recieved:

Thank you for your comments regarding WISN-TV's weather coverage during
ABC's "Lost."  When severe weather poses a threat anywhere in our viewing
area, we're committed to providing that information to the public. As you
know, changing weather conditions are unpredictable and can result in
unexpected interruptions to regular programming.

While Channel 12 will always put public safety concerns first, please know
that we're always sensitive to how these interruptions impact the flow of a
program - particularly an HD show.  We're hopeful that new technologies
will eventually allow WISN (and other stations) to display weather alert
information without converting our HD to standard definition

[StarvingForHDTV]

Maybe they could overlay weather warning graphics on the SD commercials if they don't have the equipment to add it to HD content.  

Then we will know that we should tune in to 4-2 for more information, or look out the window if there is not a weather sub-channel for that station.

In the case of an actual tornado warning, which is a dangerous state, they can interrupt the programming to tell us to run for our lives.  Or we can just wait until we hear the local tornado siren outside of our houses.

The National Weather Service has cried wolf too many times for people to be scared of anything short of a tornado on the ground.  Nobody I know will get off their butt and go to the basemant for any other scenario.

[Joseph S]

Where was this "Severe Weather" posing a threat to the viewing area for the HD signal? There wasn't even a Thunderstorm Warning for Milwaukee county, let alone "Severe Weather." That's a cop out.

[Jimboy]

Where was this "Severe Weather" posing a threat to the viewing area for the HD signal? There wasn't even a Thunderstorm Warning for Milwaukee county, let alone "Severe Weather." That's a cop out.

The viewing "area" consists of ten counties. Milwaukee is just one of them.
The HD signal is meant to replicate the analog signal coverage.

[LoadStar]

Where was this "Severe Weather" posing a threat to the viewing area for the HD signal? There wasn't even a Thunderstorm Warning for Milwaukee county, let alone "Severe Weather." That's a cop out.

As mentioned above, there were warnings for Jefferson, Washington, Waukesha, and Walworth counties. I was sitting in my apartment in New Berlin watching some rather wicked storms roll through above my head.

[Joseph S]

Thunderstorm Warnings? Ok. It might rain. Again, where's the "Severe Weather?"

The HD signal is meant to replicate the analog signal coverage.

It doesn't

[LoadStar]

Thunderstorm Warnings? Ok. It might rain. Again, where's the "Severe Weather?"

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 inch (20 mm) or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph (93 km/h). Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

The National Weather Service typically requests that EAS alerts be activated in the case of severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings. When EAS is activated, these alerts are carried by television, radio, and cable operators servicing the affected areas.

In this case, there were storm cells containing severe thunderstorms affecting counties in the broadcast area, as listed above. There was indeed a strong line of storms containing high winds, frequent cloud-to-ground lighting strikes, and heavy rain that traveled west to east during the time when the watches and warnings were issued.

There was not a warning issued for Milwaukee county, because the storms had decreased in intensity by the time they had reached the county, due partially to the buffering effect of Lake Michigan.

[gb4fan92]

While Channel 12 will always put public safety concerns first, please know
that we're always sensitive to how these interruptions impact the flow of a
program - particularly an HD show.  We're hopeful that new technologies
will eventually allow WISN (and other stations) to display weather alert
information without converting our HD to standard definition

We can only hope!!  We must remember that HDTV is still not mainstream yet. We are pioneers and as pioneers we suffer the hardships so that future generations enjoy the fruits of our sufferings.

(Damn I should patent that remark!)

[gb4fan92]

Done! Its now my signature!!

[Joseph S]

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 inch (20 mm) or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph (93 km/h). Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

Then why wasn't this on the screen prior to primetime? The information was out around 1:30pm. There has been a "Hazardous Weather Watch" for most of Wisconsin prior to and still existing at this moment. Why is this not on? If these are so deadly, why don't businesses and schools ever close? Why isn't there a curfew in effect? We all know what a thunderstorm is and it's not something that needs 3 hours (minus commercials in some cases) of an innaccurate and ineffective graphics.

The National Weather Service typically requests that EAS alerts be activated in the case of severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings. When EAS is activated, these alerts are carried by television, radio, and cable operators servicing the affected areas.

Again, Why wasn't it on when the watches and warnings were issued? Why is it on when there are nothing but "watches" in effect? Why isn't it on during actual "severe thunderstorms" outside of primetime programming? Why aren't they on during commercials? Why wasn't it on FOX if it was a requirement? Why hasn't this always been the case?

I've already talked to the NOAA rep and you're also wrong about stations being able to issue watches and warnings. There are local stations that in fact do this and the NOAA is concerned about this fact.

[Milwaukee12]

Done! Its now my signature!!

Love the sig.   :bow:

[mhz40]

clip
While Channel 12 will always put public safety concerns first, please know
that we're always sensitive to how these interruptions impact the flow of a
program - particularly an HD show.  We're hopeful that new technologies
will eventually allow WISN (and other stations) to display weather alert
information without converting our HD to standard definition /clip
 

Somehow the locals have the ability to add a channel 'bug' in the lower right corner of the HD display... simply change the look of it to indicate that a special weather statement is available on your SAP channel.  For a tornado warning, add a small twister... for a sever T storm, add a hail stone or something.

[LoadStar]

Then why wasn't this on the screen prior to primetime? The information was out around 1:30pm. There has been a "Hazardous Weather Watch" for most of Wisconsin prior to and still existing at this moment. Why is this not on? If these are so deadly, why don't businesses and schools ever close? Why isn't there a curfew in effect? We all know what a thunderstorm is and it's not something that needs 3 hours (minus commercials in some cases) of an innaccurate and ineffective graphics.

Again, Why wasn't it on when the watches and warnings were issued? Why is it on when there are nothing but "watches" in effect? Why isn't it on during actual "severe thunderstorms" outside of primetime programming? Why aren't they on during commercials? Why wasn't it on FOX if it was a requirement? Why hasn't this always been the case?

I've already talked to the NOAA rep and you're also wrong about stations being able to issue watches and warnings. There are local stations that in fact do this and the NOAA is concerned about this fact.

1) There is no such thing as a "hazardous weather watch." If you're referring to what's on the NWS page for the area at the moment, that reads "hazardous weather OUTLOOK" and it's a forecast product from the NWS, not a severe weather watch or warning.

2) You have yet to explain what you mean by "innaccurate (sic)... graphics." Your only example of an inaccurate graphic on your webpage is, in fact, very accurate. It indeed shows the watches/warnings that were present between 7:59 p.m. and 8:14 p.m. on Wednesday night.

3) I can't find ANY reference to verify your statement. Everything I read on the internet indicates that all severe weather watches are issued out of the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and all warnings are issued locally by the NWS office in the affected area. I'd like to know your source, please.

Forget it. I'm done. This is a pointless waste of my time. There's no point to me continuing to discuss this, when your side of the argument consists almost entirely of stuff you make up or completely misunderstand, held together by a healthy dose of fallacies and illogical statements.

The sad part is - I'm actually in agreement that they need to find a better way of presenting severe weather alerts, that doesn't affect the aspect ratio or resolution of high definition programming. If you can't even get along with someone on your side, you have less than ZERO hope of convincing anyone at any of the local television stations that you're right.

Enjoy your little rant on your little page in your own little world. I'm done.

[StarvingForHDTV]

Somehow the locals have the ability to add a channel 'bug' in the lower right corner of the HD display... simply change the look of it to indicate that a special weather statement is available on your SAP channel.  For a tornado warning, add a small twister... for a sever T storm, add a hail stone or something.

This would be a good solution for everyone involved.

[Joseph S]

So what's the excuse now???

NOAA has made their announcement and we're outside of primetime programming and there's absolutely nothing on the screen.