Ion Media Networks HD Roll Out

[WPXE ION]

http://www.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=586206

[John L]

Looks like the plan for WPXE-TV, ch. 55 is to go HD in the summer or later part of 2009. All 720p for 55-1 while 55-2 thru 55-4 stay at SD.

Err I should make that WPXE-DT rather than TV, or will they go back to TV after the transition?

-John L.

[WPXE ION]

Here is part of the story:

"Beginning Feb. 16, Ion Television will launch in high definition, providing a fully enhanced HD simulcast.

The announcement was made today by Joseph Koker, president of Ion's television station group."

http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2009/01/27/daily.11/

[ArgMeMatey]

That's good news.  

Hopefully Time Warner will put 55 on QAM in the clear soon!  Any news from them?

[SRW1000]

How can three HD and one SD simulcast possibly look good?

I'm all for expanded programming, but it seems that two simultaneous broadcasts would be pushing the capabilities of MPEG2 HD.

Scott

[Gilbert]

How can three HD and one SD simulcast possibly look good?

I'm all for expanded programming, but it seems that two simultaneous broadcasts would be pushing the capabilities of MPEG2 HD.

Scott

Only 55-1 would be in HD. The other two channels would be offered in HD to cable operators.

[SRW1000]

Only 55-1 would be in HD. The other two channels would be offered in HD to cable operators.

I missed that part, was it in one of the news stories?

Scott

[WPXE ION]

That's good news.  

Hopefully Time Warner will put 55 on QAM in the clear soon!  Any news from them?

Nothing yet.

[WPXE ION]

Testing the upconverted signal today. Haven't seen the sub-channels break up which is good.

If you have 16X9 monitor you should see the side bars in black.

[WPXE ION]

Just got word that we are going to delay the official launch. We will continue to provide the up-converted signal you see now. No date was given to me for the official launch.

[Bluto]

Any update?  I heard some of the other Ion stations have started the switchover....

[WPXE ION]

Atlanta was the first this week to go HD, they will work the kinks out then launch market by market.

Good thing is I am travelling to Atlanta next week, for other purposes, but I will get as much information while down there.

[Bluto]

Thanks for the update!

[Bluto]

Howdy.  Just checking in again - any updates?

[WPXE ION]

Probably 4th quarter for WPXE. Thanks for asking and I will post an update as soon as I know our launch date.