Milwaukee HDTV User Group

Those of us growing up in the Milwaukee area during the 60s and 70s probably have fond members of Albert the Ally Cat from WITI.

This week, Fox 6 anchor Brad Hicks went in search of the famous personality.  Here's a link to the story, but do yourself a favor and watch the video first.  It's rather amusing, and a fresh blast of nostalgia from an earlier, and more whimsical era:

http://fox6now.com/2017/07/24/people-were-just-fascinated-with-a-sock-puppet-where-is-he-whats-he-up-to-in-search-of-albert-the-alley-cat/

Now, here's hoping that Brad can do a follow-up story featuring Jack DuBlon's other alter ego, Dr. Cadaverino.

From the Journal Sentinel:

QuoteThe parent company of Milwaukee TV station WITI-TV (Channel 6) has reached a deal to be acquired by Tribune Co., according to several media reports.

The deal is expected to close by the end of 2013.

There's more to read about the deal from the AP, but it doesn't talk specifically about WITI or Milwaukee.

Scott

Saw this on an onscreen crawl this afternoon.

   Starting Tuesday, August 7, you'll find MeTV on broadcast channel 58.2 and on channel 41 on DirectTV and Dish.  Time Warner Cable, Charter Communication and AT&T will not be affected by this change.

There go our recent hopes of seeming full HD bandwidth on CBS 58.

Scott

Has anyone else experienced problems with their TV Guide listings for the past two or three days?  Until now, everything had been rock steady, but now all the listings only show "No Listing" in the entire program grid.

Saw this posted on the AVS Forum, from an article at TVNewsDaily:

QuoteCunningham One Cause Of Sinclair's Grief
By Price Colman
TVNEWSDAY, Jul 14 2009, 7:03 PM ET[/FONT]

Sinclair Broadcast Group spelled out Tuesday just how close it is to bankruptcy.

It faces debt covenant violations, sagging revenues and cash flow that may make it impossible to service that debt, and what could be contentious negotiations with ABC over its affiliation agreement, which expires at year end.

But the key and most immediate threat is the potential credit default of Cunningham Broadcasting Corp., with which Sinclair has local market agreements (LMAs) encompassing six stations.

That could push Sinclair over the edge as soon as the end of July.

Let's hope that this can get worked out soon.  Milwaukee's HD viewers have been very well-treated by CW18 and My24 over the years.

Scott

Saw this posted by a guy named Kosty on the Hidefdigest forum:

American has a $50 Blu-ray player.  Sure, it's only profile 1.1, but it's $50:

SHERWOOD BDP5003

At that price, its probably worth buying as a seconday or back up player.

Scott

I saw this posted on the AVS Forum and figured that with the advent of 4.3, it would be good to post here.  From Broadcasting and Cable:

   Broadcasters' HD Squeeze Play
Stations weigh picture quality versus multicasting opportunities

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/6/2009 2:00:00 AM EDT

For years, broadcasters have told consumers seeking the best high-definition picture quality to use an antenna to receive signals over-the-air, instead of relying on a cable or satellite operator to deliver the programming.

That's because many multichannel operators have recompressed, or "rate-shaped," broadcasters' HD video to reduce the bandwidth needed to pass along the signal. For example, a cable operator might receive an 18 megabit-per-second HD stream at the headend and recompress it to 15 Mbps before passing it down the pipe. So, receiving the signal directly over-the-air would ensure that the viewer got exactly what the station transmitted.

But increasingly it is local broadcasters, not multichannel operators, that are degrading their hi-def picture quality. The culprit is multicasting, i.e., transmitting digital subchannels alongside the primary HD stream within a station's 19.4 Mbps digital TV pipe. While such subchannels are finally starting to gain traction and generate meaningful revenues (see Station to Station, June 22), many are doing so at the expense of the high-definition images that were the primary impetus for the DTV standard. Engineers and HD aficionados note, with considerable irony, that while there is far more HD content available today, the relative picture quality may not be as good as the first HD broadcasts more than a decade ago.

Multicasting has long been a part of the digital TV system. Most engineers say it is perfectly feasible to simultaneously transmit one high-quality HD stream alongside one or two standard-definition streams, particularly for ABC and Fox affiliates that use the 720-line progressive HD format instead of the more bandwidth-intensive 1080-line interlace format favored by CBS and NBC. But some stations are now broadcasting three subchannels alongside their main HD feed. Others have gone as far as multiplexing two high-definition feeds, along with a third standard-def feed, in their DTV channel.

Encoder vendors may have their own guidelines for how many bits a given picture format should receive to maintain quality. But it is up to individual stations to decide how hard to crank the compression dial.

"Everybody has a particular picture quality in their brain that they think is acceptable," says Matthew Goldman, VP of technology for Tandberg. "It's a gray area. Some customers are adamant: 'It has to be pristine.' Some will say, 'You know what, this is still really good quality, and we need to do this to provide multiple services."

The pressure on picture quality is bound to increase later this year when some stations launch mobile DTV services to be received by cellphones and other portable devices. Engineers estimate these services will consume 3.5 to 6 Mbps of the DTV pipe, due to the robust forward-error-correction technology used in the proposed ATSC-M/H standard. So, stations that want to offer mobile streams will look to minimize their HD bitrate as much as possible.

Live and let live

Perhaps the best example of the current HD squeeze is Live Well HD, a new high-definition, lifestyle-focused subchannel launched by the 10 ABC owned-and-operated stations in late April. ABC O&Os like WABC New York had already been transmitting two 480i standard-def subchannels—generally a local news channel and an AccuWeather channel—alongside their primary 720p HD stream, with no major impact to HD picture quality. But when ABC stations replaced the news channel with Live Well HD and began transmitting it as a second 720p HD program stream at the same time they were broadcasting National Basketball Association playoff games, the primary HD picture suffered significantly.

Viewer complaints flooded into stations as well as enthusiast Websites such as the AV Science Forum, where HD experts accused ABC of destroying its HD picture quality and derided both HD streams as looking no better than widescreen SD.

Since then, ABC engineers have tweaked the compression parameters on their Harris NetVX encoders, devoting more bits to the primary HD channel and reducing the bits that Live Well HD gets. From watching WABC, these changes appear to have eliminated major problems on the primary ABC program stream. But Live Well HD is still subject to frequent compression artifacts. Moreover, many HD purists say ABC's HD primary service is now significantly "softer" than the HD fare from CBS, NBC and Fox.

According to Dave Converse, VP of engineering for the ABC station group, the way the NetVX encoders are now set across the group gives the primary ABC channel an average of 11 Mbps, peaking as high as 14, while Live Well HD averages around 6.5 Mbps. The Local AccuWeather Channel is delivered at an average bitrate of 1.5 Mbps; it is hard-coded at a constant bitrate at some stations and statistically multiplexed with the two HDs at others. Converse believes that setup delivers good picture quality for the primary feed and still gives enough bits to Live Well, whose "talking head"-type material isn't as demanding.

"We have a set of rules, and No. 1 is 'Do no harm to the D-1 channel,'" Converse says. "We think we've accomplished that."

While the ABC-owned stations are the first big-market outlets to multiplex two HDs, a number of small-market stations have already taken the leap. Usually, this involves a Big Four affiliate picking up a secondary affiliation, such as a CBS affiliate adding a CW or MyNetwork TV affiliation that didn't previously exist in the market. These stations have generally multiplexed two 720p streams because doing 1080i streams isn't really feasible, even with the latest MPEG-2 encoders.

Vendors say there are a few examples of a station transmitting both a 1080i and a 720p. One is KXII, Gray Television's station in Sherman, Texas, which has been using Harmonic encoders since 2006 to simultaneously broadcast CBS programming in 1080i, Fox in 720p and MyNetwork TV as a 480i SD stream. The three streams are stat-muxed together, with the 1080i CBS stream typically getting the priority when it comes to bits.

"Sometimes when there's a lot of activity going on, such as sports against sports, you may see a little bit of fighting for bits," says Dennis Kite, KXII co-chief engineer. "But overall, it works out real well during normal programming."

KXII probably doesn't have any room left to transmit mobile DTV programming. But parent Gray, like many other large station groups, is a big believer in mobile DTV's potential. And vendors say they are already fielding inquiries from customers about how they might incorporate ATSC-M/H streams into their existing multiplexes. In that vein, Harmonic's new Electra 8000 encoder already supports ATSC-M/H encoding alongside HD and SD encoding, all within the same box.

How stations will balance HD picture quality versus existing SD subchannels and new services like ATSC-M/H remains to be seen. The answer will likely be decided by whatever attracts the largest number of viewers, many of whom frankly aren't as discerning over picture quality as the HD buffs weighing in on the AV Science Forum.

According to John Mailhot, technology architect for Harris' infrastructure and networking business unit, "The fundamental challenge for a TV broadcaster is, 'I've got a 6 MHz channel—now how do I find a business model that works for me to make money with that channel?'"

I fear that actual broadcast HD is on it's last legs.

Enjoy it while you can.  It was great while it lasted.

Scott

So, I was watching Seinfeld tonight, only paying half attention, and then I realized that it was being shown full screen.

Here's a screen capture:



The image definitely isn't stretched.  This show has been syndicated in HD for a while now.  Perhaps Fox 6 has the ability to broadcast syndicated HD content now?

Scott

I admit it, I listen to talk radio.  One of the stations I'll tune into is WMCS - The Talk of the Town.  Their Morning Magazine show is co-hosted by Joel McNally.  For anyone not familiar with Mr. McNally, he's the pasty-white, former Milwaukee Journal writer, who can often be seen locally on "InterCHANGE".

Anyway, at points during the show, his speech patterns seem to fall into those common among African-Americans.  It's not constant, but it's usually evident when he tries to sound "folksy" or wants to relate to listeners.  Examples are drawing out vowel sounds, dropping the "g" off of "ing" words (workin', playin', etc).

At first, I though I was being overly critical, so I had my wife listen.  She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

So, are we crazy?  Does anyone else here listen to WMCS - The Talk of the Town?  If we're not nuts, why is this tolerated?  Do they think that the audience doesn't know he's a white guy?  Don't they think it's a bit patronizing?

Just curious,

Scott

Well, a new severe weather season is upon us.  Some stations have upgraded their production equipment - others haven't.  Some have upgraded their equipment, but haven't decided to start using it yet, go figure.

Anyway, last night was the first chance we've had this Spring to see how the stations may look for the upcoming months.  I decided to do some screen captures of the big four,  for comparison, and post them here in alphabetical order.

First up:  WDJT



Looks the same as last year.  They've decided drop to SD, squash the picture, and superimpose the graphics.

Tonight's episode of Law and Order:  Criminal Intent has been interrupted to show a Carol Burnett infomercial.  

The guide on their own website shows Law and Order.

Very strange times,

Scott

Unbelievable.

:bang:

The recent abuses by local stations to rob us of our HD programming has gotten me thinking.  Is there any interest by our members to make a pledge to not support these stations when the unnecessarily interrupt HD shows to hype yet another weather non-event?

The stations believe that this increases their ratings.  But does it?  Or does it have the opposite effect?

If I recall, TV ratings do not take HD programs into account yet, but that will soon change.  Will it show different results?

Anyway, I though it might be informative to post an informal poll, to see if there would be any interest in creating an HD Viewer's Weather Pledge.  Please vote if you have a strong feeling.

A rough draft of the pledge:  

   I, a local Milwaukee HDTV viewer and forum member, vow to support the HD programming provided by my local stations.  In return for my viewership, I expect to be treated with respect.  Therefore, when stations decide to interrupt said programming for trivial, non-emergency weather or news stories, I pledge to seek out other entertainment options.  These may include, but are not limited to:  Shows on stations that respect their viewers, pre-recorded materials, other outlets (network websites, Hulu, etc.), cable stations, or waiting for the rerun.

The language is strong, but it makes the case for not standing for mistreatment.  And yes, I realize there is no constitutional right to HDTV, but we purchased the equipment with the expectation that stations would support the format.  Advertisers pay money to showcase their products in the best way possible.  Broadcasters are not holding up their end of the bargain for either circumstance.

Votes and comments are welcome.

Scott

In case you haven't seen the promotions, NBC sill be airing a special 3D trailer for the upcoming movie Monsters Vs. Aliens during the Super Bowl.  On Monday, they'll be showing a special 3D episode of Chuck.

I thought it would be a good idea to list where people have been finding the glasses, since it could save somebody a trip to the store.

I found them tonight at the Piggly Wiggly in Saukville.

Here are a few Q&As:

• Are these the dorky glasses with the color lenses?  Yes, although they seem to be a slightly different shade than the typical red/blue versions.
  
• Do I have to buy something?  No.  These are free, no purchase required.  Just look for the Monsters Vs. Aliens SoBe display.
  
• Can I get more than one pair?  Yes.  They're actually printed four per sheet, and you'll have to cut or tear them apart.
  
• Are they just cheap cardboard glasses?  Yes, with very bright colors.
  
• Will these fit over my regular glasses?  Maybe, it depends on how big they are.
  
• Can I use these on regular TV shows?  Yes, you can use them with all regular programming.  It won't make them appear in 3D, and it may give you a headache, but you can certainly wear them whenever you want.
  
• Will the game be in 3D?  Yes it will, but it will only be shown in 2D on TV.  (The NFL is actually working on a way to present games in 3D, but won't be for years.  Glasses may or may not be required at that time.)

Please don't use this thread to speculate how bad the spot and show will be, how lame the effect might turn out, or how cheaply made the glasses are.  They're free, and you'll be watching the Super Bowl anyway, so no carping allowed.

Scott

Currently, Channel 6 is showing the Rose Bowl Parade in HD, which seems to be the feed from KTLA.

Is this a sign of things to come?

Also, there don't appear to be any commercials or any bugs at the bottom of the screen!  Very nice!

Scott

WTMJ!

Congratulations!  You are the only channel that has decided at this time to switch from HD programming to boxed SD, in anticipation of a snow storm expected to start sometime around midnight tonight.

Thank you so much for this valuable public service.

The Milwaukee viewing area would certainly devolve into a state of unending chaos if it were not for this exemplary display of civic duty.  You have single-handedly saved thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of lives across Southeastern Wisconsin.

Please do not heed the examples of your fellow broadcasters who have somehow dropped the ball on this one and foolishly decided to exhibit some restraint in the face of certain doom.  There is no way to over hype the weather emergency that we are all about to face.

Excelsior!

P.S. If there are any businesses out there looking for free advertising, please contact Channel 4 immediately.  They will be more than happy to let people know that your budgie-sitting service or child-grooming shop will be closed tomorrow.

Scott

Does anyone know why some of the local channels have switched their digital (actual) subchannels from .1 to .3?  For example, WITI's digital signal is now using 33.3 instead of 33.1.  This seems to be the case with the majority of the stations, with only a few still broadcasting on their .1 subchannel.

Not that it makes any difference to the vast majority of viewers.  Tuners have gotten to the point where actual channels are ignored and/or irrelevant, but on my HDHomerun, the changes stick out like a sore thumb.

Scott

This is about tonight's investigative report on Channel 4 by John Mercure about the Endeavor Academy.   The story was about a very serious subject (anyone who has ever had a friend or family member involved with a possible cult will immediately understand).

I have no interest in commenting on the subject matter or what conclusion can be drawn about the investigation.  That's off topic.

What I would like to know is why on earth would you include goofy video effects in a story like this?  While interviewing the pastor, they used flashing lights and a blurring effect.  What's the point of that?  Using such video tricks undermines the credibility of the story.  If you're going to do these kinds of "investigations" you owe it to your viewers to treat the report as a legitimate subject.  What's wrong with letting the subject matter speak for itself?

This kind of silliness gets a big thumbs down from me.

The other aspect that should have been mentioned is how much money is collected, but that wasn't even brought up.

This is a sloppy case of investigative journalism, and reflects poorly on the investigator and the station.

Scott

Watching Magic's Biggest Secrets, it looks like there is some odd encoding error, as can be seen in the screen capture below.



The pixelation in the band I added is readily apparent anytime there's any kind of motion.  Not sure why it so obvious in that particular section.

Since this is also appearing during the local commercials, I'm guessing it's a WCGV problem.

Scott

Withe the digital cutoff quickly approaching, could the :: PROGRAMMING :: section on the main page be updated?  There have been some additions and shuffling with METV and ThisTV that aren't shown yet.  This would be helpful for new visitors just getting into digital TV.

Thanks,

Scott