MPTV-HD Begins Full-Time Broadcasting

[Tom Snyder]

This from Karen Copper at MPTV'

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MPTV-HD Begins Full-Time Broadcasting

   A new episode of the classic PBS series Soundstage will headline
the first day of programming on Milwaukee Public Television's new
full-time high-definition channel, MPTV-HD.  The digital station will
begin carrying high-definition programming 24 hours a day on Thursday,
July 24, at 4 p.m.

   The station's start-date programming will display everything
from gigantic locomotives to red-velvet roses and delicious gourmet
desserts in bright, crisp detail.  Soundstage will feature the Doobie
Brothers performing "Takin' It to the Streets" and other great hits in
high definition clarity.  The first day's schedule includes:

4:00 p.m. TRACKS AHEAD
4:30 p.m.  CHEFS A'FIELD
5:00 p.m.  IT'S AN AGE THING
6:30 p.m.  SMART TRAVELS - EUROPE WITH RUDY MAXA
8:00 p.m.  OUTDOOR WISCONSIN
9:00 p.m.  SOUNDSTAGE  

MPTV-HD is available to viewers with digital TV sets or converters, as
well as  subscribers to Time Warner's digital cable tier. Older
television receivers accept only analog transmissions and, without a
digital converter, will not reproduce high definition signals.

MPTV-HD, whose official call letters are WMVT-DT, is identified as
Channel 36-1 on digital TV sets.  On Time Warner's digital tier, it is
Channel 510.  

Viewers who can receive signals from all the MPTV digital and analog
services will be able to choose from eight different MPTV programs at
any given time.  They include the original stations (Channels 10 and
36), delayed broadcasts of 10 and 36, children's programming, enrichment
and instructional programs, a classical music channel, and the new HD
station.

The Federal Communications Commission gave MPTV permission in June to
operate a full-time HD digital channel.  MPTV's first digital channel,
WMVS-DT, began broadcasting in March, 2000.  

   The new station will feature local series such as Tracks Ahead
and Great Lakes Gardener  as well as MPTV documentaries and specials
produced in high definition, along with a loop of PBS programming
designed for HD viewing.  The loop occasionally includes digital
wide-screen presentations that are not available in high definition.

   "PBS plans to broaden its high definition offerings in the near
future," said Ellis Bromberg, MPTV general manager. "As the technology
advances, we will be able to offer our viewers more and more excellent
material that will take full advantage of HD's superior delivery."

   MPTV built a 1,221-foot digital tower in 1999 and has been
assembling high definition production and post-production facilities
since that time.  The station, a viewer-supported service of Milwaukee
Area Technical College, produces many of its programs in high definition
and has received several awards for its pioneering work in digital
technology and distribution.

###
   For more information, contact Kay Tierney, Publicist, MPTV (414)
297-7512.

[StarvingForHDTV]

Originally posted by Tom Snyder

Viewers who can receive signals from all the MPTV digital and analog
services will be able to choose from eight different MPTV programs at
any given time.  They include the original stations (Channels 10 and
36), delayed broadcasts of 10 and 36, children's programming, enrichment
and instructional programs, a classical music channel, and the new HD
station.
 

  Too bad they decided to stick with the 3 hour delay.  I guess you can't win them all.  I am happy about the new station though.  It should make PBS HD viewing much more reliable for us OTA folks.

Starving