Erie TV in the digital age (how I see the possibilities)
Erie-Meadville: In just a matter of a few months, there will be a change in the way most Erie TV viewers who use only an antenna or use it in addition to their cable or satellite service will watch TV. As we all know by now, all full powered TV stations will be shutting off their analog signals on February 17th at 11:59:59. The digital age will change how TV is viewed from the local airwaves whether you have an HDTV set or a converter box for your existing TV. From what I have seen thus far from watching stations out of Youngstown and Pittsburgh, Erie viewers could be in for something special if local stations do their homework and simply ask what viewers want. The possibility of more choices (even for those who rely exclusively on an antenna) is something that most TV viewers would love. I could see WJET TV 24 adding a 24 hour weather channel with live radar you could access anytime you would like to. The region's most powerful doppler should be available 24/7 for those who may not have a computer to access it online. Of course, there are other possible networks out there that are not available on the local airwaves. Until a few months ago, "The CW" was only available to those with cable or satellite. That changed when WSEE TV 35 (DT 16) added it's CW affiliate "WBEP" to a second sub channel on 35-2. A third was added with WICU TV 12 on 35-3 in order to help with that station's digital coverage area which is limited on 52-1. Will a "MyTV" affiliate be added to one of the other local stations sub channels? One network that just went away far too soon was the 24 hour music video channel called "The Tube." I thought it was one with potential since they actually played videos unlike MTV, CMT and VH-1. Maybe a similar idea will come back once digital really gets going. Another network I can occasionally tune in from Pittsburgh's WPXI TV (DT 48) is called "RTN" or the Retro Television Network. It has that feel of "TV Land" in it's early days before adding more reality fluff like the "music" channels I just mentioned. You can find TV classics like "Petticoat Junction", "Get Smart", "Hawaii Five-0", "Kojak", "Magnum P.I." and so on. The addition of "Retromercials" adds the authentic touch to this network. As an Erie TV viewer, what options would you like to see on the expanded airwaves, if any.Readers’ Forum
I’d be happy just to receive more than four channels. I still can’t get Fox or WQLN. As far as I’m concerned, the CW is trash. Wouldn’t mind RTN or a weather channel . . . I ordered a different converter box, and I hope it makes a difference in picking up the signals . . . I sure hope so!!
Troy - July 23, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Well, I get WPXI’s RTN now, and I do agree with you in that it does serve the original purpose of TV Land. TV Land airs so much more recent programming now (if you consider the 1990’s “classic TV”), while Nick at Nite has completely lost touch with its classic TV side in the 2000’s, with them starting to air George Lopez last fall (just after ABC canceled it) and will air Everybody Hates Chris starting next fall. Now if Everybody Hates Chris is still on the CW in the fall of 2009, then there is something seriously wrong with Nick at Nite. Why don’t Nickelodeon just convert it into somewhat of an adult-oriented cartoon block like [adult swim] is to Cartoon Network? It’s already a separate network from Nick for ratings purposes, and [adult swim] has more than had success in the department. Maybe they’re leaving that to corporate sibling Comedy Central. It would be nice if networks stuck to their niche: as much as I don’t like to see World Series of Poker on ESPN it is somewhat of a throwback to their early days when they would show obscure sports.
Joe Gerard (URL) - July 24, 2008 at 08:09 am
I would like to see wsee,wicu & wjet to go HD long before I worry about subchannels running reruns however a weather subchannel would be a very nice local addition. In findley lake I occasionaly can pick up wgrz nbc buffalo and they have a very nice 24/7 weather channel with live radar. Wsee, I’ll trade cw channel for HD before football starts.
Lex - July 30, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Digital TV on PC Works
TV for PC offers a great alternative to regular TV. It have many offers, a new offers is exciting way to view your favorite shows and programs. There is a new way to watch television and it is far more efficient that just watching via your old cable or satellite. Watch over 3000 TV channels on your PC. It is not required in satellite ,cable, subscriptions, monthly fees .It has for only $39.95.
digitaltvonpc.com
Renjith (URL) - October 31, 2008 at 05:42 am