Pbs Hd?

[brad1138]

I don't see much if any conversation about this, but anyone have any idea if we might ever see PBS HD?

In the old days, before locals, they broadcast 1 PBS chan to the whole country, couldn't they do that with an HD PBS?

Also I have seen some of the same concerts that were on Voom-Rave on PBS, it would be nice to at least have a small part of the Voom chans content through PBS in HD.

 

[TNGTony]

PBS doesn't want to do this. It would be great, but PBS wants nothing to do with this.

See ya
Tony

 

[Dah-Henny]

Maybe when bandwidth isn't such a big issue we could see each state's version of PBS. Here in NC, UNC pbs OTA has 4 sub channels and 1 HD. PBS national has HD programming 3 hours a day, 8:00pm 'til 11:00pm.

 

[dmag]

In Allentown Pa. Dish doesn't even carry the local PBS station (WLVT). We get the Philadelphia PBS station and two from New jersey.

Of course you can get the local station OTA. In which case you get the main PBS channel plus two sub channels (PBS kids, and PBS Learning Channel), but when the main channel kicks in with the national HD feed at 8pm the Learning Channel goes dark due to bandwidth.

 

[ckgrick]

I'm with you Brad. I get two local PBS stations from Seattle and Tacoma (through DISH) but the signal quality is so poor I watch the PBS national feed almost exclusively. Getting the News Hour at 4PM (without pledge breaks) is great too! The signal is good enough that I change the aspect ratio and pretend it's HD.

PBS doesn't want to compete with the locals I assume, so getting the locals in HD may be our only hope.

 

[kvnfl]

I don't see much if any conversation about this, but anyone have any idea if we might ever see PBS HD?

In the old days, before locals, they broadcast 1 PBS chan to the whole country, couldn't they do that with an HD PBS?

Also I have seen some of the same concerts that were on Voom-Rave on PBS, it would be nice to at least have a small part of the Voom chans content through PBS in HD.

Does your local PBS affiliate show any programming with Dolby Digital 5.1? I get 3 PBS-D stations. All 3 carry 4 sub-channels. Two of the 3 transmit one channel in 1080i with stereo, not HD 5.1. The remaining 3 channels are 480i.

PBS demands that carriers broadcast all 4 channels in order to get the 1080i stereo channel. Somehow DirecTV got PBS to back off this requirement as they carry only two PBS channels - SD and 1080i stereo.

Why can't Dish get the same deal?

 

[Sammy033]

They need better negotiators and/or DirecTV made them a good offer.

 

[markcosenza]

In Chicago, we get our OTA PBS in a great digital HD image. It's a different programming lineup too than the standard PBS station, more in line to take advantage of the HD offerings.

 

[Carl B]

Our local PBS channel, KRMA, s__ks. I'd love to get the national PBS channel in HD so I could see the PBS HD content when it is new and not months old. The local PBS offers little value beyond the tardy presentation of national PBS content. Their digital channel isn't a simulcast, but only shows HD in the evening. During the day they waste our time with the Create channel. They added one sub-channel, but it just adds to the laundry list of local Spanish channels for our visitors from south of the border.

 

[Jim S.]

Maybe when bandwidth isn't such a big issue we could see each state's version of PBS.

Some states don't have statewide PBS programming, at least that I can tell. For example, Scranton PA carries half an hour of weather each day from State College. That's it, unless you count a few programs from Pittsburgh that go national.

 

[FCom911]

PBS doesn't want to do this. It would be great, but PBS wants nothing to do with this.

See ya
Tony

That's pure unadultrated BS. Charlie doesn't want to commit bandwidth. PBS, right now, is FTA.

Contact CPB and PBS, to get the straight story.

 

[Mr Tony]

Hate to tell you this but TNGTony is correct. PBS doesn't want to play. Check the uplink thread a week ago.
edit: here it is
http://www.satelliteguys.us/uplink-...ctivity-report-6-4-2008-1-33pm-3-changes.html
There was some info on that same topic. Heck the national feed for Dish subs who qualify is a day delayed...also DIrecTV doesnt carry it either...so yeah Charlie is playing hardball

and what does PBS being FTA have anything to do with it?

 

[TNGTony]

Thanks Iceberg.

PBS being FTA does not mean that any schmoe can redistribute the signal for a profit without permission!

PBS does not want their national channel used as a replacement for their local member stations. It's just that simple. I used to have the PBS national channel, but PBS sent me a letter telling me that since I live in an area served by WCET (not to mention WPTO, WPTD and WCVN) I am no longer allowed to receive the delayed SD national channel. The letter came FROM PBS, not Dish.

The PBS HD feed is no different.

See ya
Tony

 

[Sammy033]

PBS is somewhat like the networks and local stations take priority. Its a simple fact of old broadcasters that are pre-cable.

 

[Mr Tony]

The only people who qualify for PBS SD right now (the national feed) are markets that do not have a PBS in the market. If a PBS station is in the market (even if it isnt carried) that exempts someone from the Nat'l feed.

There are some oddball situations though. Montana is one. They have a state wide PBS. Montana PBS based in Missoula & Bozeman and is carried on cable across the state and has a bunch of translator stations yet...

These DMA's get Montana PBS
Missoula
Bozeman

These get Nat'l feed
Billings
Great Falls

These don't get any
Helena (Nat'l feed was uplinked but removed)
Glendive (not on Dish yet)

Wyoming is another. They have a statewide PBS in Wyoming yet
Cheyenne gets Nebraska PBS..not WY
Casper Does get Wyoming PBS
the rest of the state is in different DMA's and get only that states PBS

 

[FCom911]

Thanks Iceberg.

PBS being FTA does not mean that any schmoe can redistribute the signal for a profit without permission!

PBS does not want their national channel used as a replacement for their local member stations. It's just that simple. I used to have the PBS national channel, but PBS sent me a letter telling me that since I live in an area served by WCET (not to mention WPTO, WPTD and WCVN) I am no longer allowed to receive the delayed SD national channel. The letter came FROM PBS, not Dish.

The PBS HD feed is no different.

See ya
Tony

That goes without question, Tony. FTA services are granted to all, but as you mentioned, it does not entitle redistribution rights for monetary gain. But with that said, PBS along with the CPB rarely, if ever, throw up road blocks to their services without good reason. After all, such behavior would be the demise of the entire PBS network, concerning DBS distribution.

Local affiliates depend on local viewers for sponsorship which is essential in contributing to operational expenses. This, in itself, is at core of the argument; if local affiliates fail to receive equal HD representation and then fail to survive, in the end, everyone loses; hence, the refusal to facilitate the National PBS-HD feed within a TMA.

Since both DirecTV and Dish are playing this card, I'll be speaking to the IG (Inspector General) of CPB next week to get a clear account of the real issues here, and I'll do my best to keep you abreast of developments as they become available.

 

[TNGTony]

Thanks a million! I look forward to your report!

Tony

 

[FCom911]

DIRECTV to Carry Public Television Stations in HD

DIRECTV, Association of Public Television Stations and PBS Reach Landmark Agreement for Digital Carriage in Local Markets Across the Country Beginning Next Year


APTS News Room
WASHINGTON—December 19, 2007

Public Television stations across the country will soon be available in high definition (HD) to DIRECTV customers through a landmark agreement reached today by DIRECTV, Inc., the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). DIRECTV viewers will have access to other Public Television content as well.

Continuing its unprecedented expansion of HD services, DIRECTV, the industry leader in HD programming, will include the local HD feeds of Public Television stations in its HD rollout plans beginning in 2008. DIRECTV currently offers local HD programming in 68 markets, representing more than 72 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV, APTS and PBS also will work together to develop new video on demand offerings to make available local and national public television programming to DIRECTV's customers anytime they want it. In addition, DIRECTV will carry two national standard-definition channels of Public Television programming, further expanding its commitment to high-quality educational programming.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with APTS and PBS to offer our customers award-winning HD programming from local Public Television stations across the country,” said Chase Carey, president and CEO, DIRECTV, Inc. “This agreement is the result of a cooperative effort that will utilize innovative technology to deliver the highest quality local content to DIRECTV viewers. DIRECTV is committed to offering the best HD programming lineup available, and we are delighted to begin carrying programs of the caliber of The NewsHour, Frontline, NOVA, American Masters, the American Experience and award-winning children’s programming in this visually compelling format.”

APTS President & CEO John Lawson said: “This is a forward-looking, innovative agreement for the digital age. It means the great HD programming from PBS and local Public Television stations will be available to DIRECTV customers in every market where DIRECTV carries any local HD. We will also work together to make available a vast library of on demand content from local Public Television stations across the country. This is a great day for public service media in America.”

“One of our foremost priorities is extending the quality content that PBS offers across the broadest range of platforms,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “We are pleased with this agreement, which enables Public Television stations to provide even better service to viewers in their communities.”

The terms of the deal were unanimously approved by the APTS Board of Trustees yesterday and are pending approval by the PBS Board of Directors. The agreement must be ratified by local Public Television stations.

Information regarding the full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, which includes 87 national HD channels, and details on receiving equipment needed for the new DIRECTV HD services, are available by calling 1-800-DIRECTV or visiting directv.com.

About DIRECTV
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to 16.6 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with 87 national HD channels – more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for seven years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

About APTS
The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) was established to support the continued growth and development of a strong and financially sound noncommercial television service for the American public. As broadcasters make the transition to digital, APTS is working to ensure the federal government continues its commitment to universal public television services and that those services are available across all platforms. For more information, visit Welcome to APTS

About PBS
PBS is a media enterprise that serves 355 public noncommercial television stations and reaches nearly 73 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of digital learning content for pre-K-12 educators and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS’ premier kids’ TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (PBS KIDS), continue to be parents’ and teachers’ most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at PBS , one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

DIRECTV to Carry Public Television Stations in HD


This all will take place in 2008.

 

[Mr Tony]

couple points
A. that's the local PBS stations...so we're back to square one for the folks who don't have HD locals available
B. Does Direct even have a PBS HD up there? I thought they were waiting until later this year when the new satellite launches

 

[Pepper]

Alabama Public Television used to carry the national HD feed on their primary HD channel. Now it's an upconverted simulcast of the SD channel.

I would love to get the national feed, since the local I can get chooses not to distribute it.