Connecticut’s WB 20 WTXX Launches “THE TUBE” Music Network Free Over-the-Air On Digital Channel 20.2
June 16, 2006
HARTFORD — THE TUBE, the first 24-hour music network to be distributed using a new broadcast technology known as digital multicasting, launches today on WB 20, digital multicast Channel 20.2.
WB 20's application of this new technology will enable its viewers to receive THE TUBE free, over-the-air on television sets equipped with digital tuners.
"We're proud to be able to bring THE TUBE Music Network to Connecticut," said Vice President/General Manager of WB 20, Rich Graziano. "We're excited with the technological developments being made by Tribune Broadcasting."
WB 20 is one of 22 Tribune stations slated to broadcast THE TUBE, following a distribution agreement inked in March 2006 which secured penetration in 71 of the top 100 markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston.
THE TUBE features a bold play list comprised of major and Independent label videos, as well as exclusive performance clips. In a vast departure from the way music has traditionally been presented on television, classic performances from legendary artists are featured alongside just-released videos by current artists.
Live and conceptual clips from Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, U2, Prince, Rod Stewart and The Eagles are mixed with videos from today's best-selling acts like Norah Jones, James Blunt, Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson and Coldplay. There are no reality shows, award shows or game shows on THE TUBE, instead viewers get at least 50 minutes of music videos an hour.
THE TUBE Music Network is spearheaded by Les Garland, one of the creative forces who helped develop the music television genre in the 1980's, serving as co-founder/originator of both MTV: Music Television and VH-1. In the 90's, Garland played an essential role in the domestic and international launch of the interactive music channel, The Box, acting as senior executive vice president.
Les Garland, President & CEO, The Tube Music Network commented, "THE TUBE on WB 20 WTXX in Hartford is a major launch for music fans in the New England area and the rollout of THE TUBE takes music on television to a new level." Garland added, "In the past few weeks, we have launched THE TUBE in New York, LA, Philadelphia, San Diego, among others and our national rollout continues. Since THE TUBE started signal testing in the Hartford area, viewer response has been phenomenal. As one viewer from the Hartford area wrote: 'Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. WOW, what a change, a refreshing insight into the viewer's psyche. Music videos and only music videos. Thank You.'"
The free broadcast of THE TUBE Music Network is achieved via Multicasting, which allows WB 20 WTTX to distribute a secondary signal within the primary signal's digital bandwidth. Anyone with a digital tuner can receive THE TUBE 24-hours a day, free over-the-air on channel 20.2. By mid-summer, THE TUBE is expected to be available on cable systems throughout the Hartford area.
Anyone wishing to view the "look" of THE TUBE Music Network can access a sampling at http://www.thetubetv.com/reel.html.
******* Connecticut's WB 20, WTXX is currently an affiliate of the WB network. This fall WTXX will become the Connecticut affiliate of the new The CW Network. WB 20 is a Tribune Broadcasting station.
Tribune Broadcasting owns and operates 26 television stations concentrated in major markets and Superstation WGN on national cable. The group's combined reach is more than 80 percent of U.S. television households. Investment interests include Comcast SportsNet Chicago (25% owned), The WB Television Network (22%) and TV Food Network (31%). Los Angeles-based Tribune Entertainment develops and distributes first-run television programming for the Tribune station group and for national syndication. Tribune Broadcasting also owns and operates Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
June 16, 2006
HARTFORD — THE TUBE, the first 24-hour music network to be distributed using a new broadcast technology known as digital multicasting, launches today on WB 20, digital multicast Channel 20.2.
WB 20's application of this new technology will enable its viewers to receive THE TUBE free, over-the-air on television sets equipped with digital tuners.
"We're proud to be able to bring THE TUBE Music Network to Connecticut," said Vice President/General Manager of WB 20, Rich Graziano. "We're excited with the technological developments being made by Tribune Broadcasting."
WB 20 is one of 22 Tribune stations slated to broadcast THE TUBE, following a distribution agreement inked in March 2006 which secured penetration in 71 of the top 100 markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston.
THE TUBE features a bold play list comprised of major and Independent label videos, as well as exclusive performance clips. In a vast departure from the way music has traditionally been presented on television, classic performances from legendary artists are featured alongside just-released videos by current artists.
Live and conceptual clips from Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, U2, Prince, Rod Stewart and The Eagles are mixed with videos from today's best-selling acts like Norah Jones, James Blunt, Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson and Coldplay. There are no reality shows, award shows or game shows on THE TUBE, instead viewers get at least 50 minutes of music videos an hour.
THE TUBE Music Network is spearheaded by Les Garland, one of the creative forces who helped develop the music television genre in the 1980's, serving as co-founder/originator of both MTV: Music Television and VH-1. In the 90's, Garland played an essential role in the domestic and international launch of the interactive music channel, The Box, acting as senior executive vice president.
Les Garland, President & CEO, The Tube Music Network commented, "THE TUBE on WB 20 WTXX in Hartford is a major launch for music fans in the New England area and the rollout of THE TUBE takes music on television to a new level." Garland added, "In the past few weeks, we have launched THE TUBE in New York, LA, Philadelphia, San Diego, among others and our national rollout continues. Since THE TUBE started signal testing in the Hartford area, viewer response has been phenomenal. As one viewer from the Hartford area wrote: 'Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. WOW, what a change, a refreshing insight into the viewer's psyche. Music videos and only music videos. Thank You.'"
The free broadcast of THE TUBE Music Network is achieved via Multicasting, which allows WB 20 WTTX to distribute a secondary signal within the primary signal's digital bandwidth. Anyone with a digital tuner can receive THE TUBE 24-hours a day, free over-the-air on channel 20.2. By mid-summer, THE TUBE is expected to be available on cable systems throughout the Hartford area.
Anyone wishing to view the "look" of THE TUBE Music Network can access a sampling at http://www.thetubetv.com/reel.html.
******* Connecticut's WB 20, WTXX is currently an affiliate of the WB network. This fall WTXX will become the Connecticut affiliate of the new The CW Network. WB 20 is a Tribune Broadcasting station.
Tribune Broadcasting owns and operates 26 television stations concentrated in major markets and Superstation WGN on national cable. The group's combined reach is more than 80 percent of U.S. television households. Investment interests include Comcast SportsNet Chicago (25% owned), The WB Television Network (22%) and TV Food Network (31%). Los Angeles-based Tribune Entertainment develops and distributes first-run television programming for the Tribune station group and for national syndication. Tribune Broadcasting also owns and operates Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
