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WSYR-TV Set
- Thread starter cnymike
- Start date
I don't know who designed that set, but I'm pretty sure it's not HD compatible solely because of its age.
I can't remember the exact date WSYR (then WIXT) built that set, but bear with me here. I do remember WUTR (which was a sister of WIXT at the time) received a very similar-looking set sometime either late 1999 or early/mid 2000. IIRC, they went to work on WUTR's set very soon after WIXT's makeover was finished.
So, in a kinda roundabout way, I would say WSYR's current set dates back to 1999 (or maybe even '98)... a time when DTV was certainly being discussed, but I highly doubt that set was built with HD in mind. At this point, the only HD offerings from WSYR are ABC network programming, and they must have recently upgraded the CG that runs their school closings, because that also appears in HD now.
The most recent Syracuse set makeover happened last year at WSTM, and I'm not even sure why they bothered. Their current set doesn't look any better than the old one. If anything, I'd argue that it looks worse... almost too simple for a market this size. But, it could very well be a temporary set, designed to help them get by while something bigger and better is in the works. (Kinda like those plain walls you see over vacant spaces at the mall, when a new tenant is remodeling their storefront.) The only problem... this set has been there for awhile now, so either my theory is wrong, or they're just taking a looooooooong time to finish the project.
No doubt, whoever is first to do local news in HD will have a big advantage in the ratings. People are so eager to see it, even the crappiest station in town (WTVH) would easily pick up some numbers simply by doing news in HD. (At least until everyone else gets on board and the novelty wears off.)
I can't remember the exact date WSYR (then WIXT) built that set, but bear with me here. I do remember WUTR (which was a sister of WIXT at the time) received a very similar-looking set sometime either late 1999 or early/mid 2000. IIRC, they went to work on WUTR's set very soon after WIXT's makeover was finished.
So, in a kinda roundabout way, I would say WSYR's current set dates back to 1999 (or maybe even '98)... a time when DTV was certainly being discussed, but I highly doubt that set was built with HD in mind. At this point, the only HD offerings from WSYR are ABC network programming, and they must have recently upgraded the CG that runs their school closings, because that also appears in HD now.
The most recent Syracuse set makeover happened last year at WSTM, and I'm not even sure why they bothered. Their current set doesn't look any better than the old one. If anything, I'd argue that it looks worse... almost too simple for a market this size. But, it could very well be a temporary set, designed to help them get by while something bigger and better is in the works. (Kinda like those plain walls you see over vacant spaces at the mall, when a new tenant is remodeling their storefront.) The only problem... this set has been there for awhile now, so either my theory is wrong, or they're just taking a looooooooong time to finish the project.
No doubt, whoever is first to do local news in HD will have a big advantage in the ratings. People are so eager to see it, even the crappiest station in town (WTVH) would easily pick up some numbers simply by doing news in HD. (At least until everyone else gets on board and the novelty wears off.)
Thanks for the reply. I figured it was somewhere around that time range.
I think the only reason WSTM got a new set is because they were sold from Raycom to Barrington, and Barrington was at a rush to spend money. The old "UPN 6 the Q" set looked way better then the only set they have now. WTVH's is ugly. As for the first to go HD, I think WSYR will. Probably somewhere around 2010.
I think the only reason WSTM got a new set is because they were sold from Raycom to Barrington, and Barrington was at a rush to spend money. The old "UPN 6 the Q" set looked way better then the only set they have now. WTVH's is ugly. As for the first to go HD, I think WSYR will. Probably somewhere around 2010.
BTW, looks like WUTR still has the ackerley graphics machines. Although I'd say ClearChannel took everything else (except cameras, I saw those at the Heart Run & Walk)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/computerman/2324351115/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/computerman/2324351115/
Yes, anytime WUTR does anything live (rare, but the Heart Run/Walk, the Boilermaker and the Relay for Life are always "definites" each year), they seem to be using the exact same supers they used to run for news almost 10 years ago... what I like to refer to as the "old WIXT graphics package," which is actually still very much in use at WIVT in Binghamton.
You'd think in the 7 years since CC shut down news at WUTR, someone could spend a few hours learning how to work that Chyron and create something new. Actually, I believe last year's Boilermaker graphics looked a little different, but they were still reminiscent of the old style. Then again, they probably figure if they're only doing a live event 3 times a year, it's not worth the time or effort.
As for the set, I hope it's still there. To the best of my knowlege, CC didn't send it elsewhere before they sold the place, not even the news desk. That set was still relatively new when CC shut down the news operation, and it would be nice to see it on the air again. I doubt most people would really even remember it if WUTR came back on the air tomorrow -- most people probably remember the boring old gray set they had for a long time before that (assuming they could ever tear their eyes away from WKTV). Not to mention, if Nexstar ever does revive news... they'll already have to spend megabucks on all sorts of new gear (cameras, editing equipment, etc.) so keeping the old set would save them a lot of money.
But understandably, there are bigger fish to fry right now, like the transition to HD... so I'd guess local news on WUTR is a far way off, if ever. (But I still think their best time to strike would be whenever Bill Worden retires, especially if WKTV brings in a mediocre replacement.)
You'd think in the 7 years since CC shut down news at WUTR, someone could spend a few hours learning how to work that Chyron and create something new. Actually, I believe last year's Boilermaker graphics looked a little different, but they were still reminiscent of the old style. Then again, they probably figure if they're only doing a live event 3 times a year, it's not worth the time or effort.
As for the set, I hope it's still there. To the best of my knowlege, CC didn't send it elsewhere before they sold the place, not even the news desk. That set was still relatively new when CC shut down the news operation, and it would be nice to see it on the air again. I doubt most people would really even remember it if WUTR came back on the air tomorrow -- most people probably remember the boring old gray set they had for a long time before that (assuming they could ever tear their eyes away from WKTV). Not to mention, if Nexstar ever does revive news... they'll already have to spend megabucks on all sorts of new gear (cameras, editing equipment, etc.) so keeping the old set would save them a lot of money.
But understandably, there are bigger fish to fry right now, like the transition to HD... so I'd guess local news on WUTR is a far way off, if ever. (But I still think their best time to strike would be whenever Bill Worden retires, especially if WKTV brings in a mediocre replacement.)
I was in the building the day the WUTR set was axed (and i mean that litterally). There is one relic still around though. The original sign from the wall still exists.
When the set was torn out, one corner was made into a copy room. The rest housed a livingroom type set for "the saturday night live movie" on wpny. Later, I believe, That set became the new "mohawk valley seniors" set. I have no clue now. It's been a long time.
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