TV Worth Blogging
by David Thiel, Program Director for WILL-TV
An insider's view of public television programming and the issues that help determine what and how you watch
Update: Cable, Satellite and Program Guide Issues
Over the last few days, we have been deluged with calls and e-mails regarding a variety of problems related to cable, satellite and program guides. We've spent a great deal of time attempting to track down the underlying issues and to contact appropriate staff at these various services.
That’s been more difficult than you might think. One thing that I've learned is that cable companies make it very difficult to reach anyone in charge.
Expand this entry to find our where things stand...
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PBS World (and Create) Now Available 24 Hours A Day!
This morning, WILL-TV took its final step (for now) in its digital multicast plans. Effective today, WILL 12.2--which had previously been a standard-definition simulcast of our primary channel--is the new home for PBS World!
We're now able to offer the full slate of World programming, including news, public affairs and documentaries. You can watch favorites such as Charlie Rose or The Newshour at alternate times, or enjoy series such as Tavis Smiley and WorldFocus that we previously couldn't accommodate on a single channel.
Read more on "PBS World (and Create) Now Available 24 Hours A Day!"
Update: Comcast in Bloomington
This morning, we began to receive calls from Comcast cable customers in the Bloomington, IL area who reported that they were no longer able to receive WILL-TV. We've investigated the situation, and here's what we know:
WILL-TV no longer appears on the analog tier of Comcast's service in and around Bloomington/Normal. We are still available to Comcast customers who receive digital service, typically through a set-top box. According to Comcast's own estimate, this change currently affects about 20% of their subscribers, those who have not yet upgraded to digital cable.
To continue to receive WILL-TV, those customers will need to exercise one of two options:
1) Upgrade to digital cable. According to a Comcast spokesperson, they will be offering free installation of set-top boxes, and no additional charge for the first 12 months. Please contact your local Comcast office for more information.
2) Receive our free, over-the-air signal. Our digital broadcast offers crystal-clear HD programs (when available) and three different channels. You may need a digital converter box and/or a better antenna. Read our DTV FAQ for more information.
So, why the change? Read on...
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Public TV Is Tops With Mr. Peabody
The 2009 Peabody Awards for excellence in electronic media were announced on April 1 and PBS programs received seven, more than any other media outlet.
Among the recipients was the long-running Friday night series Washington Week with Gwen Ifill. It was cited as "the political talk show that sets the standard for the genre."
More winners after the jump!
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End Of An Analog Era
WILL-TV will be shutting down its analog transmitter for the final time on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 am. That's about six weeks later than the original national analog TV shut-off date of February 17, but about ten weeks shy of June 12, the new drop-dead date selected by Congress last month.
Of course, we're not going anywhere. WILL will continue to broadcast a digital signal offering high-definition programming and multiple channels.
We believe that the vast majority of our viewers are capable of receiving that signal, but if you are not, you'll need to take action sooner rather than later to guarantee uninterrupted service.
Read more on "End Of An Analog Era"
If You Tried To Tune In Sunday...
All of WILL's stations were knocked off the air from 2:30 pm CDT until approximately 8:45 pm due to a power outage that affected most of the University of Illinois campus. Here at Campbell Hall, about two dozen volunteers and crew assembled for the first night of our March fundraiser waited patiently for the power to resume until we finally sent them home.
If you tried to tune in to WILL-TV (digital 12.1 or analog) yesterday, here's when to catch the shows that you missed:
