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Present - The Weather Channel 2000 => Local Forecast => Topic started by: TWCToday on June 03, 2010, 08:17:23 PM

Title: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 03, 2010, 08:17:23 PM
Jim Cantore confirmed to me on his twitter account that he did the narrations for the soon to be released HD STAR. I am quite excited to hear what its going to sound like!
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: kswx29 on June 03, 2010, 08:42:18 PM
Jim Cantore confirmed to me on his twitter account that he did the narrations for the soon to be released HD STAR. I am quite excited to hear what its going to sound like!
He needs to do the narrations for the Warning Ticker on the IS. 
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 03, 2010, 09:05:37 PM
That's really awesome! :thrilled: Not that Allan Jackson's are bad, but I think it will be neat to have Jim narrate. :yes:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Mike M on June 03, 2010, 09:14:00 PM
Good, I didn't think Jim was featured on TWC enough...
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: toxictwister00 on June 03, 2010, 09:15:01 PM
I can't wait to view the HD STAR hopefully as soon as this weekend once my HDTV cable is switched out for a SD one since my HDTV is messed up.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Localonthe8s on June 03, 2010, 10:08:22 PM
Great there's narration...
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 03, 2010, 10:26:13 PM
Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 03, 2010, 10:38:12 PM
I can't wait to view the HD STAR hopefully as soon as this weekend once my HDTV cable is switched out for a SD one since my HDTV is messed up.

Um, it's not out yet... :unsure: ;)
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: kswx29 on June 04, 2010, 03:34:54 AM
So why exactly is Jim doing the narration?  I think his voice is more for like, severe weather...not reading the current conditions.

Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
How about really to yourself.  At least he had something to say related to the topic.  Not just trying to pick a fight...
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Zach on June 04, 2010, 05:53:58 AM
I wonder how these will sound. :D I hope they aren't too dramatic seeing it's Cantore doing them.  :hmm:

Oh and Andy, did you read Martin's topic on the TWC HD sub-board. :P
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: gt1racerlHDl on June 04, 2010, 09:55:21 AM
OMG! that's gonna make the HD Star totally worth the wait!
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 04, 2010, 12:41:28 PM
So why exactly is Jim doing the narration?  I think his voice is more for like, severe weather...not reading the current conditions.

Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
How about really to yourself.  At least he had something to say related to the topic.  Not just trying to pick a fight...
I'm not trying to pick a fight. It's long been established that people find the narration very useful, so I don't see how anyone can be surprised the HD STAR would indeed have narration.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 04, 2010, 12:47:20 PM
Oh and Andy, did you read Martin's topic on the TWC HD sub-board. :P

What sub-board? :dunno: :blink: Is there something I'm missing here? :unsure:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Localonthe8s on June 04, 2010, 03:29:36 PM
So why exactly is Jim doing the narration?  I think his voice is more for like, severe weather...not reading the current conditions.

Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
How about really to yourself.  At least he had something to say related to the topic.  Not just trying to pick a fight...
I'm not trying to pick a fight. It's long been established that people find the narration very useful, so I don't see how anyone can be surprised the HD STAR would indeed have narration.
Well the HD Beta that NYC uses didn't have narration so I would've thought the actual HD STAR wouldn't have any music hogging narration either. (not that the music is good anyways)
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Al on June 04, 2010, 03:45:53 PM
So why exactly is Jim doing the narration?  I think his voice is more for like, severe weather...not reading the current conditions.

Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
How about really to yourself.  At least he had something to say related to the topic.  Not just trying to pick a fight...
I'm not trying to pick a fight. It's long been established that people find the narration very useful, so I don't see how anyone can be surprised the HD STAR would indeed have narration.
Well the HD Beta that NYC uses didn't have narration so I would've thought the actual HD STAR wouldn't have any music hogging narration either. (not that the music is good anyways)

based off of what I remember, that Star is just a test and the actual HD Star that will be released may not look anything close to NY's HD Star...
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 04, 2010, 03:47:21 PM
Al's correct, that STAR was just a test, not even a beta really. It will look nothing like the actual HD STAR.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Zach on June 04, 2010, 03:51:53 PM
I'm sure it's going to look close to, if not, exactly like the concepts shown on twcmediakit.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 04, 2010, 04:00:54 PM
I'm sure it's going to look close to, if not, exactly like the concepts shown on twcmediakit.
Not exactly. The products might be similar, but the design is definitely different. I can tell you for sure there is no city back drop on the CC screen.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Zach on June 04, 2010, 04:02:36 PM
The city bg on the CC screen was a distract, IMO. :wacko:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Localonthe8s on June 04, 2010, 04:06:58 PM
So why exactly is Jim doing the narration?  I think his voice is more for like, severe weather...not reading the current conditions.

Great there's narration...
Really? Honestly, what did you expect?
How about really to yourself.  At least he had something to say related to the topic.  Not just trying to pick a fight...
I'm not trying to pick a fight. It's long been established that people find the narration very useful, so I don't see how anyone can be surprised the HD STAR would indeed have narration.
Well the HD Beta that NYC uses didn't have narration so I would've thought the actual HD STAR wouldn't have any music hogging narration either. (not that the music is good anyways)

based off of what I remember, that Star is just a test and the actual HD Star that will be released may not look anything close to NY's HD Star...
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 04, 2010, 07:43:07 PM
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...
The Beta hasn't been released yet. Think of the NYC machine as a proof of concept
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 04, 2010, 10:06:04 PM
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...
The Beta hasn't been released yet. Think of the NYC machine as a proof of concept

Hmm, that's interesting. :thinking: It's odd to think they would show something like this and have a LT8s video on twcmediakit.com if that's not even the "concept" they're going to use. :hmm:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Al on June 04, 2010, 10:07:44 PM
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...

i know what beta means...but that wasn't my point.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 05, 2010, 01:06:18 AM

Hmm, that's interesting. :thinking: It's odd to think they would show something like this and have a LT8s video on twcmediakit.com if that's not even the "concept" they're going to use. :hmm:
Its not too odd when you think about it. These images were released around the HD launch. TWC wanted something to show off to cable companies and presenting their case for people to want TWC HD and increase their product image. The graphics in their twcmediakit never were made on an actual star unit.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Al on June 05, 2010, 01:21:10 AM
Its not too odd when you think about it. These images were released around the HD launch. TWC wanted something to show off to cable companies and presenting their case for people to want TWC HD and increase their product image. The graphics in their twcmediakit never were made on an actual star unit.

or on air in that case...i remember a video that was posted on twcmediakit that gave us a "look in to the future", it consisted of over the air graphics, and a few shots of that HD Star...none in which made it to the air.

they over hyped the preview, i guess. basically because, graphically speaking, the HD Launch was a disappointment. though, the show opens were descent.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: toxictwister00 on June 05, 2010, 10:01:17 AM

Hmm, that's interesting. :thinking: It's odd to think they would show something like this and have a LT8s video on twcmediakit.com if that's not even the "concept" they're going to use. :hmm:
Its not too odd when you think about it. These images were released around the HD launch. TWC wanted something to show off to cable companies and presenting their case for people to want TWC HD and increase their product image. The graphics in their twcmediakit never were made on an actual star unit.

Too bad they didn't use them, they were MUCH better than what they decided to use imo.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: twcfan68 on June 05, 2010, 01:13:29 PM
Whoa, I've missed so much! An HD STAR? Hmm...I read a bit about it in this topic, but I couldn't find any clarification whether or not it's just for big cities or if it's for anywhere. (If it's only for big cities, I wonder if New Orleans still counts as one.)
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Trevor on June 05, 2010, 01:32:31 PM
I don't think Jim will be a good narrator  :no:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 05, 2010, 01:33:51 PM
Whoa, I've missed so much! An HD STAR? Hmm...I read a bit about it in this topic, but I couldn't find any clarification whether or not it's just for big cities or if it's for anywhere. (If it's only for big cities, I wonder if New Orleans still counts as one.)

The HD STAR won't be just for big cities, as long as your cable company carries TWC HD and you have a STAR unit in your city.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Localonthe8s on June 05, 2010, 02:27:59 PM
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...

i know what beta means...but that wasn't my point.
My post was directed to Zach not you.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Zach on June 05, 2010, 02:38:03 PM
I know, that's why I said "BETA"...

i know what beta means...but that wasn't my point.
My post was directed to Zach not you.
Where? :blink: You didn't even quote me when you said beta. :unsure:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Localonthe8s on June 05, 2010, 02:55:38 PM
Weird, you must've deleted the post. You post it before Al's.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 05, 2010, 10:17:58 PM
Whoa, I've missed so much! An HD STAR? Hmm...I read a bit about it in this topic, but I couldn't find any clarification whether or not it's just for big cities or if it's for anywhere. (If it's only for big cities, I wonder if New Orleans still counts as one.)

The HD STAR won't be just for big cities, as long as your cable company carries TWC HD and you have a STAR unit in your city.
It probably will cover much wider areas too. I cant see cable companies buying as many HD STARS as they have Intellistars
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 05, 2010, 11:30:09 PM
It probably will cover much wider areas too. I cant see cable companies buying as many HD STARS as they have Intellistars
I agree. Example... I just checked, and Comcast in metro Pittsburgh operates 16 IntelliStars, but only two Weatherscans for the same exact area. I can easily see Comcast only doing 2 HD STARs, covering the sames areas the 2 Weatherscans do.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: twcfan68 on June 05, 2010, 11:35:14 PM
Ah, I see. It'll be really interesting to see how they look!
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Thom32 on June 11, 2010, 07:23:25 PM
Jim Cantore Doing Narritions? COOOOOOOOOOOOL!!
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: wxntrafficfan on June 13, 2010, 11:13:57 PM
The HD STAR won't be just for big cities, as long as your cable company carries TWC HD and you have a STAR unit in your city.
It could just be due to the size of the area, but I have not seen TWC HD in any of the locations I've been to in Michigan's Charter territory. I'm doubtful Charter carries TWC HD in any of its area, actually. I can see Charter buying HD STARs for St Louis or Dallas, but certainly not northern Michigan.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Zach on June 14, 2010, 01:58:40 AM
The HD STAR won't be just for big cities, as long as your cable company carries TWC HD and you have a STAR unit in your city.
It could just be due to the size of the area, but I have not seen TWC HD in any of the locations I've been to in Michigan's Charter territory. I'm doubtful Charter carries TWC HD in any of its area, actually. I can see Charter buying HD STARs for St Louis or Dallas, but certainly not northern Michigan.
TWC HD is on Charter in Corinth, Texas.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 14, 2010, 04:45:54 AM
The HD STAR won't be just for big cities, as long as your cable company carries TWC HD and you have a STAR unit in your city.
It could just be due to the size of the area, but I have not seen TWC HD in any of the locations I've been to in Michigan's Charter territory. I'm doubtful Charter carries TWC HD in any of its area, actually. I can see Charter buying HD STARs for St Louis or Dallas, but certainly not northern Michigan.
You have to take into fact that cable companies have to upgrade their lines to support more HD channels. Smaller areas are the last to get the upgrade. Not to mention TWC HD is on the bottom of the list for most cable companies in terms of importance
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: wxntrafficfan on June 14, 2010, 07:10:50 AM
TWC HD is on Charter in Corinth, Texas.
Which is near Dallas, which I mentioned.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Joe The Dragon on June 14, 2010, 10:10:28 PM
Will there be a Satellite HD star?

Satellite weather scan? HD?
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: WeatherWitness on June 14, 2010, 10:27:26 PM
Will there be a Satellite HD star?

Satellite weather scan? HD?

There already is a Satellite HD Forecast. ;)

And I doubt WeatherScan will be in HD...is that even possible...I'm not that familiar with WeatherScan technology.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 14, 2010, 10:28:28 PM
WeatherScan will never be in HD. Cable companies cant waste the bandwidth as it is
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Mike M on June 14, 2010, 10:31:40 PM
WeatherScan will never be in HD. Cable companies cant waste the bandwidth as it is
Plus Weatherscan's ratings aren't nearly high enough.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 14, 2010, 11:01:07 PM
WeatherScan will never be in HD. Cable companies cant waste the bandwidth as it is
Plus Weatherscan's ratings aren't nearly high enough.
You can't really use the ratings argument with Weatherscan. Its more of a service then an actual for profit channel
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Lightning86 on June 23, 2010, 02:03:04 PM
So the HD STAR that I see here won't look nothing like what's in the works? ...well, that makes sense since these graphics are kinda old already - from September 2008   :P
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: TWCToday on June 23, 2010, 10:57:45 PM
So the HD STAR that I see here won't look nothing like what's in the works? ...well, that makes sense since these graphics are kinda old already - from September 2008   :P
Correct :yes:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: tuez13 on June 24, 2010, 09:52:33 PM
I'm really interested to see how it looks and how TWC ends up presenting the information on the screen.   To this day, I still wonder why watch/warning maps aren't shown during the LOT8s.  I know the "HDStar" used in NYC has a map similar to the national watch/warning map on the national forecasts.  This would be an awesome feature for the new HD Star...potentially with Jim doing narrations for them as well such as "Tornado Warning issued" or something.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Darr'chelle on June 24, 2010, 10:59:12 PM
Keep in mind that Jackson hadn't had a formal relationship with the channel in a long time...surprised it's Jim Cantore and not Jim Cutler, really.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Eric on June 24, 2010, 11:07:18 PM
To this day, I still wonder why watch/warning maps aren't shown during the LOT8s.

The Stars have always had this information in text form.  The WeatherStar III and 4000 had it at the beginning of the Local Forecast pages, and the XL and IntelliStar have it on a separate Weather Bulletins page.  Would presenting it graphically be as efficient as the text page?  I personally don't think so.  Not everyone would know (believe it or not) where their county is actually located on a map and different watches/warnings/advisories might overlap, making it harder to interpret a map.  Personally, I prefer the text pages to the maps that I see on the national HD local forecast.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Eric on June 24, 2010, 11:08:14 PM
Keep in mind that Jackson hadn't had a formal relationship with the channel in a long time...surprised it's Jim Cantore and not Jim Cutler, really.

And they still use his voice?  Interesting.

Jim Cantore's voice is certainly one of the most recognized on The Weather Channel, especially in recent years when he's become the channel's top personality.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: tuez13 on June 25, 2010, 12:47:05 AM
To this day, I still wonder why watch/warning maps aren't shown during the LOT8s.


The Stars have always had this information in text form.  The WeatherStar III and 4000 had it at the beginning of the Local Forecast pages, and the XL and IntelliStar have it on a separate Weather Bulletins page.  Would presenting it graphically be as efficient as the text page?  I personally don't think so.  Not everyone would know (believe it or not) where their county is actually located on a map and different watches/warnings/advisories might overlap, making it harder to interpret a map.  Personally, I prefer the text pages to the maps that I see on the national HD local forecast.


See, having the text is great for the beginning of the LOT8s but if you show the local map with warning polygons on it, people are able to see the cities affected by the storm.  This allows for showing however many valid warnings instead of just one item at a time, which wastes a LOT of time.  Notice on the attached image how many watches/warnings can be shown...while if it were in text form, this would take 15 minutes to run.

(http://www.valleyearlywarn.com/feeds/Web_WatchWarnAdv1.jpg)

I like reading the warning text as well but it's not practical for television viewers.  Also keep in mind that the national maps are more regional instead of the area that would be shown on your individual IStar.  A perfect method to show current alerts in a graphical form.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: gt1racerlHDl on June 25, 2010, 11:57:27 AM
Is there a timeframe on when the HD Star will be released? or is that (Date/Timeframe) up in the air at this point?
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Mike M on June 25, 2010, 12:01:24 PM
Is there a timeframe on when the HD Star will be released? or is that (Date/Timeframe) up in the air at this point?
Not at this time. Trust me, when it's announced I'm sure Tyler will do so in a heartbeat. ;)
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Tyler on June 25, 2010, 02:13:46 PM
When I can release information, don't worry, I will do so first on this forum. :)
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Eric on June 25, 2010, 06:48:14 PM
I like reading the warning text as well but it's not practical for television viewers.  Also keep in mind that the national maps are more regional instead of the area that would be shown on your individual IStar.  A perfect method to show current alerts in a graphical form.

I'm afraid I still have to disagree - I prefer the weather bulletins provided in text form.  I've seen graphical examples like you show here on many different local TV stations.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Eric on June 25, 2010, 06:49:06 PM
When I can release information, don't worry, I will do so first on this forum. :)

Don't worry... we have some medieval torture instruments at the ready should you withhold information for too long.  :whistling: :club: :hammer:
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: gt1racerlHDl on June 26, 2010, 08:30:36 PM
When I can release information, don't worry, I will do so first on this forum. :)

Thanks for posting that Tyler, as you can tell i'm very anxious to see the new Star.
Title: Re: Narrations on the HD STAR
Post by: Kevin K on July 02, 2010, 03:22:48 AM
Will the functions ofthe new HD STAR be more similiar to the current IS or will it be based off the regional HD forecast I have now with Cablevision? I hope it is not like the regional forecast we have now, the IS is what keeps me watching the SD channel instead of HD right now.