They had to hot-switch from the analog transmitter to a new digital transmitter feeding their main antenna, since unlike some stations, they stayed on their traditional channel (channel 6) where they'd been since they moved from channel 4 in 1954. Two of the Rochester stations, WHEC/10 and WHAM/13, also had to do a hot switch to go digital on their traditional channel; so did WABC/7, WPIX/11 and WNET/13 in New York.
@BobWXXI I didn't think about that back then. I forgot that they were simulcasting on DTV Channel 39 (I believe) and when the transition was over, they went back to six. I recall too, that they had some reception issues for a time, before they bumped up the power, because the lower channels play a bit of havoc on DTV signals. However, I've been told that the lower channels are better, since the higher ones have to put out a ton of power.
WRGB cut off David Letterman a few seconds before KPIX did in San Francisco, Calif. KPIX-TV was northern California's first television station (signed on in December 1948). Mr. Letterman actually finished his sentence on KPIX, "Oh, I'm sorry ..." and then the screen went to static. (See the clip on YouTube under "CBS 5" "digital transition." On WRBG, he just said, "Oh ...."
Interesting... The way KPIX shut down, it sounds like Letterman is saying sorry for the analog going the way of the dinosaur... it's a stretch though.
WRGB was one of the first TV stations, dating back to its experimental period back in 1928, and became commercial WRGB in 1942. :) It's quite interesting history.
I've seen two of their vintage test patterns in print: one from pre-1954 when they were on Channel 4, the "NBC test pattern," then the next one which made no reference to a channel number, but had the logo of then-owner GE in the center, and the TP design of which was the same as used in the 1950's by WFIL-TV (now WPVI) in Philadelphia. Any other old-style TP designs used by the station before they went to color bars?
They had to hot-switch from the analog transmitter to a new digital transmitter feeding their main antenna, since unlike some stations, they stayed on their traditional channel (channel 6) where they'd been since they moved from channel 4 in 1954. Two of the Rochester stations, WHEC/10 and WHAM/13, also had to do a hot switch to go digital on their traditional channel; so did WABC/7, WPIX/11 and WNET/13 in New York.
BobWXXI 10 months ago
@BobWXXI I didn't think about that back then. I forgot that they were simulcasting on DTV Channel 39 (I believe) and when the transition was over, they went back to six. I recall too, that they had some reception issues for a time, before they bumped up the power, because the lower channels play a bit of havoc on DTV signals. However, I've been told that the lower channels are better, since the higher ones have to put out a ton of power.
BadRonaldUeno 10 months ago
I heard WRGB was the first TV station ever, but I don't think it's true. somebody confirm that please
Montera15 1 year ago
They CUT the Late Show...
RyanCunningham100 2 years ago
On KPIX-TV (San Francisco, Calif.), Mr. Letterman actually finished the sentence, "Oh, I'm sorry ..." On WRBG, all he managed was "Oh I ..."
jaybee1973jaybee 2 years ago
WRGB cut off David Letterman a few seconds before KPIX did in San Francisco, Calif. KPIX-TV was northern California's first television station (signed on in December 1948). Mr. Letterman actually finished his sentence on KPIX, "Oh, I'm sorry ..." and then the screen went to static. (See the clip on YouTube under "CBS 5" "digital transition." On WRBG, he just said, "Oh ...."
jaybee1973jaybee 2 years ago
Interesting... The way KPIX shut down, it sounds like Letterman is saying sorry for the analog going the way of the dinosaur... it's a stretch though.
WRGB was one of the first TV stations, dating back to its experimental period back in 1928, and became commercial WRGB in 1942. :) It's quite interesting history.
Thanks for your comment. :)
BadRonaldUeno 2 years ago
I've seen two of their vintage test patterns in print: one from pre-1954 when they were on Channel 4, the "NBC test pattern," then the next one which made no reference to a channel number, but had the logo of then-owner GE in the center, and the TP design of which was the same as used in the 1950's by WFIL-TV (now WPVI) in Philadelphia. Any other old-style TP designs used by the station before they went to color bars?
wmbrown6 2 years ago
It is cool that you captured the last mintues of analog television. It is funny that it was the topic of Dave's top 10.
Some day kids will look at YouTube and see this and wonder what analog television is...which is kinda weird to think about.
Now all there will be is fuzz.
SalemXIII 2 years ago 2