Bizarre looking test pattern. I remember in the MetroMedia days less than a year earlier, they had the color bars across the screen with WNEW-TV's logo superimposed. This had to be 86, because it's after the switch to FOX/WNYW and before the new SSB film that was also on WTAF Philly.
@johnissoevil - This was an NTSC version of the Philips PM5544 test pattern, which was very rare. CKY in Winnipeg, Manitoba, also used this pattern in this form, as you'll see if you check around.
Great bringing back the "Caissons"/"Flag Evolution SSB" with shots of New Jersey to go with it! IT was a classic New York SSB film and will never be forgotten!
Within a few months of this sign-on (more specifically, June of 1986), WNYW reverted to the original filmed "Flag Evolution" SSB that was used in its entirety up to 1978; this, per:
1) No matter how out-of-place it looked on NYC TV, I thought I'd never see channel 5's Euro-style test patter ever again.
2) Wouldn't the FCC have noticed that they were still using elements of the previous ownership/call letters, even if only during sign-on and sign-off?
With Ed Ladd at the mic and the Flag Evolution music amid a video montage and sandwiched between a disco version of As the Army comes Marching Along. But note at the beginning and the end it mentioned WNEW-TV. This was during the first months 25 years ago of it being WNYW, first as "Fox Channel 5" later "Fox 5"
Prior to the Fox takeover and call letter change, the top text segment of this NTSC variant of the Philips PM5544 electronic color bars said "WNEW-TV" and the bottom, "MMI 5 NYC." Three guesses what "MMI" means, the first two don't count. ;)
And of course, the sign-on voice here was Ed Ladd.
@wmbrown6 I know it stood for Metromedia I was just fooling with ya. If it DID mean what I said, I don't think WNEW would be putting that in their color bars there. ;)
What happened to the sign offs they dnt even do them anymore it's been a trademark staple for yearsssssssss !!!!!!!! where they go ?
VINNIE316 2 months ago
Bizarre looking test pattern. I remember in the MetroMedia days less than a year earlier, they had the color bars across the screen with WNEW-TV's logo superimposed. This had to be 86, because it's after the switch to FOX/WNYW and before the new SSB film that was also on WTAF Philly.
johnissoevil 3 months ago
@johnissoevil - This was an NTSC version of the Philips PM5544 test pattern, which was very rare. CKY in Winnipeg, Manitoba, also used this pattern in this form, as you'll see if you check around.
wmbrown6 3 months ago
@wmbrown6 Too bad not all NYC stations used this, because unlike the standard test pattern, this would not have scared the crap out of me. :-)
johnissoevil 3 months ago
Great bringing back the "Caissons"/"Flag Evolution SSB" with shots of New Jersey to go with it! IT was a classic New York SSB film and will never be forgotten!
TheNewGateStudios 4 months ago
Is it me, or foes that tone in the beginning sound kind of weird? wmbrown, any gauge on the frequency of it?
NEPatriot 7 months ago
@NEPatriot - It's supposed to be 1 kHz. Of course, with analogue taping, especially VHS or Beta sans hi-fi audio, the frequency tends to wobble.
wmbrown6 7 months ago
That's a good one Ray, (well, all your stuff is...)
MSTS1 7 months ago
Within a few months of this sign-on (more specifically, June of 1986), WNYW reverted to the original filmed "Flag Evolution" SSB that was used in its entirety up to 1978; this, per:
watch?v=n04NWWvpezE
wmbrown6 7 months ago
Not only was this a nice find, I love all the older - styled scenery in the America montage.
DanZero77 7 months ago
Three-tiered comments:
1) No matter how out-of-place it looked on NYC TV, I thought I'd never see channel 5's Euro-style test patter ever again.
2) Wouldn't the FCC have noticed that they were still using elements of the previous ownership/call letters, even if only during sign-on and sign-off?
3 ) WHO'S YOUR DADDY??? (Keep it coming, Tap!)
RolloSmokes 7 months ago
I liked how they were still "WNEW" on the introduction ID there. Ed Ladd with "WNYW5". Very good find from WNYW's early days.
DanZero77 7 months ago
With Ed Ladd at the mic and the Flag Evolution music amid a video montage and sandwiched between a disco version of As the Army comes Marching Along. But note at the beginning and the end it mentioned WNEW-TV. This was during the first months 25 years ago of it being WNYW, first as "Fox Channel 5" later "Fox 5"
NEPatriot 7 months ago
Prior to the Fox takeover and call letter change, the top text segment of this NTSC variant of the Philips PM5544 electronic color bars said "WNEW-TV" and the bottom, "MMI 5 NYC." Three guesses what "MMI" means, the first two don't count. ;)
And of course, the sign-on voice here was Ed Ladd.
wmbrown6 7 months ago
MMI -- Murdoch's Muddled Invstment. Good that means I get another free guess. ;)
DanZero77 7 months ago
@DanZero77 - Nice try, but in fact those initials referred to the prior owners of Channel 5.
wmbrown6 7 months ago
@wmbrown6 Metromedia Incorporated
NEPatriot 7 months ago
@NEPatriot - Or as they were called in the last 12 or so months they owned Channel 5, Metromedia Radio & Television, Inc.
wmbrown6 7 months ago
@wmbrown6 I know it stood for Metromedia I was just fooling with ya. If it DID mean what I said, I don't think WNEW would be putting that in their color bars there. ;)
DanZero77 7 months ago
@DanZero77 - Although your initial "guess" is a wisecrack among some out there.
wmbrown6 7 months ago