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Posts with tag chicago

Chicagoland broadcasters testing analog shutdown today

by Richard Lawler, posted Nov 12th 2008 at 4:12AM


For any Chicago-area readers not already enjoying tru2way bliss (or certain Engadget editors waiting around for another CableCARD install attempt), the full power broadcast TV stations in the area are running their own soft-shutdown of analog TV broadcasts at 6:53 a.m. and 5:23 p.m., sending anyone properly prepared for digital broadcasts a screen crawl to check all household TVs, while analog sets will get a fullscreen graphic directing them towards various informational resources, including a (hopefully) prepped and ready 311 call center to assist residents in making the switch. Know someone who still gets their TV OTA? Make sure they're watching TV at the appointed test times, or better yet send them a link to one of the available online resources, and then for some Harold's.

[Thanks, Stephen]

Comcast TiVo headed to Chicago next

by Richard Lawler, posted Oct 29th 2008 at 4:35PM


By way of Dave Zatz comes news from Comcast's Q3 earnings call that Chicago will soon be home to not only tru2way, but also the Comcast TiVo option. Less optimistically mentioned is a CNET writer already choosing to abandon the service after finding TiVo's software slower and less reliable than Comcast's native DVR software, a possibility many would consider impossible. Hopefully a dash of tru2way (or a new advertisement, embedded after the break) could be just what it needs to improve the user experience -- and speed up this agonizingly slow rollout.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Continue reading Comcast TiVo headed to Chicago next

Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 17th 2008 at 11:52AM


We were told yesterday that Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TH-50PZ80Q plasma had made landfall in Chicago at Abt Electronics, and here we have the images to prove it. America's first live commercial tru2way deployment is underway, and this is the spot if you're looking to be among the first to indulge. All yours for $2,299 (the HDTV, that is) -- enjoy the pics below if you're far, far away from the Windy City.

Gallery: Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer



[Thanks, Mark]

Panasonic reveals first tru2way HDTVs in Chicago and Denver

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 15th 2008 at 4:58PM Breaking News


We already saw Panasonic's 50-inch TH-50PZ80Q plasma doing the tru2way thing at CEDIA 2008, but the official lever has just been pulled in Denver and Chicago. As of today, Comcast's tru2way platform is active in the aforesaid cities, and the very first tru2way-capable HDTVs are arriving to retail. Eager consumers in the Windy or Mile High City who are ready to ditch the set-top-box altogether without sacrificing VOD and such can polish off their wounded credit cards, as both a 42-inch (TH-42PZ80Q; $1,599.95) and 50-inch (TH-50PZ80Q; $2,299.95) VIERA plasma will be on sale by "late October." As for the rest of the US anxious to dip in the cool, cool waters of tru2way? A few undisclosed locales should be going live with the service "in the coming months," though your guess is as good as ours as to what exactly that means.

RCN gifts Chicago with a whole slew of new HD channels

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 22nd 2008 at 9:42AM

Over the weekend, RCN decided to give locals a few more compelling reasons to not switch to one of those other carriers. A whole mess of new high-def stations appeared on the EPG, including a number of HBOs and premium channels and a handful of standard stations. We're talking MyNetworkTV (WPWR Chicago), Lifetime HD, ABC Family HD, Disney HD, Toon Disney HD, FOX News HD, FOX Business HD, ESPNews HD, Speed HD, NHL HD, Golf / Versus HD and all of the previously hinted-at premiums. Tap the read link for the full rundown, and get ready to spend some serious hours in front of the tube.

[Thanks, Nick]

Wide Open West adds an HD trifecta

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 17th 2008 at 8:31AM

Man, it has been awhile since Wide Open West subscribers saw a new HD channel hit their EPG. Thankfully, it looks like the drought is over, with FX HD, History HD and FOX News HD coming to Chicago, Columbus, Evansville and Michigan. No word on whether any others are on the way, but let's celebrate this small victory before begging for more, shall we?

[Thanks, David]

Chicago's CBS 2 going HD on September 22nd

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 12th 2008 at 3:31AM

With practically every other broadcast station in Chicago already beaming out local news in HD, we can only say that it's about time CBS 2 made its move. As the station slides to a new headquarters at Dearborn and Washington Streets across from Daley Plaza, it will also begin airing its newscasts in beautiful high-definition. We're hearing that ratings have been on the decline of late (that's what you get for not keeping with the program!), but hopefully the switch to HD will be a shot in the arm, er, meter. Give it a look on September 22nd.

[Thanks, Stephen]

Comcast lighting up 15 HD channels in Chicago, Illinois

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 15th 2008 at 5:52PM

Is this a trend we spot, or just a small flurry of Comcast expansions that sadly won't affect the rest of the nation? While we're obviously hoping, praying, pleading for the former to be true, citizens of Chicago, Illinois can expect a whopping 15 new high-def stations to arrive on their EPG in a matter of days. Aside from the highly-anticipated Big Ten Network launch, users will also find Weather Channel HD (270), FX HD (267), Fox News HD (265), Bravo HD (278), NFL Network HD (234), SPEED HD (237) and our personal favorite, QVC HD on slot 282. Check the read link for the full list, or just turn to QVC HD and zone out for a few days.

[Thanks, cypherstream]

RCN signs on to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 2nd 2008 at 11:30PM


With the battle in full force between AT&T and local cable carriers RCN / Comcast, we're seeing more than just price wars breaking out. RCN has decided to flex its muscle in a different way by inking a deal to provide Chicago's TheWit Hotel with HDTV programming. Currently, the venue is still under construction, but by the time the doors swing open for guests in May of 2009, the carrier should have high-def material piped to all 298 rooms. Mmm, the sweet, sweet scent of competition in the air.

Chicago's WGN takes local news to HD

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 21st 2008 at 8:01PM


Whoa, WGN news is lookin' good in high-definition! The superstation has finally taken a hint and got with the program by unveiling its HD newscasts. Viewers can tune in locally on Chicago's local CW affiliate, while national onlookers can switch over to WGN America HD. Check the read link for more high-resolution screen captures.

[Thanks John and Stephen]

AT&T fires up U-verse in more of Chicago market

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 12th 2008 at 9:28PM


As the race continues to see who can spread their fiber-based networks across more US territory first, AT&T is hoping to excite quite a few Chicago residents by stringing U-verse to around "175 towns in the Chicago market, including many Northwest and West suburbs." Make no mistake -- AT&T's gunning for Comcast here, but unfortunately, it doesn't look as if 2 HD / 2 SD will be rolled out at this time. No specifics on communities were passed along, so if you're in the area and looking for a change, phone up this carrier and see what transpires.

AT&T's U-verse could head to Glen Ellyn, IL

by Darren Murph, posted May 15th 2008 at 12:27PM


Go on AT&T, dance like nobody's watchin'. Just days after hearing that U-verse would likely find a home in Baton Rouge, LA and certain parts of Alabama, along comes a tidbit suggesting that West Chicago could be next. According to an article within the latest Glen Ellyn Newsletter, AT&T will be "performing an infrastructure upgrade" to its system in Glen Ellyn over the next six to nine months "in order to provide better phone service, enhance and expand its DSL offerings and introduce a new video service to residents." Project Lightspeed, as it's dubbed, will reportedly begin to roll out as early as this month, but there's no telling how long it'll take to be totally installed. For more details, hit up the PDF in the read link below and scroll to the bottom of page 4.

[Thanks, Matt]

Ten best technology-infused hotels in Chicago get listed

by Darren Murph, posted May 4th 2008 at 8:53AM


Considering the absolute mess that O'Hare International is, we'd wager that you'll end up there a time or two on business or pleasure ventures. If so, chances are you'll be anxious to tune into a bit of HDTV after a long day in the Windy City. The Chicago Tribune has taken the liberty of breaking down the top ten best tech hotels Chi-town has to offer, and unsurprisingly, Hyatt properties -- you know, those with the Plug Panel -- were ranked quite highly. Additionally, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is currently undergoing a pricey technology renovation that will be completed in 2009, and while it's not mentioned (could have something to do with all those construction workers still in the bathrooms), we'd imagine the Chicagoland aloft will hit the list next July.

AT&T upgrading network, spreading U-verse in Illinois

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 26th 2008 at 9:29AM


Looks like Wisconsin isn't the only state getting gifted with more U-verse, as AT&T is expected to dump some $1.3 billion over the next several years to "upgrade its network in Illinois." Furthermore, it'll be bringing U-verse to even more Illinois suburbs, bringing the total communities served in the state to 230. Unfortunately, that's about it for details -- no word on which suburbs will be on the receiving end of new U-verse access, but we're sure the plans will get fleshed out before too long.

Comcast rolling out Science, Disney and ABC Family HD channels

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 2nd 2008 at 9:08PM

Comcast is stepping up its busy HD rollout (and channel squeezing) schedule, with several new channels spotted today in the Detroit and Chicago areas. Science HD, Disney HD and ABC Family HD are probably in your local channel guide -- Discovery HD is now listed DSCHD, while Disney is DISHD, confused yet? -- and word is they should hit many other areas Wednesday. Posters at AVSForum indicate more of the 3 channels-on-one-QAM compression tactics are afoot, take a look and let us know if having High School Musical 2 in HD still satisfies.

[Thanks, Nathaniel]

Read - Detroit, MI HDTV
Read - Chicago, IL Comcast




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