The possibilities of digital television are starting to see the light of day. One of the features of DTV is the ability to segment the signal into several different video channels. Some stations use this feature already — for example, WETA here in Washington broadcasts 4 different video feeds on Channel 27 during the day; WJLA airs it’s regular programming plus live video from its weather radar.
Now, ABC News is planning to leverage this multicasting capability. They’re using those extra channels to broadcast campaign coverage. Via Lost Remote:
With anchor Peter Jennings at the helm, ABC News will offer ground-breaking convention and election night coverage and expanded news programming for delivery on multiple platforms July 26 – November 2, ABC News president David Westin announced today. The broadcast network’s comprehensive convention coverage will complemented by programming on broadband channel ABC News Live, ABC News Radio and ABCNEWS.com. Additionally, for the first time ever, ABC News will offer a 24/7 news channel to its affiliates for transmission over their digital television signal, beginning July 26 through election night.
High definition olympics, multicast news… finally we’re beginning to see the benefits of the digital television conversion. Better get out there and buy your digital set!
