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G4TechTV Announced
Str8Dog writes "Looks like Comcast has made its plans for the G4 / Tech TV merger public via, G4TechTV.com. The FAQ page list the shows that will be surviving the merger. Call For Help seems to have received the axe. No word is given if the casts will remain the same."
I was sorely dissappointed when I returned from an extended leave of absence - years - and discovered that one of my favorite channels, TechTv, had lost almost all the qualities that I used to appreciate. The need for a network preaching tech to the beginning user is past - and some of the content on Tech TV is downright questionable. I have seen very little of G4, but I absolutely love the concept - I hope that G4 benefits from becoming part of a larger network, instead of rotting away in the recesses of a network with an identity crisis. Anime, computer games, and SOME hardware stuff... Not going to name certain shows or hosts (some of them seem to have a fanatical following around here...Leo) That's a network that I could devote some time to. Wired for Sex, Unscrewed in it's current format, and live broadcasts of games I'd rather turn on and play myself? This could fall both ways folks. Let's hope it remains a lifestyle channel, not a public ridicule and stereotypical all-things-that-make-geeks-antisocial montage.
Physics is nothing like religion. If it was, we'd have an easier time trying to raise money!
No offense to the anime lovers, but doesn't comcast already have other outlets for anime? I fail to see the direct connection to technology, although gaming is somewhat related.
Again, no offense to anime lovers, but it seems to be in places where it shouldn't. I really don't mind it on Cartoon network(where it may belong) but would still prefer other adult swim titles. I guess it's better than many of the new kids cartoons, which can't compete with even my generation's(X) classics.
Back in the beginning, it was ZDTV. A great network -- lots of useful information, tech news updates (basically a video version of news.com -- updates on the 1/2 hour). It was great. Then it became TechTV, stripped away much of the serious news coverage and replaced it with silly shows about how to use your computer (Screen Savers, anyone?). Now it will basically become a gamer's channel. Probably Ch. 485 on most cable systems. A say day :(.
-Jason
While I see a lot of good stuff staying (TSS, G4TV.com, Icons, X-Ply, I see some things that I just can't figure out.
They kept the fucking Thunderbirds?? The Thunderbirds??? I have never talked to anyone who actually watched this show, much less enjoyed it. Same thing with Portal and Cheat.
They should definitely tone down the G4 contribution, as that was by far the weaker channel. And they need to keep the hosts as is if at all possible. I like Leo, but he was a much better fit for Call for Help than the Screen Savers. He is better with the lower knowledge crowd, and TSS was moving towarda a geekier crowd.
"Information wants to be expensive" - Stewart Brand, the same guy who said "Information wants to be free"
There are very few people out there who can speak authoritatively about technology--teaching people how to use it without sounding like an arrogant prick. Leo is the *best* I've ever seen anywhere at this--and the tone at TechTV follows his lead.
:(
The few times I watched G4 the people on it seemed to have a 'tude, because there isn't a "Leo" presence there. I hope Leo at least signs on as a creative consultant for the newly combined channel. (G4's design & branding looks like ti was done by a third-grader, as well...)
Comcast's lineup choices seem to be on target though--it's unfortunate they may be dropping Call for Help (at least until a massive write-in campagin restores it) but it's great to see Unscrewed made the cut! Martin Sargent is pretty brilliant--and I think his star (and Laura Swisher's) are just beginning to rise...
(and if you haven't seen Unscrewed, think of Letterman circa 1986...)
I'm bummed that I'll probably never get down to the Bay Area to see a taping of TSS or Unscrewed in time at this point.
But If anyone told grandpa how to flash the bios and have it work, it would be Leo.
In Soviet Russia, Nigel makes plans for you!
A show with all new hosts is basically an entirely different show. The loss of a number of behind the scenes people is a shame, but I don't believe it would have as much of an effect (at least not on the types of shows being kept). I really hope they will post who will be staying on soon. I am betting Cat will stay (she mentioned she was in LA over the weekend on today's show); but unfortunately I doubt that will be the case with Leo. I wouldn't be suprised if the younger people on staff (Kevin, Sarah, Morgan, etc.) make the jump, but I don't know if that will be enough to hold me over as a viewer. I almost stopped watching a month or so ago when Leo temporarily left TechTV, and the future looks bleak to me...
Sadly, PS/2 was yet another victim of USB, which doesn't care what you plug into it, the electrical slut.
Any organization that would can Call For Help and Leo but keep Unscrewed with Martin the Dork obviously has no concept of what they are doing.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
I want a new quote. One that won't spill. One that don't cost too much. Or come in a pill.
I met Adam and Morgan and they're genuinely nice people. I'm happy to hear that their show is safe and I hope they'll stay around.
.smell my feet.