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Comcast buys TechTV, to merge w/G4
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Posted by: Peter Miller

Comcast bought TechTV today for $300 million.

My guess is they use TechTV's subscriber base which could finally mean G4 programming on DirecTV but what the final product becomes is anyone's guess.

Posted by: jones07

You beat me to it. :p

Edit for a thought: Would Comcast pull TechTV off of DTV and Dishnet an keep it for cable only ?

Posted by: TomK

I'm not in a Comcast area but I certainly wouldn't get cable just for TechTV. I think they'll keep TechTV on satellite and wherever else it is.

Posted by: Swirl_Junkie

The end of the Leo Era,,,

Posted by: ClutchBrake

Ugh, Comcast. I hope they don't foul this up. It has the potential to be great.

Posted by: Fofer

Hopefully this means the new TechTV/G4 hybrid network will be available on both DirecTV and Comcast cable. I'd be upset if it meant I'd lose TechTV on DTV and it went exclusively to Comcast.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by Swirl_Junkie
The end of the Leo Era,,,

???
I don't see how this affects Leo one way or the other.

Posted by: faerie

I'd be pretty irked if I lost techtv off D*TV. I record Call for Help, Screen Savers and Tech Live on a daily basis as well as Fresh Gear on a weekly basis. I'd really miss those shows if they decided to mess with the programming.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by Fofer
Hopefully this means the new TechTV/G4 hybrid network will be available on both DirecTV and Comcast cable. I'd be upset if it meant I'd lose TechTV on DTV and it went exclusively to Comcast.

It would make absolutely no sense for Comcast to remove TechTV from any of its existing carriers.

As the new owners, Comcast needs TechTV to succeed and make money. That means ad revenue, which means getting as many eyeballs watching TechTV as possible. Limiting TechTV to just Comcast subscribers would be financial suicide; it would ruin Comcast's investment in TechTV.

This is a good thing for G4 (a channel which I have never seen) since AFAIK it has only been available to Comcast subscribers (at least, my RCN analog cable doesn't carry it) and has a very small viewership. TechTV already covers gaming, and has many more viewers already, so I imagine the G4 crew will be rolled into whatever TechTV has planned. G4 is tiny and has no mindshare/market branding to speak of, so submerging G4 into TechTV makes the most sense (I imagine this will affect X-Play, Adam Sessler, Morgan Webb, etc.).

This is probably a good thing for TechTV; it has been only very slowly expanding its coverage up to now. I have RCN cable, and they only started including TechTV a few years ago (on the analog side, anyway). I have friends with Comcast, and they can't get TechTV unless they pay extra for a bunch other channels they aren't interested in (and only if they have digital cable, to boot). Hopefully this purchase will encourage Comcast to include TechTV as part of their basic cable package in future.

On the whole, this should mean more potential viewers for TechTV.

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by dmdeane
???
I don't see how this affects Leo one way or the other.

Me neither...
Although on the 22nd, this was posted in the TechTV forum:

quote:
From Leo:
"I'd like to tell you about a change that's happening here on The Screen Savers starting next week. As you know I've been hosting the show since it debuted nearly six years ago. You may also know that I host Call for Help every day as well, and I'm now doing two radio shows on the weekend. As much as I love what I do, it's time to take a little step back. So starting next week I'm giving up the host role here on The Screen Savers. Patrick, Kevin, Sarah, and Yoshi will continue doing what they do so well, and I promise to stop by every day to provide a little adult supervision. I will continue to host Call for Help every day. After well over 1000 shows I think it's time to pass the torch and let the other guys have a chance to talk. It's been great fun. Thanks for your support. I look forward to many more years with you here at TechTV."

To clarify:
- Leo is not leaving The Screen Savers altogether, he'll be contributing to the show regularly.

-"Call for Help" will be adding a 6 p.m. Eastern airing, rerunning at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern the following day.

This comes after this post March 5 on Leo's blog :

quote:
Friday, March 05, 2004

A New Deal

I'm pleased to announce that TechTV and I have reached agreement and a new contract will be in place when my old contract runs out March 31.

The new deal allows me more scope for outside opportunities, like the KFI gig, book publishing, public speaking and seminars, and features a vastly improved work schedule (at least from my family's point of view).

In July I'll be celebrating my 10th year with the company. We're looking forward to many more years together making great geek TV. Thanks for your support!

Posted by: faerie

Wow, that's interesting to hear about Leo. I'm interested to see how his stepping back from TSS will effect the show as a whole. Only time will tell I guess.

Maybe this will bring about another change to a big pet peeve of mine and that is the large number of bits that are repeats in Fresh Gear and Tech Live. If I have to see that stupid condom massager again, I throw something at the TV!

Posted by: zaknafein

How long has ZD/TechTV been on the air? I remember when they went on DTV in 98. I can't imagine they were around much before then.

Posted by: Webchump

I kinda see them merging G4 and TechTV programming into one. Aside from the mainstays on TechTV like TSS, fresh gear, Call For Help and Xplay, what else is there? Lots of (bad) imported british programming that has little relevance to us.

I've never seen G4 so I have no idea if this would be a good thing.

Posted by: disco

quote:
Originally posted by zaknafein
How long has ZD/TechTV been on the air? I remember when they went on DTV in 98. I can't imagine they were around much before then.

According to this story, TechTV was"originally launched in 1998 as Ziff-Davis TV". So you're right.

Posted by: Blackwolf

Here's a FAQ from G4 about the merge.

Posted by: jones07

If your a gamer G4 is all that. Well that's what my two sons and their friends feel. They watch G4 more then MTV.
G4 is like techtv's Xplay on steroids.

Posted by: absentivoter

quote:
Originally posted by zaknafein
How long has ZD/TechTV been on the air? I remember when they went on DTV in 98. I can't imagine they were around much before then.

May 11, 1998 to be exact

Posted by: zaknafein

quote:
Originally posted by absentivoter
May 11, 1998 to be exact

That's what I thought. The reason I remember 1998 is because I was house sitting for my sister and BIL that August while they were on their honeymoon. He had DirecTV, and I remember thinking how cool it was that I had all thsese channels. (he somehow convinced a CSR to give him all the premiums for $20/month) I watched a lot of ZDTV that week, and distinctly remember Leo talking about just having gone on DTV.

Posted by: Fofer

Phew! From the FAQ:

quote:
Q: What MSO's and satellite companies will carry the combined network?
A: Comcast; Time Warner; Mediacom; Insight; Cablevision; Charter; Adelphia; Cox; Cable One; Dish; and DirecTV.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by jones07

G4 is like techtv's Xplay on steroids.

So...that means that Morgan's rack will be even bigger?

Posted by: dmdeane

The FAQ sounds like TechTV will be totally submerged into G4: the headquarters will be in LA, not SF, and the G4 CEO will take over the combined network. I guess they will use the G4 name, not TechTV, even though TechTV has more viewers.

Posted by: ccwf

quote:
Originally posted by Fofer
Phew! From the FAQ:

quote:
Q: What MSO's and satellite companies will carry the combined network?
A: Comcast; Time Warner; Mediacom; Insight; Cablevision; Charter; Adelphia; Cox; Cable One; Dish; and DirecTV.

Hmm, CBS MarketWatch.com just sent out their daily mailing, which says in part

quote:
Comcast said EchoStar (DISH: news, msgs) will have an equity interest in the combined entity and will make the channel available to certain of its subscribers.

Note the phrase “certain of its subscribers”.

Posted by: HTH

Both TechTV and G4 are currently carried on Time Warner Cable here in the digital tier.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Hmm, CBS MarketWatch.com just sent out their daily mailing, which says in part Note the phrase “certain of its subscribers”.

All that probably means is that you will have to buy more than the basic subscription package to get this channel. Nothing sinister or unusual about that.

I get TechTV on RCN as part of their basic package, though.

Posted by: super dave

Since Comcast is now involved the price can only go UP!

Posted by: Swirl_Junkie

quote:
Originally posted by dmdeane
???
I don't see how this affects Leo one way or the other.

I was referring to the techtv forum thread, ( that Leo was stepping back from TSS), that fofer posted after me,
I read this originally on slashdot, and they had additional links and backstory, and I guess that was the part that hit home for me. I didn't realize that wasn't mentioned in the original post,,, that's what i get for not reading the whole thread.

More here : http://leo.typepad.com/tsn/

Posted by: TiVoKate

We get G4 and TechTV on RCN. I reallllly hope they wouldn't take away TechTV. Although I'm sad they're not keeping the "Tech TV" name instead of G4. Makes more sense the other way, I think.

Posted by: jones07

TechTV will be eaten alive. In 6 months Techtv and the people working there will be no more. I gone though a merger before "a Bank from down South" Bought a bank from my town. We where told our jobs was safe. But In 8 months most of us was replaced with people from the HQ city.

Posted by: Fofer

But in this case, TechTV is so much bigger than G4.

Posted by: Rosenkavalier

quote:
Originally posted by dmdeane
The FAQ sounds like TechTV will be totally submerged into G4: the headquarters will be in LA, not SF, and the G4 CEO will take over the combined network. I guess they will use the G4 name, not TechTV, even though TechTV has more viewers.

What I'm wondering is if they will end up closing the San Francisco studios -- that is, when they say "headquarters to be in Los Angeles", if they mean just the corporate offices, or the whole shebang?

Posted by: Fofer

From Leo's blog today:

quote:
I hate long good-byes. I loathe long on-air goodbyes. So don't expect me to say much tonight on The Screen Savers. But since the news is out on Slash-Dot and the TechTV message boards, I guess I'd better say something here.

Yes, tonight will be my last night hosting The Screen Savers, a show we started nearly six years ago on a planet called ZDTV. I'm going to do a taped segment on the show every day, but I'll only be the cabin boy. Patrick and Kevin will captain the ship starting on Monday.

The story of how this came about is long and boring, but suffice to say it was my decision. With the uncertainty caused by the channel's sale I decided it would be prudent to diversify. I was lucky enough to find a great weekend job at KFI in Los Angeles, but as a result I've been working seven days a week. TechTV very graciously has allowed me to cut back so that I can work at both places without sacrificing my health or sanity.

I will continue to host Call for Help every day, and it will air at a new time, 6p Eastern, right next to The Screen Savers. I hope you'll stop by on your way to The Big Show®.

Hosting The Screen Savers is without a doubt the best job I have ever had, or likely ever will have. Thanks to Kate, Patrick, Martin, Megan, Morgan, Sarah, Jessica, Kevin, Yoshi, and all the behind the scenes people who made the magic happen every night. I'd say I'll miss you but I'll be right next door.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have supported me and the channel throughout these turbulent years. Whatever happens, at bottom all of us at TechTV do it for you. And your enthusiastic involvement in the channel has made this the best six years of my life. In the words of Patrick Norton, geek on, guys. If you keep watching, I'll keep making 'em.

http://leo.typepad.com/tsn/2004/03/thanks_for_all_.html

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by Fofer
But in this case, TechTV is so much bigger than G4.

Yes. That is my thinking as well: G4 simply isn't big enough or broad enough in its appeal to "swallow" TechTV, unless Comcast is really determined to alienate its viewers.

Some posters on Slashdot have pointed out that TechTV is contractually obligated to appear on quite a few cable and satellite providers, and that therefore Comcast can't simply "disappear" the TechTV channel and replace it with G4. I don't know if legally the name "TechTV" has to remain, but the network and its contents certainly can't be too radically changed without alienating the other cable and satellite providers who are contractually obligated to carry it.

G4 only covers video games; TechTV covers what G4 covers (games) as well as computers and all other tech subjects. Since TechTV is already widely seen and already covers what Comcast wants to cover (the full spectrum of tech issues) it makes more sense to carry on the TechTV name and philosophy, and to make G4 simply a gaming subset of what TechTV offers.

As such, it doesn't really matter who the CEO is or where his offices are. I would expect that the TechTV San Francisco offices will remain where they are. LA and SF aren't that far apart after all.

Someone on Slashdot pointed out something to consider: that FAQ was put out by G4 and may constitute "wishful thinking" on the part of G4 employees. No one will know what is really going to happen until the bigwigs start to try to merge the two networks and start thinking about what makes the most sense.

Destroying TechTV's existing viewership base (by turning it into a G4 clone) and simply using TechTV as a means of getting G4 into more households doesn't make sense. If Comcast wanted a gaming only channel, they wouldn't be merging TechTV and G4.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by Rosenkavalier
What I'm wondering is if they will end up closing the San Francisco studios -- that is, when they say "headquarters to be in Los Angeles", if they mean just the corporate offices, or the whole shebang?

Just corporate offices. There's no reason for any TV network to be tied down to just one location.

Even if they insisted on consolidating in LA, it wouldn't happen all at once.

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by TiVoKate
We get G4 and TechTV on RCN. I reallllly hope they wouldn't take away TechTV. Although I'm sad they're not keeping the "Tech TV" name instead of G4. Makes more sense the other way, I think.

We don't know what name will be chosen. The FAQ from G4 isn't an official statement; it may only be wishful thinking on the part of G4. Comcast has the final decision. As you point out, it makes more sense to keep the TechTV name. It has wider recognition, more viewers, and it means something. Don't know what "G4" is supposed to mean.

Posted by: hdeditor

quote:
Originally posted by dmdeane
... G4 simply isn't big enough or broad enough in its appeal to "swallow" TechTV, unless Comcast is really determined to alienate its viewers.

... Destroying TechTV's existing viewership base (by turning it into a G4 clone) and simply using TechTV as a means of getting G4 into more households doesn't make sense. If Comcast wanted a gaming only channel, they wouldn't be merging TechTV and G4.

From the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...BUGK95RA371.DTL

(article compressed at ... )

quote:
TechTV, the cable channel devoted to all things technological, will lose its identity, as the deal appears orchestrated to catapult the younger G4 into the millions of homes TechTV now reaches.

"This is a teardown," said John Higgins, deputy editor of the trade magazine Broadcasting and Cable. In real estate, he said, "you buy the house, tear it down, and build a new house on it."

"They're buying this for the value of the land, not the value of the building on it," Higgins said. "It's very hard for a startup network like G4 to secure distribution. (With this deal), they can buy it overnight."

G4, which Comcast started in 2002, reaches 13.3 million homes ...TechTV, ... now reaches 43 million homes...

Those figures, however, don't necessarily translate into viewers, and in the increasingly fragmented world of cable television, TechTV's ratings were minuscule, Higgins said.

In Higgins' view, TechTV sold cheaply -- less than $8 for every subscriber reached. By contrast, Cablevision sold Bravo, another channel with low ratings, to NBC in November 2002, for $1.25 billion, roughly $20 per subscriber. ...

...Officials wouldn't discuss how many layoffs are expected, although Charles Hirschhorn, the founder and CEO of G4, who will run the combined company, told The Chronicle, "There's lots of overlap."

TechTV employs about 300 people, and G4 employs about 200. Hirschhorn said he does not yet know how many people will work for the combined company. "Common sense dictates it's not going to be 500," he said.

The new company will be based in Los Angeles, the home of G4.

Posted by: disco

quote:
"In Higgins' view, TechTV sold cheaply -- less than $8 for every subscriber reached..."

Man, if I knew that I woulda chipped in TWICE that to avoid the Comcast buyout!! :eek:

Posted by: VinceA

From the FAQ it looks like the new G4 will be keeping at least these shows from TechTV:
ANIME UNLEASHED; X-PLAY; SCREEN SAVERS; FRESH GEAR; and ROBOT WARS

Noticeably missing is Call for Help. I wonder if The Screen Savers will morph into a combo of what it is now & what Call for Help is now. Would make some sense considering that Leo wanted a lighter work week. I'm happy that Anime Unleashed appears to have 'made the cut', at least initially.

Posted by: mgk

woohoo no more unscrewed i can't stand the guy who hosts that show

Posted by: faerie

boo! no more Tech Live!

and double boo! no more Call for Help! I guess time will tell what they're planning on doing with it.

Posted by: phodg

It'll be interesting. I had G4 when I had cable and hated it. But I love Tech TV. As long as they keep Screen Savers and X-Play (as indicated above) I'll give it a chance. If it turns into just G4 programming though I'll be off like a shot.

Posted by: bigpuma

If it wasn't for Call for Help (or Screen Savers, I can't remember which) I never would have found this place.

Posted by: DeDondeEs

The final product will be a bunch of gay TechTV guys talking about cool new video games. Just kidding. I like TechTV, I hope they continue the shows like Screen Savers, and Call for Help..

quote:
Originally posted by Peter Miller
Comcast bought TechTV today for $300 million.

My guess is they use TechTV's subscriber base which could finally mean G4 programming on DirecTV but what the final product becomes is anyone's guess.

Posted by: super dave

Last night Leo said it was his last night hosting The Screensavers, he will be stopping by and having some input on the stories and such. He also said that Call for Help will be moving to 6EST, just before The Screensavers. So those 2 shows are staying for now, right where they are. His rationale of they (Comcast) thought so highly of them that they paid $300million for them, is a little egotistical. Comcast wouldn't hesitate for a minute to dump TechTV's current shows for their own, just to save a buck. That's what they do. Leopards don't change their spots.

Posted by: zaknafein

Man. If I were a TechTV employee, I'd be finding a new job posthaste. This sounds nasty.

Posted by: mtmra70

Hopefully this doesnt turn into another situation like FOX buying Speed Channel and turning it into NASCAR TV. I can see it now, all the video game reviews, robot wars and other UK programing being repeated over and over and over every day 7 days a week.

Posted by: jones07

Robot wars over unscrewed !
God life is not fair :(

Posted by: aadam101

It wouldn't surprise me if TechTV only shows up on Comcast. They own NECN in the Northeast and you can't get it on satellite!

Posted by: dmdeane

Interesting article, and probably true, but still this is just speculation and not an official word from Comcast as to their future plans for the combined channel.

quote:
Originally posted by hdeditor
From the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...BUGK95RA371.DTL

(article compressed at ... )

Assuming that this is in fact what Comcast does, however, then that sounds incredibly stupid and short sighted. They are going to take a channel with a small viewership (TechTV) and a narrow focus (technology, consumer electronics, etc) and destroy it soley to gain larger exposure to a channel with even smaller viewership (G4) and an even more narrow focus (video games) that is nothing but a subset of what TechTV already covers.

Sounds like they are letting their G4 "branding" and their corporate egos overrule their better business judgement.

If they leave The Screen Savers, Call for Help, Tech Live, and Fresh Gear alone, I might give them a chance, but if this turns into nothing more than a gaming channel, I'm not going to watch.

X-Play is all the gaming news I need (and I only watch occasionally); I don't need an entire channel devoted 24/7 just to the subject of gaming. And I suspect that the potential viewership for such a channel is much smaller than what the G4 executives think. They can buy TechTV's footprint, but they can't force people to watch.

As to branding, what kind of a stupid name is G4 anyway? It means nothing (except to Mac users, who aren't the targeted audience). TechTV has plenty of its own branding, and people know from the name what to expect.

Sigh. God help us and anyone in the grip of MBA types obsessing about "branding".

Posted by: dmdeane

quote:
Originally posted by aadam101
It wouldn't surprise me if TechTV only shows up on Comcast. They own NECN in the Northeast and you can't get it on satellite!

Read the thread, please.

TechTV is already contractually committed to all of the major cable and satellite carriers. Comcast can't take that channel away, and it would be financial suicide for them to do so anyway.

Besides, Dish owns a percentage of this new TechTV/G4 network. It ain't going away.

Also, isn't NECN a regional New England channel? Not being carried on satellite sounds more like a priority thing - the satellite carriers had a hard enough time getting locals. Getting a regional cable channel would simply remove one of the locals they could carry. There just isn't enough of a priority for a nationwide satellite network to carry a regional cable channel that has a tiny audience.

Posted by: super dave

quote:
Originally posted by aadam101
It wouldn't surprise me if TechTV only shows up on Comcast. They own NECN in the Northeast and you can't get it on satellite!

They can't legally take a satellite signal and then NOT make available to a certain provider. I'm not sure if they could try and price their way off the provider, but that would be stupid. Why pay $300,000,000 just to kill a channel, they already have G4 available on their cable systems.
Also I'm supposing NECN is in the same loophole as Comcast Sports Net here in the Philly area. They claim they are using the old Prism channels technology of supplying the channel through microwave transmissions, therefore the signal isn't on a satellite to share, therefore why should they pay to share their channel. It is the one stumbling block for DirecTV to get an enormous amount of Philly Comcast subscribers to switch. CSN shows at least 75% of the local sports teams games(Flyers, Sixers and Phillies). With out this stranglehold more people would switch.

Posted by: Peter000

I don't watch networks per se. I watch specific programs. So it doesn't affect me unless a program changes a whole lot or is cancelled.

It sounds as if the programs are changing significantly enough that I probably won't watch them with or without TechTV being bought out... Call for help won't be live anymore, and Screen Savers won't have LaPort as a host. The only thing I might watch on CFH is Alex Lindsey's photoshop tips... I'd watch a whole program based around photoshop how-to tips.

Posted by: aadam101

All I know is that NECN constantly runs ads stating that NECN is "only available on Comcast and not available on Satelitte providers." It just seems so cheesy.

Posted by: scottjf8

So who do we think is going to be hosting TSS now that Leo has left the show? Kevin with Patrick? Or someone new?

Posted by: generalpatton71

Right now it's official that Kevin is the new co-host. I love Leo and I hate to see him not be a Co host but I like Kevin allot more then Pat really. I' love to see him and Sarah host it. I think everybody is having to much of the sky is falling stuff. I think we will see some corporate lay offs and not "talent" ones. I think they realize the audience G4 has been going after is the same that would love the Women of tech Tv and lets all admit were all worried we won't see any more of Megan and Sarah and all the other ladies there. Both of the channels have endless reruns and time fillers. My guess we will see less repeats on the two channels. They will merge there content and talent to provide better quality of shows. TSS could be made a two or three times a week show that would allow more preparation for each show and a higher quality of the shows. Does Unscrewed need to be on five nights a week also? I don't see a problem with the show being a hour long once or twice a week instead 30 min five night a week. This new channel will need the talent from both shows to make a compelling network that can get ratings high enough to make a profit, 20 reruns of the same show a day just doesn't do it. I think Leo is in a strange spot because he is by far the one true talent of that network and he also probably has allot to do with whats going on behind the scene.

Posted by: tomo_kun

Well, i have just checked G4tv.com, and yes, its happening. IM SO FREAKING HAPPY!!! Ive wanted this channel for a long time on DirecTV, and i am now going to get it!

Ive been watching TechTV since the early ZDTV days (after kate hosted TSS), and in the past year, some of there shows have been slipping. With this merger, we will have some cool new shows (and they will HOPEFULLY fix Adam's attitude).

Im so excited, there are discussions over at the G4 website.

Posted by: Peter000

quote:
Originally posted by tomo_kun
Ive been watching TechTV since the early ZDTV days (after kate hosted TSS), and in the past year, some of there shows have been slipping. With this merger, we will have some cool new shows (and they will HOPEFULLY fix Adam's attitude).

What's wrong with Adam's attitude? I think he's pretty hilarious. The game reviews on that show are pretty funny and informative as well, though I'm not a huge gamer, I enjoy having X-play on for the eye candy (and not just Morgan, but the game eye-candy as well).

Posted by: tomo_kun

quote:
Originally posted by Peter000
What's wrong with Adam's attitude? I think he's pretty hilarious. The game reviews on that show are pretty funny and informative as well, though I'm not a huge gamer, I enjoy having X-play on for the eye candy (and not just Morgan, but the game eye-candy as well).

Adam has become a self centered jerk. I havnt found that many people that like him.

Posted by: Peter000

quote:
Originally posted by tomo_kun
Adam has become a self centered jerk. I havnt found that many people that like him.

I don't know the man personally, all I see is what is on TV. And I don't see him as much of a self centered jerk. Just a little wound too tightly at times. But all in all he's one of the best hosts on Tech TV, IMO.

Posted by: Fofer

I've always wondered how Adam manages to find the time to play all those games and also hold down a TV hosting job.

Posted by: cptodd

Well here is another article (I hope it has not been posted already):

http://www.tvweek.com/topstorys/032904g4.html

Posted by: bentleyml

Mergers in general do not work out that well from what I have seen. So I do not have much hope for this one. TechTV has been my default channel for quite sometime. If I couldn't find something to watch I would switch over to TechTV and almost always find something interesting. While I know that many shows from TechTV will survive... I just have a feeling the general attitude will change. Everything I have seen of G4 has made it feel like it was done by a bunch of amatuers, where as TechTV has always felt like a professional operation despite the air of fun and levity about it.

*sigh*

Posted by: mtmra70

quote:
Originally posted by bentleyml
Mergers in general do not work out that well from what I have seen. So I do not have much hope for this one. TechTV has been my default channel for quite sometime. If I couldn't find something to watch I would switch over to TechTV and almost always find something interesting. While I know that many shows from TechTV will survive... I just have a feeling the general attitude will change. Everything I have seen of G4 has made it feel like it was done by a bunch of amatuers, where as TechTV has always felt like a professional operation despite the air of fun and levity about it.

*sigh*

What do you expect from a channel devoted to just games(G4). I like video games a lot, but couldnt and wouldnt stand a 24/7 channel on video games. I need variety.

Posted by: phodg

Same here. half an hour of video game programming a day is enough for me (even WITH Morgan as host).
Tech TV is/was about more than just gaming. Having been in the computer business for 18 years now I haven't learned an awful lot from TSS/CFH but I've certainly had fun watching them.

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by cptodd
Well here is another article (I hope it has not been posted already):

http://www.tvweek.com/topstorys/032904g4.html

Good article. But this quote concerned me:

quote:
"The new network will be about video games, the gamer lifestyle, gadgets and gear," Ms. Green said. "Our consumer is the iPod-carrying, HDTV-watching, camera-phone-using VOD generation."

It sounds like the "new" network will be more like Stuff and Maxim and Gear magazines, and less like Wired and Red Herring and PCWorld/MacWorld. More "sexy" gadgets and less technical how-to's.

Which from my personal perspective, would be a Bad Thing. :(

Posted by: faerie

That quote kind scares me too. as well as this one:

quote:
The purchase involves a unique set of circumstances. Typically, larger companies consume smaller companies and retain their original dominant identity. In this case, a small network is gobbling its larger and well-branded competitor. Given TechTV's recent growth and viewer recognition, one might wonder whether Comcast would be tempted to stick closer to TechTV's brand than to G4's.

But Mr. Singer attributed TechTV's success to its length of time in the marketplace more than its programming. TechTV was established in 1998; G4 in 2002.

"The [new] network has to start with G4, which is a programming idea that we think has proved out the way we hoped it would," he said. "We see this as really a way to jump-start the distribution of G4."

I don't understand their thought process here. G4 is about gaming which to me would have a much smaller audience than a channel about technology that also focuses on certain technology subsets such as gaming.

Posted by: tomo_kun

NEW G4IN MAY!!!! TVWEEK article

*explodes*!!!!!

Posted by: faerie

quote:
Originally posted by tomo_kun
NEW G4IN MAY!!!! TVWEEK article

*explodes*!!!!!

=) that was already posted here

and the posts above yours are all discussing it =)

Posted by: cptodd

I agree some of what she had to say troubled me (including the clippings that you guys posted already). I guess as long as they leave the news program alone I will be OK. The only problem is that it is not one of the shows that have already been mentioned. SIGH!

Posted by: Rosenkavalier

quote:
Originally posted by Fofer
I've always wondered how Adam manages to find the time to play all those games and also hold down a TV hosting job.

Presuming for the moment that this is a serious question...

They've made it pretty clear in the small "behind the scenes" bits that are scattered throughout the shows that Adam and Morgan do not write the reviews for every game on the show. While the one (Adam or Morgan) to review the game will definitely have spent some time playing it, the actual 'meat' of the review may have been written by someone else. It's also pretty clear that most of the in-game footage is being played by one of the interns.

Posted by: Applied

:( unscrewed is going to be torned

techtv is one of my favorite channels, and i'm scared it won't be come may.

Posted by: canonelan2

quote:
Originally posted by Applied

techtv is one of my favorite channels, and i'm scared it won't be come may.

sadly, I'm in the same predicament.

Posted by: disco

I've lost all faith in the new "TechG4tv": they're keeping Robot Wars :down: :down: :down:

Posted by: jones07

quote:
Originally posted by Applied
:( unscrewed is going to be torned

Now I will never Win a Date With Laura Swisher
:(

Posted by: wmcbrine

Just for reference, the D.C. version of Comcast Sports Net is carried on DirecTV. So this needn't translate to TechTV being pulled from satellite. (I'm more concerned it will be gutted and replaced with useless gaming programming.)

Posted by: rtype

Leo has been let go in a dispute concerning stocks. :(

And it looks like Tech Live isn't going to make it to the new network? :(

Posted by: tomo_kun

quote:
Originally posted by rtype
Leo has been let go in a dispute concerning stocks. :(

And it looks like Tech Live isn't going to make it to the new network? :(

We dont have a final list yet.

Posted by: scottjf8

quote:
Originally posted by rtype
Leo has been let go in a dispute concerning stocks. :(

And it looks like Tech Live isn't going to make it to the new network? :(

Sad about leo.. info here
http://leo.typepad.com/tlr/2004/04/end_of_line.html

Posted by: Fofer

Ouch. I get the feeling we'll see more and more news like this in the near future. Something tells me in a few month's time, the "new" G4 won't resemble anything like the TechTV we've come to enjoy.

I'm savoring every last episode of The Screensavers/TechLive/Fresh Gear... and bracing myself for the premiere of "ViD3o GaM3 rOXorS" hosted by some 15-year old punk.

Posted by: super dave

I'll be removing TechTV from my favorites, Comcast destroys another thing I enjoy. Paul Allen should feel real good about himself, making even more money and casting aside all of the folks that built it for him.

Posted by: net114

This doesn't mean Techtv will be pulled from satellite, but it does mean that it will probably be on DISH and not Directv. Note that Dish network now owns 12% of the channel....that is not good for keeping Techtv on Directv....

Posted by: faerie

quote:
Originally posted by net114
This doesn't mean Techtv will be pulled from satellite, but it does mean that it will probably be on DISH and not Directv. Note that Dish network now owns 12% of the channel....that is not good for keeping Techtv on Directv....

Yeah, well, if they completely trash the channel anyway with stupid programming, I suppose I won't miss it so much from the lineup.

Posted by: rtype

It has already been announced that the new G4 will be carried by both DirecTV and DISH.

Posted by: jones07

http://www.gamingnexus.com/Article.asp?ID=53

Posted by: smak

New games come out, you review them and show gameplay....

What else does a video game network do? I have never seen G4?

It seems very dumb to buy out TechTV and then keep your programming at video games only.

I know they're basically buying it for the subscriber base, but still..

-smak-

Posted by: zaknafein

quote:
When you look at TechTV, their highest rated show is X-Play, the show based on video games, so there is a lot of synergy between the two channels.

I have a feeling there are other factors influencing X-Plays ratings...

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by zaknafein
I have a feeling there are other factors influencing X-Plays ratings...

In fact, I can think of two very specific factors...

:D

Posted by: jones07

To be honest, I do not see what others see in the "factors" of X-play. I see better looking "factors" at my local pub on any given weekend. :p

Is it just me that do not see what's all the fuss is, about the "Webb factor" ?

Posted by: rtype

Don't ask me, I'm more of a Corbin fan. :)

Posted by: IJustLikeTivo

That article gave virtually no useful information. Frankly, if they go after the game market, they'll lose the subscriber base. If there was a larger audience, G4 would have been able to get carried in DTV and DISH and they were not able. X-Play is an important part of the TechTV family, but there is a reason why they have 44 million subscribers and that is due to the larger audience served but TSS, CFH and Tech Live etc. If they do anything to lose the on air talent (eg. Leo, Pat, Kevin, Jess, Morgan, ) they will have spent a lot of money only to flush it down the drain.

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by jones07
To be honest, I do not see what others see in the "factors" of X-play. I see better looking "factors" at my local pub on any given weekend. :p

Is it just me that do not see what's all the fuss is, about the "Webb factor" ?

She's marginally attractive, has great hooters, and likes to play and talk about video games. For some guys, that's about the most beautiful thing in the world.

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by IJustLikeTivo
That article gave virtually no useful information. Frankly, if they go after the game market, they'll lose the subscriber base. If there was a larger audience, G4 would have been able to get carried in DTV and DISH and they were not able. X-Play is an important part of the TechTV family, but there is a reason why they have 44 million subscribers and that is due to the larger audience served but TSS, CFH and Tech Live etc. If they do anything to lose the on air talent (eg. Leo, Pat, Kevin, Jess, Morgan, ) they will have spent a lot of money only to flush it down the drain.

My thoughts exactly. What a worthless interview; I thought it was a joke. I mean, how many non-answer answers could the guy give? "we're exploring our options," "we're going to combine the best of both worlds," "I'm just a bland executive and have no idea..."

The only tidbit I could hang my hat on was that the new combined network would in fact be on both Dish and DTV.

Other than that, all he said was fluff, and the rest seemed to imply that the new network would be about games, with gadgets thrown in for good measure. I want tech and intelligent how-to's! The future of TechTV is not looking good for a geek these days.

Posted by: jones07

Fofer,
I guess you're right. She's "marginally attractive". And the fact she plays video games an like to hang out. Is a Done deal for younger guys. ;)

Posted by: Fofer

quote:
Originally posted by jones07
Fofer,
I guess you're right. She's "marginally attractive". And the fact she plays video games an like to hang out. Is a Done deal for younger guys. ;)

Don't forget the hooters part.

Posted by: jones07

There I agree with the Webb fanboyz..........Nice pair.