Post by: Jonnyboy117 on March 25, 2004, 02:37:57 PM
Comcast today announced its purchase of Tech TV, home of "X-Play" as well as other technology-focused programming. Tech TV will be merged with Comcast's own G4 channel, which is geared specifically towards video gamers but has floundered with a smaller distribution network. The new, combined network will be accessible by 44 million cable and satellite subscribers, a considerable increase from G4's previous distribution of 15 million subscribers. The sale was estimated at $300 million USD.
It is currently unclear what kind of programming the new channel will offer, though gaming is likely to remain a significant, if not exclusive, focus for the network.
Post by: KnowsNothing on March 25, 2004, 02:50:48 PM
I want G4. And I want TechTV. But I don't want Xplay. HMM
Post by: Pale on March 25, 2004, 02:54:02 PM
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 25, 2004, 02:55:21 PM
Never seen TechTV so that will definaltely add something to the channel.
Post by: The Imperious Leader on March 25, 2004, 04:23:23 PM
Post by: Coarse_Limely on March 25, 2004, 04:34:51 PM
I've been watching a lot of G4, instead, and I really enjoy their programs. Portal was awesome for awhile, but then they lost their good voice actors, and killed off the best character on the show (one of the most hilarious characters ever created, in fact). Cinematech is cool sometimes, with CG sequences from every game that has 'em. The news show is pretty good, and up-to-date. I hope they lose Judgement Day and keep X-Play instead. tommy telarico may be a good soundtrack composer, but he has terrible taste in games. Starcade is funny to watch. It's a video arcade game show from the early 80's. The show had 2 hosts, and both of them were so incredibly rude to the guests half the time, it's sad. "Boy, you're not very good at this game, are you? Well, back to your podium and let's see how good your opponent does!"
Should be interesting to see how the programming for the new network pans out. I hope they start Portal over from the beginning. Everybody should watch it. It starts out slow, but after they defeat The Ultimate the first time and Apex shows up and starts causing trouble, the show turns into solid gold!
Post by: cubedcinder128 on March 25, 2004, 04:36:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: The Imperious Leader
I really like TechTV, so I hope we don't lose a lot of the good programming that's on there now. Personally, I think X-Play is garbage, especially with their reviews. Gross misprononciation of characters' names, inability to understand simple game mechanics, and other things like having someone who hates shooters review a shooter game and give it a bad score are just some of the things that killed the show for me. I've never seen G4, so I have some hope that the video game side of this new channel will be good, but I'm more worried about losing my favorite techtv shows.
I concur. TechTV isn't as good as it was before 2003 started, but I watched Call for Help every afternoon and sometimes watched The Screen Savers as well, even though most of the good people from there have nowadays gone elsewhere (or places that have just ruined them, in Morgan's case of moving to X-Play)
As PaleZer0 said, if they remove my favorites and replace them with crappy copies of X-Play that are merely designed to attract people my age, then I'll be seriously ticked.
Post by: Perfect Cell on March 25, 2004, 04:40:59 PM
Post by: uwvark on March 25, 2004, 08:16:37 PM
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on March 25, 2004, 09:01:21 PM
It's a shame I don't get G4 here...
Post by: Berto2K on March 25, 2004, 10:57:08 PM
Post by: mouse_clicker on March 25, 2004, 11:09:10 PM
Post by: android advance on March 26, 2004, 12:20:30 AM
Post by: Deguello on March 26, 2004, 09:26:27 AM
Post by: Renny on March 26, 2004, 12:14:41 PM
This can only be good for the channel though. Regardless of the quality TechTV [I've never seen it], at least this will pull it out of rerun hell.
Post by: ameliaempire on March 26, 2004, 01:45:12 PM
Post by: Fluke Worm on March 26, 2004, 06:58:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaleZer0
I'll be sooooo pissed off is The Screen Savers gets canned....
I just saw part of the SSs and I got the impression that the show would be safe.
I personally like Xplay, not sayin` it's good or bad just that I like it.
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on March 26, 2004, 09:52:12 PM
Don't worry, guys. Your friends Leo and Adam are safe on the merged network. It doesn't look like Tech TV's lineup will be affected too much, though I'll be a little upset if Unscrewed is canned.
Also, it looks like Berto2K is right. Here's the online description of the G4 show Filter:
Quote
G4's exciting video game countdown show will help viewers sort through the endless number of games, characters and new gaming systems. Each episode will count down the best (or worst) of the video game world, with the results determined and voted on by G4 viewers at the G4tv.com website. Each rank on the countdown will also feature game clips, viewer e-mail and "man on the street" interviews.
Watch for new episodes of Filter on Thursdays at 10:30 PM EST/7:30 PM PST
That certainly reminds me of my brief experience. So those of you out there with G4, keep an eye out and VCR tape ready for Berto2K and me the next few Thursday nights!
