Los Angeles' KTLA killed their NTSC at 10:45PM

[kx250rider]

I set up a few sets in the house, and we watched the very end. I set up my '52 Kaye-Halbert, and several collectible Sony sets on NTSC rabbit years, and my '66 Zenith was set up on a converter box (also rabbit ears). I noticed a significant delay between the NTSC signal, and ATSC. The ATSC came about 5 seconds later.

It felt really touching when Stan Chambers (started his job there in '47 when KTLA went on the air, and still works there today!!!!), and his grandson Jamie, were together live up at the transmitting tower house on Mt. Wilson to "throw the switch". When KTLA launched it's digital signal about 10 years ago, Bob Hope threw the switch. There was talk of his widow showing up for this event, but I guess it wasn't feasible.

It was really incredible to watch how all of the other sets died, and the Zenith kept right on as if nothing happened. Here are a few pictures, and I'll upload a video and link it once I get a chance to edit.

Stan Chambers and his grandson Jamie (viewed through digital box on rabbit ears)






Stan Chambers c. 1965 on Kaye-Halbert TV


Stan Chambers live, 6-12-09 on Kaye-Halbert TV

[Tinman]

Yep, I watched the end of KTLA's analog broadcast last night as well on several sets.

It was an odd effect as my old sets went to snow and the plasma kept right on going.

To me, the world seemed a little quieter last night. It was nice that at least SOME stations bothered to "sign off" in a small remnant of tradition.

[kx250rider]

I was disappointed that, after all the effort they went to with the ending, they didn't go to the Indian head or at least something from the past. The best would have been the national anthem, and the Paramount stars over the KTLA tower as in 1947.

Charles

[Sandy G]

VERY impressive-and lustworthy- bunch of sets, Charles ! Dunno which one I'm in love w/more-the K/H, the Sonys or the Roundie...

[dtuomi]

I was kind of hoping for the Indian Head as well. It's not like its hard to get these days. Someone sells a bunch of patterns on a usb stick that includes the old Indian Head. But, at least they had Stan. I thought it kind of funny when the newsreader asked Stan if the staff is still high quality, like back in the old days. Stan just stood there for a few seconds (probably thinking, "not even close") before making some sort of joke. A nice sign off all the way around though.

David

[Tinman]

Well, there is obviously no pride or regard for history in the industry today.

I was lucky enough to be invited along to clean out the old CBS studio in LA. I was surprised that the walls were full of awards from god knows when to 2008. No one cared to move them. They just walked out of the old studio into their shiny new one, leaving everything behind.

It was the haul of a lifetime for me, though.

Say.... I have a whole box full of silver can caps NOS from their parts room.
I bet some of you vintage tv guys may have a use for some. Though they are so old, they are likely no good anymore. In the BOXES!!

But I'll give them to the first person that bothers to ring my doorbell.

[3Guncolor]

Guys remember they didn't really sign off. They just killed the analog transmitter and they were still in the 10 pm news on air on digital 31. They really could not do anything much different then they did unless they sent a different feed into the ch 5 TX. Most folks were watching the 31 version, we have not used the analog version since late last at my master headend. One note I did record the shut down off air on my office Zenith roundie I had to do one and when I heard Stan would be up on TX site KTLA was the station for me. They did bring it back up after 11 in night light mode so KTLA 5 still has a few weeks of life left. Now I wonder when it gets shut down for the last time will they do something during the last 5 min. It would be interesting if they did really sign it off correctly.

[zenith2134]

The world was a bit quieter than usual on Friday night. At least in my area.

Thanks for sharing, kx250.

[dtuomi]

Originally Posted by 3Guncolor

Guys remember they didn't really sign off. They just killed the analog transmitter and they were still in the 10 pm news on air on digital 31. They really could not do anything much different then they did unless they sent a different feed into the ch 5 TX. Most folks were watching the 31 version, we have not used the analog version since late last at my master headend. One note I did record the shut down off air on my office Zenith roundie I had to do one and when I heard Stan would be up on TX site KTLA was the station for me. They did bring it back up after 11 in night light mode so KTLA 5 still has a few weeks of life left. Now I wonder when it gets shut down for the last time will they do something during the last 5 min. It would be interesting if they did really sign it off correctly.

I watched it from a hub site, so I too was really seeing Channel 31. But my little Chinese made b&w was getting 5 on analog with its rabbit ears, so I did see both. All I can say is there is quite a delay between the digital and analog versions of the signals.

But, when I was saying I was hoping for the Indian Head on sign off, I was referring to the analog service, not the Channel 31 feed which would, needless to say, just continue on with the evening's newscast. They could have fed it with a different signal, after all the nightlight service which is just playing a repeating message about go and buy a converter box must being fed from a different source. I just wished for a little more of a tip of the hat to the old days.

David

[jhalphen]

Hi to All,

Charles, Thanks! for sharing your pictures with us.

The demise of analogue NTSC is a real PIA for the mini & micro TV fan club.

.... so this is why i operate 2 NTSC transmitters ...in Paris!

OT:
Charles is that a pet miniature rabbit or a plush toy?

Best Regards

jhalphen

[kx250rider]

Originally Posted by jhalphen

Charles is that a pet miniature rabbit or a plush toy?

Best Regards

jhalphen

It's a clay statue... Covering a spot the rug for the pictures (cats brought a rat into the house & made a mess with it Friday morning). I didn't want any AKers to call the Ventura County Sheriff and report that there must have been a murder, as there's blood all over the livingroom

Charles

[Phil Nelson]

Thanks for posting the pics. I was hoping to stage a similar event with a few of my restored TVs, but ended up taking a last-minute trip out of state and missed the moment.

Phil Nelson