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Hello Everyone,
Sorry this note has come a week into the process, By now, you've probably noticed some changes to our weather presentation on air and on 9wsyr.com. Thanks so much for your feedback. We're constantly tweaking and adjusting, so your thoughts are valuable. Please take some time to read a bit further and hopefully we'll hit on some of the big issues.
First, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to upgrade our technology to the most advanced in Central New York. Our previous system, including the software for Live Doppler 9, was more than a decade old. Much of it was not only cumbersome to use, but the technology itself was no longer supported. Imagine trying to watch a video on the web using a 15 year old computer. This is about much more than showing off some fancy gadgets. While excited about the capabilities of our new system, creating new graphics, learning the technology, making equipment talk to the web, etc. has been an overwhelming task. We're learning as we go, and understand that not everyone loves change. So here are answers to a few of your questions:
Live Doppler 9. Yes it looks different. The old tan map is gone. The new maps are based on satellite imagery, "real" pictures of the earth instead of a color palette. It was like we upgraded from a black and white to color television. We understand since the earth is made up of greens, blues, and browns, it sometimes makes the precipitation data difficult to see. We are experimenting with different looks to the precipitation key to help the light precip. stand out. But we're sensitive to the fact that we all know "red" is bad (let alone PURPLE!) in the summer and yellow means some pretty heavy lake effect in the winter. So we'll see what we can do.
We're also working on restoring some of the roads and landmarks that were visible on the old maps. And yes, we'll take a look at the placement of the logo too!
But once we all get used to the cosmetic changes, you'll really see a difference in the capabilities. We can now incorporate live data from all of the National Weather Service radars. The zoom and movement is now instantaneous (instead of counting one one-thousand, two one-thousand). Once we get some heavy weather, you'll see the improved capability of Live Doppler 9 to track the path of storms and to even estimate how much rain, snow or hail fell in a given area. It's really impressive.
Planning Forecast. We are working to lighten the blue of the 7 day forecast so you get more easily see the raindrops and other conditions.
9.2. We are excited to be able to deliver weather conditions 24/7 on WSYR 9.2 (890 on Time Warner digital cable). In addition to current conditions and a forecast, Live Doppler 9 will be displayed in between programs and non-stop during severe weather. School closings and severe weather alerts will also be available continuously. We realize not everyone will enjoy watching a non news program inside a squeezed "L-bar", but if our mission is to be your one source for weather, it's hard to keep that promise without consistency. One day we hope to add a 9.3 which would be exclusively news/weather.
Weather Everywhere. Much more than a slogan. NewsChannel 9 is truly the only place to get your local weather information everywhere. On TV (NewsChannel 9, and 9.2), On Radio (B104.7, Hot 107.9), Online (9wsyr.com, email alerts), and On the Go (9wsyr.com on your mobile browser, text alerts, iphone app).
Weather Control. Again, the purpose of our on air control center isn't just to look "cool". This technology allows the Storm Team to interact directly with the maps and graphics in real time. Previously, meteorologists had to pre-program their entire show. We'll really see the benefits of this system during severe weather, when the Storm Team will be able to directly decide to call up Live Doppler 9, then touch the screen to activate a live picture, or the latest warnings, then convert instantly to a wind velocity scan, etc.
Personnel. We've also had some personnel changes. Mark Chapin traded the snow for 100 degree temperatures, taking a job at a television station in Austin, Texas. Chris Brandolino's return to CNY is only a couple months away. So we've had the good fortune of being able to welcome Tom Hauf to the Storm Team. As many of you know, Tom has been a meteorologist at WSTM and WTVH for 15 years. He's been filling in for Jim Teske, who is on vacation, and will hopefully stick with us on weekends for awhile.
We know there's a lot going on and appreciate your feedback and patience as we work hard each day to improve our presentation. If you have any further suggestions, please click on the comment section below.
Thanks for watching NewsChannel 9 and using 9wsyr.com.
The NewsChannel 9 Storm Team
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