Production of TUTV resumes

A virus that infected production equipment has caused Tufts Television (TUTV) to delay broadcasting new shows for several weeks. After updating equipment and software, production has resumed, although no shows are currently airing.

Before the virus, TUTV was airing shows shot last spring and broadcast a few programs produced in September.

The problems come as TUTV adjusts to a series of new regulations and contracts that came with Tufts' cable service provider change last spring. Tufts took over cable broadcasting from Comcast and TUTV is now operating under a contract from Falls Earth Station.

Previously, much of the material was in the "live to tape" format, in which shows were filmed and then aired without editing. Sports events and performances will continue to be shown, but "in the interest of quality," they will be know be edited, according to TUTV Production Editor Hannah Suh.

TUTV will now be "more of a network style. Producers are now coming to us with a concept and a set crew," Suh said. The set crews are intended to facilitate production. In the past, volunteers often "would quickly lose interest, and it was not as organized."

All potential producers have to fill out an application and have their idea approved by Suh. Producers are then in charge of their own shows, unlike last year when TUTV officers were responsible for certain programs.

In addition, several freshmen explorations classes are producing material for shows. This has helped to stabilize personnel, since students must stay all semester for credit.

Several shows have already been approved, including "Jumbo Love Match," which will return for a third season.

Last year the show was "put on hold" for what host Andy Katzenberg said was taking it "really close to extreme lines." He was reprimanded for using "inappropriate language and jokes and advertising for a company [on air]."

Seniors Elliott Wiley, Ethan Austin, (also Daily Editorial Board members) and Colin Stewart will continue to broadcast the sports commentary show "The Best Damn Interruption." Wiley will also host a new political debate show, "The Balance of Power." Other shows include "Undergrad," a soap opera, and a series of shorts from a rotating group of contributors.

TUTV replaced computers and software after the virus and TUTV Technical Director George Rausch wants to make additional improvements. Rausch said TUTV would like to switch to a digital broadcasting center, moving away from the current format of mini digital video cassettes and hard drives.

The new system would increase the amount of material than can be in rotation at one time. Capacity would increase from 12 to 27 hours of tape, and the speed it takes material to be uploaded to air would decrease. Rausch said the network is currently creating proposals to fund these improvements.

The University now provides cable at no additional cost to students, so the whole campus has access to TUTV on Channel 23.

Many have yet to see TUTV. "I have really missed TUTV this year, and I am looking forward to finally seeing what it has to offer," freshman Mary Cella said.

Even with current equipment, TUTV will have new features this fall. Shows will be streamed online through the Tufts Intranet, and the network is exploring the possibility of sharing material with other universities.

TUTV also wants to show new DVDs and other movies. Because the network runs on a closed circuit, TUTV does not have to worry about copyrighted material, Rausch said.

All these new features are expected to begin shortly, and the first shows are expected to air beginning Sunday.