Tell TNN to get rid of that horrible black bar.... (1 Viewer)

[todd s]

If anyone has ever watched TNN they insert a black bar at the bottom of the screen during the ENTIRE time a tv show is on. It squishes the picture and is very annoying. TNN airs such shows as Trek:TNG, Miami Vice and starting in a few days C.S.I. Luckily, I have perfect uncut versions of TNG on dvd. But, I still think it is important for all people to complain, even if you don't watch the channel. If they get away with this. More stations might start this nonsense.
Here is the link to their feedback page:
http://www.thenewtnn.com/mail_form.jhtml

 

[Don Peskin]

That's why I don't watch them.

 

[Michael St. Clair]

I don't watch the station because of this practice, and I won't watch any station that does the same.

 

[DaveBB]

I've already called and emailed TNN about getting rid of the damn black bar. I've also deprogrammed them and Oxygen from my cable lineup so I haven't watched their channels in months.

I'm not sure what was worse, the bar or shifting the image up and cropping the top off.

 

[Jesse Skeen]

I have to wonder why cable channels (and TV networks in general) have comments sections at all when they obviously don't care what people think.

 

[Craig_T]

What's really sad is that sometimes they show movies like The Godfather or Top Gun without the black bar and with a small transparent logo instead of that solid colored one. What are they trying to do, demonstrate just how crappy their usual programming is and how much better things COULD be? This channel is operated by idiots.

 

[Jack Briggs]

True, and it's also true TNN doesn't care what you think. As long as the advertisers pay their bills, TNN is content (and, of course, it would never run that message bar during a commercial!).

 

[todd s]

I once called them and complained. They acted like it was no big deal and they weren't getting rid of it.

 

[Jack Briggs]

"Told ya so!"

 

[Michael St. Clair]

If you want to call somebody, call the advertisers and complain.

 

[Ralph Summa]

I sent an email to TNN only 5 minutes before seeing this thread. I sent one about two months ago and never received a reply. Would emailing the companies that advertise with TNN help? If we tell them that we refuse to watch the cahnnel because of the banner/logo could it work?
On a related note, I read on another forum that The National Geographic Channel began testing a more translucent logo on September 9. They are looking for feedback. Email them at [email protected] to show your support.

 

[MickeS]

I've emialed TNN about this a couple of times before. I specifically pointed out that I was happy they'd be running CSI, and asked if that show would also have the black bar. No response, and of course no change in policy, even though they have obviously received a lot of complaints about it.

They don't give a shit about the viewers.

 

[CharlesD]

I do not watch TNN because of this practice. They may not care about their viewers, but surely the advertisers care that fewer people are watching their ads?

 

[MickeS]

I'm sure TNN has done some research that shows that even though the bar is hated, enough people put up with it, and that the loss in viewers is worth it. Or they just fabricate numbers.

 

[Michael St. Clair]

The kinds of people who become neilson families probably don't give a crap.

I'd love to know all of the ratings that Tivo captures.

 

[Jack Briggs]

In a thread from about a year ago, I remember an HTF member mentioning he had met some TNN execs/reps at a trade show (I think). What I remember for sure from that post was our fellow HTFer writing about having mentioned to the TNN reps that he cannot stand the message bar and the way the network vertically compresses the image to fit in what's left of the screen. The TNN reps laughed and admitted that, yes, they know viewers hate the message bar but that there was no way in hell it was going away.
Of course, if it's "pro wrestling" TNN is showing, the message bar is given a rest.
Again, as is the case with all these station-bug logos and such: If the networks are being so altruistic and using these logos to help feeble-minded viewers navigate their way through the myriad channel offerings, then why the hell don't they broadcast the bugs during commercial breaks? After all, that's when most people surf the dial. And commercial breaks occur across the board at roughly the same time on all networks.
So, if some low-level TNN minion should be reading this, why not suggest to your bosses that the message bar remain visible during commercials? After all, since I need to be told that I'm watching TNG whenever I see Patrick Stewart wearing his red-and-black Starfleet uniform, you might as well inform me whose ads I'm watching too. Fair enough?

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Of course, if it's "pro wrestling" TNN is showing, the message bar is given a rest

That's because they need the WWF(E) more than the WWF needs them. Vince won't stand for it.

 

[Craig_T]

I'm sure TNN has done some research that shows that even though the bar is hated, enough people put up with it, and that the loss in viewers is worth it. Or they just fabricate numbers.

Maybe, but I still believe my theory: TNN is operated by idiots.

 

[Ralph Summa]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

What a joke. I don't watch wrestling so I never knew that TNN removed the bar for that. I enjoy Star Trek TNG and I like CSI as well. That just fuels my disgust with TNN. I think it's time to buy the DVD boxed sets and stop watching altogether. I will however write/email their advertisers.

 

[Steven Wesley]

I used to watch TNN only for their Arena Football coverage... thank God that's moving to NBC next year...