News From LexMedia

Directions

August 8, 2008: Although are new facilities are beautiful, the set of instructions needed to find us are not. To help with this situation, we have added a new page as the second item in the Table of Contents to the left. If you click on Directions you can find a set of written directions, a link to a Google Map about where we are and a map that shows how to locate us.

All 3 Channels on All 3 Cable Systems !!!

August 6, 2008: This morning we finally reached the point where we are broadcasting all three public access channels (LPTV, LETV, LGTV) on all three cable systems (RCN, Comcast and Verizon). Although 7 of the 9 channels have been up since July 17th, the last two Verizon channels are finally working.

Now we will begin the process of adjusting sound levels so that when you switch from one station to one of ours the volume will be at the right level. Due to the number of people involved in getting this done, it may take us some time, but be assured that we are working on it.

Please notice the third item in the table of contents, Operational Status which is a link to the current status of our various systems.

Public Hearing on LexMedia Performance, October 2007 - July 2008

July 27, 2008 updated August 10, 2008: Thursday July 31 the Communications Advisory Committee held the annual Public Hearing on the performance of LexMedia. This was an opportunity for members of the LexMedia Evaluation subcommittee to talk about the review process and for the general public to comment on LexMedia’s performance during this time period.

You can view this hearing on the following dates/times on LGTV:

To view our responses to questions about our performance, please see LexMedia Evaluation 2008.

Kline Hall Broadcast Start

July 19, 2008: On Wednesday July 16th at 1:30pm, the first broadcast signals of LPTV, LETV and LGTV left Kline Hall and started to be distributed to Comcast customers!

Although we are still ironing out some wrinkles, here is a description of the components and capabilities of our new digital broadcasting facility at Kline Hall: (more…)

See the complete collection of Kline Hall Updates.

America’s Test Kitchen

May 20, 2008: Florence and Harry went to visit Florence’s friend Jim Hirsch at America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) in Brookline MA to get some ideas about how the pros do it. Jim’s company, High Output, which does business with ATK provides equipment and services to clients in the film, broadcast, theatrical and event markets.

ATK is a true test kitchen, where food recipes are developed and experimented with.

America's Test Kitchen in Brookline MA.

With the results learned in the kitchen, ATK publishes two magazines, hosts a website, and produces a program that shows on PBS.

Florence surveys the expanse of America's Test Kitchen.

With the exception of the number of stations where cooks could work their magic, we came away with the feeling that over time, our new Studio K should prove to be a very effective place to film cooking shows.

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New, Improved from Cary Hall

April 17, 2008: At the start of Town meeting one month ago, we reported (Just in Time for Town Meeting) about new equipment that was supposed to fix the loss of sync (a.k.a. “roll”) seen whenever we switched from one camera to another. Unfortunately the initial attempt failed.

We are happy to report that this problem has been fixed — and along with that fix come some wonderful new capabilities in the Cary Hall video switching equipment. The new switcher adds two significant functions which can be seen in the video above:

1. Transitions: Now, not only can we cut from one camera to another without the loss of sync, but we can also specify a transition, such as fade from one scene to the next.
2. Picture in picture: In addition, we can show the output of two cameras in the same switched image.

Hank Manz and Linda Vine have worked hard to make this improvement happen. Thanks again to both of you. LexMedia’s Jen Williams has, as usual, figured out how to integrate these new capabilities into her repertoire of techniques to create interesting programs from Town of Lexington Government meetings. Thank you, Jen.

Featured Content on LCTV

Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition

click to see video: be patient it may take some time to get started

June 6, 2008: Last Sunday, LexGWAC sponsored a talk by Dr. James Hansen of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies at Columbia University, and by Dr. Mark Bowen, author of “Censoring Science: Inside the Political Attack on Dr. James Hansen and the Truth of Global Warming”.

Dr. Hansen spoke about his latest findings and the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the next couple of years or face the consequences of a very different climate. Dr. Bowen has written a book about Hansen’s efforts to speak openly about the importance of reducing greenhouse gases was impeded by political appointees at NASA, who attempted to censor or alter Hansen’s reports and writings.

These very interesting talks have been added to the OnDemand section of the LexMedia website. You can see both the video of the talks as well as the presentation given by Dr. Hansen by clicking on the image above.

You can also order a copy of the talks on DVD for $20/disk to cover the costs of reproduction by calling LexMedia at 781 862–5388 and ask to purchase a copy of this DVD.

Cary Lecture Series

click to see video: be patient it may take some time to get started

March 2, 2008: The third in the Cary Lecture Series is entitled Understanding Contemporary China by William Kirby. The People’s Republic of China has emerged as the world’s most dynamic economy, and as an increasingly powerful presence in global affairs. It is essential that we understand China’s people—their history, culture, and internal challenges—so we can put this huge nation into proper context as a current and future trading partner, ally, and strategic rival.

Harvard’s Geisinger professor of history, William Kirby, directs the University’s Fairbank Center for East Asian Research. A specialist in China’s international relations, he is a frequent visitor to the People’s Republic from his home in Lexington.

Over Stressed and Under Pressure

Click on image above to visit OnDemand pages

February 2, 2008: The goal of this gathering was to explore what can be done to strengthen Lexington’s community support network and to build connections between families, professionals and town leaders striving to address problems of teen stress, substance abuse and suicide.

This half-day forum was sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, the Human Services Committee, and the Advocacy Planning Task Force of the Youth Services Council. The forum consisted of a panel discussion followed by audience comments, questions, and discussion.

Click on image above to visit OnDemand pages

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About LexMedia

LexMedia Mission Statement

The Purpose of LexMedia is to develop, establish and maintain a Media Center to facilitate learning and to meet the needs of the Lexington community by offering media education and community programming.

LexMedia is a non profit organization which runs three channels in Lexington Massachusetts. Our Channels can be found on Comcast,RCN and Verizon. We serve the Lexington Community. We offer members of LexMedia training for use of TV Production equipment. If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. Contact information is listed below.

Jim Baker Member Elected Representative Term 2010

Kay Bell Secretary, Member Elected Representative Term 2010

Tim Counihan Selectmen’s Appointee Term 2010

Harry Forsdick Chairman, Member Elected Representative Term 2009

John Hayward Treasurer, Board Appointee Term 2008

Shelby Kashket Vice-Chairman, Member Elected Representative Term 2009

Alan Lazarus TMMA Representative Term 2008

Ephraim Weiss Member Elected Representative Term 2008

Ernest Van Seasholes School Committee Representative Term 2008

Mailing address:

Contact information: