WeatherStar
(Redirected from WeatherSTAR)
WeatherStar is the name of the technology used by the The Weather Channel (TWC) to generate their local forecast segments on cable TV systems nationwide. It is in the form of a computerized unit which is installed at the headend of a cable tv company, which generates and inserts local forecast and weather conditions into TWC's programming.
History
The WeatherStar has gone through many different generations since it was first put into use by TWC at the channel's beginning in 1982:
- The original WeatherStar (WeatherStar I), it, like following WeatherStar units, would receive local weather data from TWC itself (which was gathered from the National Weather Service), via data encoded in the VBI of TWC's video, as well as receiving extra data from an extra subcarrier transmitted with TWC's video via satellite. The WeatherStar I was only capable of displaying white text on a dark blue background (or a light brown background during weather watch conditions, and a red background during weather warnings), it had no graphics capabilities. It could also key its text over TWC's video as well. Even though the WeatherStar I had met the FCC's Part 15 regulations for emanated RF interference (RFI), it still radiated a lot of it, noted by the WeatherStar I interfering with TV channel 2 (which was a problem, considering it was installed in a cable tv headend).
- The WeatherStar II, which had improved RF shielding, as well as having a improved hardware design overall. Otherwise, it had the same text-only features as the WeatherStar I.
- The WeatherStar III, which was also called the WeatherStar 3000. This was yet another text-only unit identical to the WeatherStars I & II, with more internal improvements. It has been completely retired in late 2004 due to FCC alert regulations (the 3000 and previous units were incapable of generating an audio alert tone during the display of a weather warning).
- The Weatherstar 4000, the first graphics-capable model of the WeatherStar Line. It was introduced around 1988, and designed and manufactured by Canadian electronics company Amirix (then the Applied Microelectronics Institute). It also has a improved display font, and the 4000 is still in use in some headends serving smaller communities. The first 4000s that were placed in service were programmed to operate text only like its predecessors, only with its improved font, and a graphical radar page displayed at the end of the local forecast.
- The WeatherStar Jr., a budget model manufactured by Wegener Communications for cable tv headends in smaller communities. It has the same smoother-looking display fonts as the WeatherStar 4000, but text-only with the same blue, brown, and red backgrounds like the WeatherStars I through 3000. While the WeatherStar Jr. is still in operation, very few cable companies now use the Jr.
- The WeatherStar XL, introduced around 1996, which has much-improved graphics capability over the 4000, its on-screen appearance would closely resemble the WeatherStar's sucessor, the Intellistar.