Ch. 13's first virtual studio set from 1982

[Blue Dogs]

Ch. 13's first virtual set with the downtown skyline was unveiled sometime during the summer of 1982 and here's an example of it from their 6pm newscast from December 22, 1982:

 

Dave Ward, Marvin Zindler (RIP), Tim Melton (who subbed in for Bob Allen that night), Ed Brandon and Van Hackett are included in this photograph.

 

I know ChannelTwoNews has lots of old VHS tapes being uploaded on his YouTube page with news clips, promos, briefs of Ch. 13 during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

 

If anyone has any more info on Ch. 13's first virtual set from 1982, let me know.

[ChannelTwoNews]

If I'm not mistaken, most of the iterations of the virtual set were the work of what was then known as the ABC Video Design Group.

 

I believe the basic history was that it was an independent firm that was purchased and brought under the wing of Capital Cities and then ABC a few years later. While their primary clients were ABC O&O stations, they weren't the only customers. The operations utimately added Group W / Westinghouse's TV stations to their design portfolio in the late 80s & early 90s.

 

While virtual sets have gotten more and more intricate, KTRK's from the late 80s & early 90s is still one of my favorites. Fairly versatile for the period, though I was never certain why the image of the skyline changed during the final segment of the morning news each day. Still the only time the southeast view has been used as the shot on any station that I can remember...  

 

The AVDG is also responsible for the then modern and sleek / "shiny" gradient laden look that was used for most of the O&O graphics (KTRK as a prime example) during this period. Many elements were unique to individual stations, though certain elements were ubiquitious - namely a starry night background or a field of clouds as a template for other graphics, bumpers, show opens, etc.

 

 

[Blue Dogs]

I've noticed how Ch. 13's weather center including those TV sets included in the virtual set as well.

[ChannelTwoNews]

I've noticed how Ch. 13's weather center including those TV sets included in the virtual set as well.

 

That was not part of the virtual set - it was a physical set piece that was made to blend with the background. It and a physical small wall leading to the weather chromakey screen were the only "real" parts of the set, minus the desk and flooring.

 

On the later version of the set, I always wondered why they made the weather guy stand on a ramp next to the desk when everyone else got to sit. Such are the mysteries of life, I suppose. 

Edited September 22, 2014 by ChannelTwoNews

[Blue Dogs]

ChannelTwoNews, in this clip of Ch. 13's weekend newscast from July 21, 1985, they had Ed Brandon sitting down with the rest of the anchors on the desk with the Circle 13 logo, with the 3 hanging out in the middle of the desk.

 

 

 

Edited September 22, 2014 by Blue Dogs

[ChannelTwoNews]

ChannelTwoNews, in this clip of Ch. 13's weekend newscast from July 21, 1985, they had Ed Brandon sitting down with the rest of the anchors on the desk with the Circle 13 logo, with the 3 hanging out in the middle of the desk.

 

Yes, it was the later one that I'd mentioned where that was the case. I think it may have debuted later that year or in 1986 when they re-vamped their look.

[Blue Dogs]

Here's a shot of Ch. 13's virtual set from September 18, 1984 in their 6pm newscast close

 

 

*In the 1:16 mark, it has everyone sitting down on the desk (the Circle 13 logo with the 3 hanging out wasn't put on there until later that same year I believe) with the downtown skyline behind them.

 

 

Edited September 22, 2014 by Blue Dogs