The TV Zone

This you have to see, and I suggest that you see it right now: Pbs.org. And click on video.

Or, if you prefer, go here...

Pretty much the entire visible universe of the Public Broadcasting Service has just been posted on-line. A few hours ago - or at least the beta version became officially available today...

But too much information! Just watch. It really is quite a beautiful thing.

Below is the top of the PBS press release, which was embargoed until this morning.

By the way, did I tell you to check this out? Now...it's amazing, gorgeous Seriously...

Okay, Okay, I do have a quibble: While the volume and presentation are breathtaking, my breath was not taken away by full-screen resolution. Now, this may have to do with the (possible) fact that the shows I sampled were not in hi-def originally. But full-screen is vital, and the commercial networks and their attendant sites have done a great job getting this in order. (Of course, watching "Lost" on ABC.com doesn't compare to a 90-inch widescreen, but in a pinch, it'll do.)

The press release:

"On Wednesday, April 22, PBS.org will launch its new video portal, rivaling the best in the business, with thousands of hours of PBS programming consolidated online for the first time, including full episodes of iconic PBS shows such as "American Experience," "American Masters," "Antiques Road Show," "Frontline," "Masterpiece Theater," "Nova," and more.

Unlike the commercial networks which, in most cases, simply put up certain episodes or certain programs, PBS will be putting up complete seasons of almost all programs. Ultimately, thousands of hours of PBS video will be included - extensive archives & back-catalogue, content from PBS broadcast TV spanning all its genres, as well as from local PBS
stations, feature-length films and documentaries, live events and performances, exclusive web-only content, and more. More content will be added literally every week. And, PBS producers are planning to deliver regular web-original content - one of the network's biggest
opportunities."

Years and years ago - even before I was born, but that would be a lie - there was a TV show on WNET/13 called "Soul!" It aired back in the days when people actually used words like "cool, daddio," and "hepcat" (no relation to the ska band so named) and maybe even "groovy."

What was probably good about this show was that it really was cool (daddio) and the hep-cats that starred were really fine, even great (I wouldn't insult them or anyone with the adjective "groovy.") This was New York's hip alternate universe show to "The Ed Sullivan Show." It featured musicians from New York's soul music underground and above-ground, and premiered in September, 1968. Here's the website...

Anyway, it's back - the whole thing, on WNET's website. It's an amazing thing, this reinterred TV show from yesteryear, and I suggest you watch at your leisure. (This is one of the splendors of the web - a place where late great shows can come back in revival which you can then watch at your leisure.)

Here, for example, is a link to the Oct. 4, 1972 edition, featuring Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Other editions star Max Roach...EW&F...Ashford; & Simpson...Tito Puente...and many others were featured.

Press release announcing the original series is on the jump...

Pix of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, ca. 1970s is from the Ellis Haizlip Collection, Archive Center, Anacostia Museum (CAAHC), Smithsonian Institution

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