ThinkTV, PBS, Spectrum, Dayton, Ohio, Channel 16, Channel 14

Every month there are programs that don't get much publicity, but are talked about the morning after.

The Office
Think^TV16, premieres October 13 at 10pm

This series is something like SESAME STREET with its international versions. The American OFFICE with Steve Carell has been very successful (nine Emmy nominations this year). The French have LE BUREAU while the Germans have STROMBERG, and the Canadians gave us LA JOB. Few conventions translate across borders as well as the insufferable boss and put upon workers.

But here at Think^TV, we accept no substitutes for the original. THE OFFICE premiered in 2001 on BBC2, the brainchild of writers Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais (who also doubles as the office manager we love to hate). Where Carell’s character is more of an affable bumbler, Gervais is alternately hilarious and appalling. In terms of disposition, he is to middle management what Basil Fawlty is to inn keeping. The internet is full of fans arguing which OFFICE series is better. You be the judge. Enjoy this faux reality look at life inside the offices of Werham Hogg.

Independent Lens “Wordplay”
Think^TV16, October 19 at 10pm

Independent Lens kicks off its new season with WORDPLAY, a look at the world of Will Shortz, aka NPR’s “Puzzle Master” and current editor of the venerable New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. While Will Shortz is hardly a face on every other supermarket tabloid, he might as well be George Clooney among crossword enthusiasts. WORDPLAY culminates in Connecticut at the ACPT (American Crossword Puzzle Tournament) where a new champ is crowned. And this year, a new young gun hopes to upset all the veteran contenders. Of course Will Shortz presides over it all. Whether you’re a casual puzzler or a true fanatic whose Sunday is the day the earth stood still until IT is done, this is for you.

Independent Lens “A Lion in the House”
Think^TV16, October 14 & 21 at 4:00pm

Here’s a replay of the Emmy nominated documentary from local filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar. This follows five kids battling cancer, their treatment at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital, and the families who are there for them at every turn. Few documentaries will put you through an emotional wringer like this. Shot over several years, this is really old fashioned cinema verite that may prove a bit demanding for today’s more hyperactive viewers. But those who stay with it will be truly rewarded.

Weapons of World War II
Think^TV14, October 17- November 14 at 8 & 8:30pm

The Second World War saw an incredible advancement in the technology of destruction. It started with some countries still employing biplanes and horse drawn artillery. By its conclusion, there were jet aircraft, ballistic missiles and atomic bombs. Half-hours are paired up, and each is devoted to a single subject such as tanks, machine guns, aircraft carriers, even midget submarines.

When “Spectrum” shows Andre Rieu in the program listings, I expect an excellent, high class, entertaining program. A light classical offering. The program I watched in August (ANDRE RIEU: RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL) reached, in my opinion, a new low for Andre Rieu. I do not consider “gospel” either high class or entertaining light classical. While the Radio City audience obviously enjoyed this, I can only say my wife and I did not.

- James C., Centerville

Sorry you didn’t enjoy it. Woe be to the artist who strays from the music for which fans have grown accustomed. Daniel O’Donnell seemed to raise a few eyebrows when he donned the black leather jacket to “Grease” up his “ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SHOW. He returned to more familiar ground the next time out. What Andre Rieu did wasn’t exactly as radical as when Bob Dylan went from acoustic folkie to electric guitar with The Band… and was roundly booed, but playing gospel in addition to his standard fare was a bit of a departure for Mister Viennese Waltz. What did other Rieu fans think?

- Jim Wiener, Program Manager

Why are some programs both regular & HD (high definition) while others are only HD? I was so frustrated not to see CRATER LAKE, THE MIRROR OF HEAVEN. Why should I support something I cannot watch?

- Judith E., Dayton

Flash back 40+ years ago when television schedules put a star next to those rare series that were broadcast “in living color.” As more programs were produced in color, the stars multiplied until color became the predominant format. The stars were no longer necessary.

In a way, we’re in that same boat. More and more programs are being produced in HD (e.g. NATURE, NOVA, GREAT PERFORMANCES), but the majority of programs more than a few years old are still in analog. The difference with yesteryear is that you could still watch BONANZA on your black and white set. Today, we’re unable to watch HD programs on an analog set.

Think^TV broadcasts high definition and digital widescreen programs every night 6pm- 6am on 16’s HD channel, and 8-10pm on 14’s HD channel.

Ken Burns’ WAR continues this month, and because it was produced in HD, we can simulcast it on both the analog and HD channels.

But the THIS OLD HOUSE HOUR is not in HD, so while you’ll see it Thursday at 8pm on 16’s analog channel, you’ll see WINDOW TO THE SEA on the HD channel.

If you were frustrated not to see CRATER LAKE,THE MIRROR OF HEAVEN, it isn’t because we weren’t broadcasting it. You simply need a digital television in order to receive it. It’s akin to lamenting that your video store does not carry your favorite movies… but only because it stocks DVD’s, and you still have a VHS deck.

Spectrum is Think^TV’s member magazine and is mailed to more than 18,000 members each month. The magazine details viewer information, station news and special events as well as provides a source for everyday program listings.

Please continue to check back for information and “program picks” from Jim Wiener, Think^TV’s Program Manager.

For information about advertising in Spectrum magazine, call Kitty Lensman at 937-220-1672.