Weather channelAccuracy has undoubtedly improved since the advent of cable television, but the same cannot be said for The Weather Channel. energy. That's no disrespect to the company's art design team—there's just no real match for that distinctly minimalist, retro-elementary look. forecasts 1980s, 90s and early 2000s.
Need more proof that there are those who yearn to return to the days of weather reports combined with smooth jazz? Check WeatherStar 4000+a DIY project that aims to recreate the atmosphere of The Weather Channel's '90s heyday while providing you with up-to-date, up-to-date forecast information. Created a similar project from a programmer Mike BattagliaWeatherStar 4000+ (WS4000+) is Matt Walsh's own do-it-yourselfer option that is easily accessible via a web browser or even installed. on your computer.
The WS4000+ is actually an ode to a very real technology called WeatherStara system that The Weather Channel has relied on since its premiere in 1982. The “star” in WeatherStar is short for satellite transponder addressable receiver and consists of a physical computer unit installed in the cable system's central broadcast center, called the headend. For decades, WeatherStar has enabled The Weather Channel to receive, generate and broadcast localized forecast information based on where viewers live. These warnings are broadcast during The Weather Channel's national programming and often include vital information, including severe weather warnings.
“This is by no means a perfect imitation [original] WeatherStar 4000, the equipment that created those wonderful blue-and-orange graphics you saw during your local forecast on The Weather Channel,” Walsh explains of the project. GitHub page. “Instead, this project aims to create an easy-to-use interface with minimal setup fuss.”
WS4000 relies on open source NOAA meteorological data, but also uses some extremely modern technology to give it a little extra flair. Given copyright laws surrounding the original WeatherStar soundtrack, Walsh used various “artificial intelligence tools” to create several “WeatherStar-inspired music tracks” to create a recognizable jazz vibe. However, purists may want to review TWWClassicAnother hobbyist project that provides a free database of decades' worth of Weather Channel tunes.
However, the WS4000+ is designed to be used more for its feel than its usefulness. As Walsh makes clear in the GitHub disclaimer, the website should not be used to obtain information during severe weather events.
“The Internet is an unreliable network, prone to server and network failures, and is inherently unsuited for such mission-critical uses,” he explains.
Still, it's as good a reminder as any to pay attention to. National Weather Service subscriptions or emergency radio for quality real-time weather alerts.
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