West Hartford Community Television

0066 - Sedgwick Middle School - Winter PSA from the Sedgwick Video Club

2011-02-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

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0066 - Sedgwick Middle School - Winter PSA from the Sedgwick Video Club

2011-02-23T15:02:00.001-05:00

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1936-1-Debate 2010 1st Congressional District_xvid

2010-10-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

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1920-1-Debate201019thAssemblyDistrict

2010-10-15T10:52:00.001-04:00

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1922-1-Debate20105thSenateDistrict

2010-10-15T10:41:00.001-04:00

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1923-1-2010CandidateProfiles

2010-10-15T10:32:00.003-04:00

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1919-1-Debate201018thAssemblyDistrict

2010-10-15T10:32:00.001-04:00

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1921-1-Debate201020thAssemblyDebate

2010-10-15T10:23:00.001-04:00

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1475-1-Debate2009-BoardofEducation

2009-10-15T12:51:00.001-04:00

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1476-1-Debate2009-TownCouncilGroupA

2009-10-15T12:41:00.001-04:00

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1477-1-Debate2009-TownCouncilGroupB

2009-10-15T11:41:00.001-04:00

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1478-1-Debate2009-TownCouncilGroupC

2009-10-15T11:31:00.001-04:00

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1456-1-2009 Board of Education Candidate Profiles

2009-09-18T15:53:00.001-04:00

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denise_berard_hall

2009-09-18T13:50:00.001-04:00

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WHC-TV Televises Budget Forum Live

2009-02-05T19:23:00.004-05:00

West Hartford Community Television taped the live budget forum last night at 7:00 p.m. The forum was an opportunity for many residents to get thier first peek at how the town will deal with an overall cut of $1.1 million in state aid to West Hartford as proposed by Governor Jodi Rell.

Watch the forum here by clicking here:

WHC-TV Launches Online Web Stream

2009-02-05T19:21:00.001-05:00

WEST HARTFORD—January 19, 2008— West Hartford Community Television is pleased to announce that viewers of the non-profit, community station which telecasts exclusively on Comcast Cable Channels 5, 95 and 96 now has one more way to access their local programming: online.

To view the live web stream on your computer, simply log on to www.whctv.org. and click on the play button on the player in the top left corner of the website.

Executive Director Jennifer Evans said the new streaming capabilities will allow people to watch Channel 5, including regular town council and board of education meetings, on their computer.

“Allowing more residents to see town meetings and other local events enhances our role of providing a forum for open dialogue. With this technology people can watch WHC-TV even if they are out of town whether it’s a town council meeting or see their grandchildren graduate.”

“Our goal is to truly be a community resource,” said Andy Schatz, President of the Board of Directors.

The upgrade in technology was made possible through donations from private citizens.

“This was a main focus of last year’s membership drive, and we are very grateful to the many individuals who made it possible for WHC-TV to offer this new service on the internet,” said Geri Mandell, WHC-TV’s membership chair.

Next on the WHC-TV to do list is Video on Demand on the WHC-TV website where users can watch programs at their convenience on the website.

For more information about WHC TV’s new online capabilities, call 561-1260 or e-mail: Jennifer@westhartford.org.

MEDIA GROUPS SAY AT&T DISCRIMINATES AGAINST LOCAL CHANNELS; FILE PETITION TODAY

2009-01-30T19:44:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 30, 2009) - Community media groups joined with a nationwide coalition of municipalities and regional organizations today in filing a Petition for Declaratory Ruling with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) charging that telecom giant AT&T discriminates against local public channels with its U-verse cable TV system.

READ THE PETITION

"Relegating local, non-profit media channels to second-class status is a disservice to the public and violates both the spirit and letter of the law," said Helen Soule, Executive Director of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), which represents local Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channels nationwide.

"AT&T's treatment of PEG channels is inferior in virtually every way that matters to a viewer, preventing the public's ability to easily access safety alerts, health information, town hall meetings, educational and other local programming," added Soule.

In states from California to Connecticut, wherever AT&T is providing video programming, its U-Verse system removes local PEG channels from the standard lineup, dumping dozens of channels into a generic "Channel 99" - stripping away individual channel identities and depriving those channels of basic functions viewers have come to expect.

AT&T subscribers cannot simply tune in the village board meeting or homework help program. Viewers can't switch between commercial and PEG channels, set a DVR to record a PEG program, or depend on getting timely local emergency alerts or closed captioned programming.

In an independent report released September 2008, the Congressional Research Service agreed that, "AT&T has chosen not to make PEG programming available to subscribers in the same fashion that it makes commercial programming available."

"AT&T, the company that promotes competition and choice, is giving the public no choice when it comes to accessing local information that isn't readily available on other channels," said Rob Brading, President of the Alliance for Communications Democracy, a national group that defends the public's right to speak via cable television.

The filing follows a sternly worded bi-partisan letter from Congress to the FCC in September saying that changes in the cable TV industry should not lead to second-class status for PEG channels.

"PEG television is essential to our communities as an outlet for free speech, local information and opinions, and emergency communications," said the Sept. 30, 2008, letter signed by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY), the Chair of the House Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, ranking member Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio) and Appropriations Chair David R. Obey (D-WI.)

Today's Petition asks the FCC to rule that AT&T's PEG product unlawfully discriminates against PEG programming in violation of the 1984 Cable Act and Commission rulings and policies.

Groups filing the claim represent community-based PEG centers, local governments and national associations from around the country dedicated to assuring that PEG channels and services are accessible to local residents, neighborhood groups, high schools, colleges, churches, civic groups and nonprofit organizations.

They include the City of Raleigh, North Carolina; the Sacramento, California, Cable Commission; the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) and public access centers such as Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV) and Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

WHC-TV Gala Roast in honor of Cheryl & Kate

2008-11-29T14:55:00.001-05:00

U.S. House of Representatives Debate - Connecticut District One

2008-10-28T20:10:00.001-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Television present a debate between John Larson (D) and Joe Visconti (R), two of the candidates in the race for the House of Representatives in the first Connecticut District. (CT-1)

CT Senate Debate, 5th District

2008-10-27T19:00:00.000-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Television present a debate between candidates for the State Senate in the 5th District. Jonathan Harris (D) and Joe Merritt (R) field questions from league moderator Janet Lenore.

CT Assembly Debate - 18th District

2008-10-27T18:15:00.000-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Television present a cumulative time format debate between the candidates in the race for the Connecticut Assembly in the 18th District. Andy Fleischmann (D) and Dr. Thomas Knox (R) answer questions from league moderator Carole Mulready.

CT Assembly Debate, 19th District

2008-10-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Television present a debate between the candidates for the Connecticut Assembly, District 19. Beth Bye (D) and Theresa McGrath (R) field questions from League Moderator Danna Dyer.

CT Assembly Debate, 20th District

2008-10-27T15:52:00.002-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Television present a debate between the candidates for the Assembly in the 20th district. David McCluskey (D), Chad Thompson (R) and John Mertens (CFL)field questions from league moderator Lynn Coroser-Krane.

WHC-TV Reports Referendum Results

2008-10-07T22:08:00.006-04:00

After the polls closed, WHC-TV presented the vote tally from the Registrar of Voters. The unofficial totals were: Yes: 4844, No: 6152

Here is how West Hartford Voted By District:

1-1 King Philip School....................Yes: 246..... No: 361
1-2 St. Mary Home.........................Yes: 199..... No: 275
2-1 Whiting Lane School.................. Yes: 126..... No: 78
2-2 St. John's Church.....................Yes: 346..... No: 271
3-1 W.H. Health & Rehabilitation..........Yes: 167..... No: 166
3-2 Edward Morley School..................Yes: 319..... No: 238
4-1 Elmwood Community Center..............Yes: 59..... No: 170
4-2 Charter Oak School....................Yes: 144..... No: 269
5-1 Webster Hill School...................Yes: 266..... No: 388
5-2 West Hartford Town Hall...............Yes: 165..... No: 155
6-1 Wolcott School............................Yes: 196..... No: 472
6-2 Conard High School....................Yes: 45..... No: 158
7-1 Norfeldt School.........................Yes: 379..... No: 390
7-2 Hall High School......................Yes: 159..... No: 243
8-1 American School for the Deaf.....Yes: 292..... No: 272
8-2 Bugbee School...........................Yes: 394..... No: 405
9-1 Louise Duffy School...................Yes: 121..... No: 178
9-2 Sedgwick Middle School..............Yes: 320..... No: 291
10-1 Braeburn Elementary................Yes: 415..... No: 606
10-2 Solomon Schecter School...........Yes: 366..... No: 547
Absentee Ballots...............................Yes: 116..... No: 219

Debate Telecast Schedule

2008-10-01T19:06:00.002-04:00

Candidate Profiles
Oct. 13 & 17 - 10:00pm
Oct. 16 & 27 - 7:30pm
Oct. 24 - 9:30pm
Oct. 23 & 31 & Nov. 3 - 10:15pm

League of Women Voters Debates:
United States Congress - 1st District
John Larson (D) - Joe Visconti (R)
LIVE: Oct. 23 - 7:00pm
Replays: Oct. 24 & 30 - 10:00pm
Nov. 3 - 7:00pm

State Senate - 5th District
Jonathan Harris (D) - Joseph Merritt (R)
Oct. 13 & 29 - 8:30pm
Oct. 16 & 27 - 9:45pm
Oct. 20 & 31 - 9:15pm
Oct. 23 & Nov. 3 - 8:00pm

State House of Representatives - 18th District
Andy Fleischmann (D) - Dr. Thomas Knox (R)
Oct. 13 & 29 - 9:00pm
Oct. 16 & 27 - 8:00pm
Oct. 20 & 31 - 9:45pm
Oct. 23 & Nov. 3 - 8:30pm

State House of Representatives - 19th District
Beth Bye (D) - Theresa McGrath (R)
Oct. 13 & 29 - 9:30pm
Oct. 16 & 27 - 8:30pm
Oct. 20 & 31 - 8:00pm
Oct. 23 & Nov. 3 - 9:00pm

State House of Representatives - 20th District
David McCluskey (D) - John Mertens (CFL) - Chad Thompson (R)
Oct. 13 & 29 - 7:45pm
Oct. 16 & 27 - 9:00pm
Oct. 20 & 31 - 8:30pm
Oct. 23 & Nov. 3 - 9:30pm

THE 18th and 5th DISTRICT DEBATES

2008-09-25T18:52:00.000-04:00

Debate week continues. Today, the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford came to the studio once again to tape two more debates.

Candidates in the 18th and 5th Assembly Districts squared off in a cumulative time format debate. After a brief introduction, each had nine minutes to answer, discuss and rebut questions generated by league members, followed by a two minute closing statement.

The 18th district candidates, Dr. Tom Knox and Andy Fleischman fielded questions from Carole Mulready. Janet Lenore moderated the 5th district debate between Jonathan Harris and Joseph Merritt.

All the debates will telecast beginning the third week of October and will run until election day on November 4th.

THE 19th and 20th DISTRICT DEBATES

2008-09-23T13:05:00.006-04:00

It's debate week. West Harford Community television together with the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford taped two debates last night.

Candidates in the 19th and 20th Assembly Districts squared off in a cumulative time format debate. After a brief introduction, each had nine minutes to answer, discuss and rebut questions generated by league members, followed by a two minute closing statement.

The 19th district candidates Beth Bye(D) and Theresa McGrath(R) fielded questions from Danna Dyer. Lynne Coroser-Smith moderated the 20th district debate between David McCluskey(D), Chad Thompson(R), and John Mertens(CFL).

Debates for the 18th Assembly District and 5th Senate District will be taped on Thursday, September 25th.

All the debates will telecast beginning the third week of October and will run until election day on November 4th.

West Hartford ArtWalk

2008-09-18T18:32:00.006-04:00

ArtWalk is here! West Hartford is hosting three full weeks of free events that bring the community together for a single cause, the beauty of art. The activities are endless, including a live band, dress up for children and even adults, free food and more.

Today the festival kicked off with a sidewalk chalk contest. Individuals of all ages got involved in this activity and had a great time with it. The pavement was transformed with a myriad of imaginative pictures ranging from world peace to self-portraits.

Although it is hard to believe this amazing event could be so close, it is located right in the beautiful West Hartford Center.

Foxes, Armadillos & Porcupines Visit Mr. Science

2008-09-17T15:49:00.010-04:00

Mr.Science's October show will feature animals from all over the world. There will be a desert fox, an armadillo, a hedgehog and even a porcupine.

If you would like to see some of these animals you can visit them at:
Forest Park Zoo in Springfield Massachusetts.
They are open Now-October (weekdays and weekends) from 10 A.M-5P.M.
And from October 15-November they are only open on weekends from 10A.M.-3P.M.

For more information, contact Forest Park Zoo.

Stay tuned for this and other October shows on Channel 5!

WHC-TV Tapes Candidate Profiles

2008-09-17T15:49:00.009-04:00

On September 15,2008 Channel 5 started taping two minute candidate profiles that allow voters to learn more about each person running for state office.

Each candidate came into the studio to introduce themselves to the voters. It was a great opportunity to meet the candidates. All of them were very friendly. It was also interesting to hear the type of issues they plan to tackle if elected.

Its up to you to tune into Channel 5 and form your own opinions! The candidates profiles and the debates will air several times in October.

AT&T U-verse Demonstration

2008-07-22T18:00:00.001-04:00

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CLICK HERE FOR AT&T U-VERSE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Survey shows no rate relief for consumers

2008-07-22T17:39:00.004-04:00

Assessing the Damage:
Survey shows that state video franchise laws bring no rate relief while harming public benefits

About the Survey

In May 2008, the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) initiated an online survey regarding the impact of state video franchise laws. Members of ACM and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) from around the country participated in this survey.

There were 204 respondents from 33 states, representing public, educational and governmental (PEG) access television centers. Of those respondents, 140 (from 18 states) now have a state video franchise law in effect. This summary focuses on the responses from those with state video franchise laws.

Preliminary Conclusions
Even in the early stages of adoption and implementation, the negative fallout from the state video franchise laws has been substantial and will continue to mount. As incumbents and new entrants apply to operate under these new franchises, more communities will experience the cutbacks and degradation of PEG services reported in this survey, leaving many communities in the nation without the diverse, local programming provided through PEG channels. This outcome directly contradicts the purpose stated in the Cable Act of 1984, that franchises be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

It’s important to note that where PEG Access has greater protection in the state video franchise laws, AT&T is ignoring requirements to provide PEG at “similar” (CA law) or “equivalent” (IL law) signal quality and functionality as commercial channels. This disadvantages, rather than serves local communities.
It is our hope that the information drawn from this initial survey of communities affected by state video franchise laws will inform proactive legislative and regulatory action to preserve the localism and diversity of programming that emerges from PEG channels nationwide.

------------------
The Alliance for Community Media is a national membership organization representing more than 3,000 PEG access centers across the nation. Local PEG programmers produce 20,000 hours of new programs per week, and serve more than 250,000 organizations annually through the efforts of an estimated 1.2 million volunteers.
For survey information, contact ACM Public Policy Committee member, Barbara Popovic
(312) 738-1400, bpopovic@cantv.org

West Hartford Residents Read The Declaration of Independence

2008-07-03T23:47:00.004-04:00

West Hartford Community Television and The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford collaborated to present a local reading of the Declaration of Independence. Tune to Channel 5 at 7:00 p.m., July 4th - 6th to see this special presentation.

Class of 2008 Graduates

2008-06-19T19:00:00.002-04:00

Congratulations, Classes of 2008! West Hartford Community Television videotaped the Hall and Conard High School Graduations today. Watch them on Channel 5:

Conard High School Class of 2008
July 11 at 8:00 p.m.
July 24 at 9:00 p.m.

Hall High School Class of 2008
July 14 at 8:00 p.m.
July 29th at 9:00 p.m.

Visit www.whctv.org to see our current schedule.

Singing In The Rain

2008-06-14T21:29:00.000-04:00

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Webster Hill Elementary Chorus and Whiting Lane Elementary School Band perform before the New Britain Rock Cats game.

Celebrate West Hartford!

2008-06-14T15:54:00.000-04:00

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMUNITY TELEVISION ON AT&T'S U-VERSE TV SERVICE

2008-06-12T20:00:00.004-04:00

Is West Hartford Community Television available on AT&T U-verse?

Not yet. As of June 1, 2008, AT&T has not entered into any formal agreements with West Hartford Community Television to provide our programming.

Will I still see West Hartford Community Television on Channel 5 with U-verse?

No. Community television is handled differently under U-verse. West Hartford Community Television will be clustered with all the other community access stations in the state on an internet tab, labeled “99” and will not be located near the local broadcasters like Channels 3, 8, and 30.

So can I get to West Hartford Community Television by hitting channel 99?

No. Unlike the commercial channels, getting WHC-TV programs on U-verse will require additional steps. Rather than punching a single channel number, a customer must first switch to channel 99 and then scroll through potentially dozens of other communities’ stations, click on West Hartford Community Television, scroll again to an additional menu listing our three channels (public, educational and governmental) and waiting each time for the system to switch.

How long will it take to get from a show on any other channel to WHC-TV?

It takes about 45-90 seconds on U-verse. Then it takes about 20 seconds to switch from WHC-TV back to any of the commercial channels.

Note that at a test study performed in Clinton Township, MI, a majority of citizens given verbal instructions on how to reach the PEG channels were unable to do so without further assistance.

Can I surf to the Town Council Meeting during the commercials of my favorite show?

It will take over a minute to switch from a commercial television show to WHC-TV and back again.

My son performed in the Inter-El Concert. Can I DVR it to show grandma when she visits?

No. With the AT&T U-Verse system, DVR options only apply to commercial TV, not West Hartford Community Television’s programs.

Will I be able to read the school board’s budget power point presentation?

AT&T tells us that they plan to use a Windows Media Browser to telecast Community Access television, so some character generated messages look blurry and are difficult to read. An extra step is required to enlarge the screen, further degrading the picture quality.

Will this affect how I see sports, dance recitals and graduations?

AT&T’s delivery of Community Access television suffers from grainy “digital noise” sometimes called “bug swarms” and “mosquito noise” caused by their compression of our signal. These artifacts are noticeable especially around object edges, and choppy movement, graphics and transitions. The noise is more pronounced in programs if a show contains walking, running or dancing.

If I find something offensive on another town’s access station, will I be able to block it?

No. A parent cannot use the parental controls to block access to other community access channels because of the manner in which they are delivered by U-verse.

COLIN MCENROE INTERVIEWS ANDY SCHATZ, PRESIDENT OF WHC-TV'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2008-06-12T10:03:00.000-04:00

http://podcast.wtic.com/wtic/1142093.mp3

AT&T NEEDS PERMISSION TO INSTALL U-VERSE BOXES

2008-06-05T19:09:00.000-04:00

News Channel 8's story on the installation of V-Rad boxes necessary for the delivery of AT&T's U-verse television service as reported by Kent Pierce.

http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=8393666

The Connecticut Network Test from AT&T's Beta Test Site in Clinton Township, MI

2008-06-05T18:57:00.000-04:00

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AT&T Hits State Roadblock in U-Verse Box Installation

2008-06-04T16:24:00.000-04:00

AT&T must get the permission of abutting landowners and municipalities before it can install utility boxes for its new U-verse television service, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control said in a decision released Tuesday.

The telecommunications giant has been installing the refrigerator-sized boxes in areas where U-verse, which competes with cable TV, is available.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal had filed complaints with the DPUC saying state law requires consent from abutting property owners when modifications are made to the public right-of-way.

David Mancuso, a spokesman for AT&T, said the company would analyze the decision before commenting in detail.

"Our team is reviewing the ruling so we can fully understand what the implications are," Mancuso said. "We hope that it won't in any way impact consumers' ability to have a choice of competition for video service in Connecticut."

Lights! Camera! Action!

2008-06-03T13:20:00.002-04:00

Ever wish you could have your own tv show? Our programs are produced by the people who live in West Hartford. Eight citizens took the first step today in the Producers Workshop. If you live in town and you'd like to produce a show, call the studio at 561-1260 to sign up for the next Producers Workshop.

AT&T AT&T QUESTIONS CONNECTICUT AGENCY ON U-VERSE RULING

2008-06-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Todd Spangler]
AT&T filed a motion Monday with Connecticut’s Department of Public Utility Control seeking “clarification” on certain details of the agency’s ruling that the telco must obtain consent retroactively from property owners living next to U-verse equipment installed on rights of way. In its May 27 ruling, the DPUC disagreed with AT&T’s argument that the telco has permission to place video-distribution equipment on rights of way without the permission of abutting homeowners and municipalities. The DPUC’s decision said Connecticut law allows equipment upgrades on rights of way without public consent only when the new facilities are not larger than the existing ones.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6566259.html?nid=4262(c)Benton Foundation 2008. Redistribution of this email publication -- both internally and externally -- is encouraged if it includes this message. For subscribe/unsubscribe info email: headlines@benton.org

PROPERTY OWNERS WIN AGAINST AT&T

2008-06-02T00:41:00.000-04:00

AT&T Hits State Roadblock In U-Verse Box Installation -- -- Courant.com:

"AT&T must get the permission of abutting landowners and municipalities before it can install utility boxes for its new U-verse television service, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control said in a decision released Tuesday.The telecommunications giant has been installing the refrigerator-sized boxes in areas where U-verse, which competes with cable TV, is available.Attorney General Richard Blumenthal had filed complaints with the DPUC saying state law requires consent from abutting property owners when modifications are made to the public right-of-way."

Who can see West Hartford Community Television?

2008-06-01T23:32:00.001-04:00

West Hartford Community Television telecasts in the town of West Hartford, CT on Comcast Cable Channels 5,19 & 21. The program schedule is available at http://www.whctv.org/.

Satellite dish networks and AT&T U-verse do not currently carry our programming.

West Hartford Community Television

2008-06-01T22:37:00.000-04:00

Coming soon to West Hartford Community Television... a vlog. A vlog is a kind of website that features short video clips that can be downloaded and viewed immediately or transferred to a portable player like an iPod.