WGN Launches High-Def Newscasts

This past weekend, Tribune CW affiliate WGN Chicago (DMA 3) premiered its newscasts in 1080i HD starting with the Saturday edition of WGN News at Nine.  That broadcast was joined today by WGN Morning News and WGN News at Noon.

WGN's high-definition studio includes studio cameras, all graphics systems (including weather and traffic), a programmable control room monitor wall system, and a state-of-the-art multi-format production switcher. Additional station facility upgrades included a 160 x 128 HD router with supporting distribution and format conversion equipment for legacy sources. HD field report capability will be implemented over the next few months.

In addition to WGN news, all Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks games, and most CW shows including Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210, Privileged, Smallville, Supernatural, Everybody Hates Chris, The Game and Reaper air or will air in HD. The syndicated series Two and a Half Men is also broadcast in HD.

"Much of our sports and CW programming has already been broadcast in HDTV," commented Tom Ehlmann, WGN vice president-general manager. "The addition of our HD newscasts is another important step in providing comprehensive high definition opportunities for our viewers."