HDTV Affecting the Weather

Finally, the viewers will get to see the weather as it really appears live and in person.

The Weather Channel, which is based out of Atlanta, Georgia, has broken ground on a new studio that is part of its transformation into HDTV. The $50 million effort will combine new technology, equipment, studio space, and endless hours of training for the employees to create the ultimate viewing experience for consumers.

The conversion from analog to HDTV is something that is facing all broadcasters. The federally mandated switch is set to occur in 2009. Viewers are excited about the move. HDTV technology delivers a much sharper and crisper picture – perfect for viewing natural events that are the feature of the Weather Channel.

Stations are scrambling to be the leader in the switch to HDTV. The rush is fueled by the competition for subscribers, which are pressuring the market for more and better HDTV programming. The switch is based around an HDTV tuner inside the television set or attached to an external adapter.

According to officials at the Weather Channel, this step is the single biggest undertaking the network has faced since its initial launch. The switch is being likened to the change from black and white to color broadcasting.

To date, only 40 of the 1,700 local televisions stations have made the conversion to HDTV.