WRCB-TVEngineers flipped the switch this weekend at Chattanooga NBC affiliate WRCB, broadcasting the local news in widescreen high-definition for the first time.
WRCB became the second of the three local stations with their own news programs to broadcast in HD, after rival WDEF, a CBS affiliate, completed its own upgrade in 2009.
“Since then, we’ve had great feedback from our viewers about their growing awareness of HD news and how once they’ve seen news with quality production values on a high definition screen, it’s difficult — if not impossible — to watch anything else,” said Dutch Terry, Channel 12 news director.
Chattanooga viewers have for years been able to view regular NBC content in HD, but local content remained in standard definition until this weekend, said Tom Tolar, president and general manager of WRCB.
“Now when viewers watch the station, our local newscasts will appear in the same HD quality as the rest of the network,” Tolar said. “There will be no reduction in picture quality.”