The Weather Channel has just completed the first of two phases necessary for high-definition program origination and delivery.
Ascent Media Systems & Technology has been responsible for the design and integration of an HD infrastructure at The Weather Channel and completed the first installment of the work this October, allowing limited HD operations to take place. The next phase of the project is now underway and the network plans to take all of its studio origination to HD by the end of 2008.
“The ability to render the weather in high-definition introduces a whole new dimension to our programming lineup and brings new value to our affiliates,” said Ross Kalber, vice president of engineering and IT operations at The Weather Channel. “By combining Ascent Media’s consulting, design and technical skills and HDTV expertise with our own background as the leading provider of weather programming and information, we are able now to offer viewers the most compelling view yet of the power of nature.”
The initial HD preparation work involved creation of an origination space and implementing HD weather graphics. During the next stage, new control rooms will be added, along with file-based production facilities.