That's according to an article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The network, which offers forecasts and weather updates around the clock, launched a HD simulcast channel last year. However, the majority of the channel's lineup -- the studio segments -- have been in standard-def.
Ray Ban, Weather Channel's executive vice president, said the network spent $60 million over 18 months to build the 5,000 square-foot studio for the new high-def productions. The studio's on-set HD screen cost $400,000 alone.
Industry analysts tell AJC that high-def is now vital to ensuring strong ratings for any network.
"Every network recognizes that if they have an HD version of that channel, they are going to have higher ratings for that channel," said John Mansell, a Kagan Research senior analyst. "Higher ratings translates to higher ad revenue, as well as the potential to charge cable and satellite operators a higher fee to carry the station.
The Weather Channel will launch the HD studio presentations at 7 a.m. with the channel's Your Weather Today program.
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