CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- WSOC-TV Channel 9 made television history in Charlotte Sunday by becoming the first station in the area to broadcast all local newscasts in high definition (HD).

The local news HD launch took place with Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 6:00pm. Viewers can now enjoy all local Channel 9 news and weather with sharper images, more detail and updated HD graphics. High-definition programming produces an improved picture for standard definition sets, too.

“We are proud to be first in the Charlotte market to provide our viewers with the best local news product available,” said Lee Armstrong, Vice President and General Manager of WSOC-TV. “Channel 9 has always been committed to being the leader in local news and weather coverage. Now we are adding this state-of-the-art viewing experience, delivering crisper, cleaner video, including spectacular HD video from Chopper 9 and from tower cameras.”

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” Armstrong added. The station began broadcasting April 28, 1957.

WSOC-TV ’s 35 hours of top-rated local news each week can all be seen in high definition. They include Eyewitness News Daybreak at 5:00am and 6:00am, Eyewitness News Midday at 12:00noon, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, and 11:00pm, and Eyewitness News Saturday Morning at 7:00am and 8:00am.

“The effort put in by Channel 9 employees to convert our local news delivery to HD has been extraordinary,” Armstrong said. There are so many components that are part of this transition, but we all knew the payoff for our viewers was worth it.”

WSOC-TV already broadcasts many ABC network programs in HD, including Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Lost, and NBA games. This fall, ABC will also broadcast NASCAR Nextel Cup racing in HD.