The airing of its 11 p.m. newscast ended intense efforts in recent months to install the equipment necessary to broadcast locally produced programming in high-definition, a format that offers significantly improved resolution for viewers.

While WKYT is the first to broadcast its news in HD, NBC affiliate WLEX-18 estimates it is about two weeks away from doing the same. The stations are well ahead of many nationally in making the move.

In fact, the WLEX studios off Russell Cave Road have been in a state of disarray this week as the company has hired a set design firm to build a new, HD-optimal news set, forcing the station to broadcast its newscasts from inside its newsroom.

WKYT made minor modifications to its set and will continue to make some transitional changes as staff members become more familiar with the nuances of the equipment, said General Manager Wayne Martin, disputing any potential effect of WLEX's new set.

Martin also noted that WKYT's news broadcasts will feature footage shot by HD cameras in the field. WLEX intends to use enhanced digital cameras; the difference between the two stations' cameras will be minimal, Gilbert said.

The head of Lexington's ABC affiliate, WTVQ-36, said earlier this year that the station probably won't have local HD production capabilities until next year.

The changes at WKYT mean it will also broadcast its studio-produced sports shows such as University of Kentucky coaches' shows, as well as tape-delayed sporting events, in HD.

Its digital weather radar, once broadcast as the station's third digital signal, will remain off the air unless severe weather approaches, he said.

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