Although the number of local stations transitioning to local HD content still is relatively small (still apparently under 100 broadcasters out of about 1,600), the vast majority of those who have made the switch are in the large and major markets. Thus, Waterman Broadcasting’s WVIR-TV the NBC affiliate in Charlottesville, Va. (DMA no. 181), is in one of the tiniest markets yet to feature local HD.
Its local news began offering 1080i transmissions last weekend (April 19). WVIR-TV (“NBC29”) took roughly five years to complete its transition, at a cost of about $3 million, according to its Web site.
The station serves Charlottesville (home to numerous historical sites, corporations and the University of Virginia), as well as 11 counties in central Virginia and parts of the Shenandoah Valley.
