PITTSBURGH -- WPXI Channel 11 was the first station in Pittsburgh to broadcast in high definition. The station went live from its new station on Oct. 6, 2007 at 6 p.m. Viewers noticed enhanced digital-quality images whether they had a high definition television, cable television or received Channel 11’s signal over-the-air or via satellite.

As part of its cutting edge technology, the news studio is designed to show viewers video of what is going on in Pittsburgh by making the information as clear and easy to understand as possible. Among some of the station’s new features are 103” monitors, each weighing nearly 600 pounds and measuring just over 100 inches diagonally. In these monitors - which are the largest available today - Channel 11 will show viewers high definition pictures and images.

The 69,000-square foot building is comprised of two completely independent studios, one helicopter landing pad and 175 high definition televisions. There is a production studio that is used to house some of the station's other program sets, and is available to lease for the production of commercials or film productions. The station, which complies with 22 of the 26 necessary criteria for environmentally-friendly LEED certification, will also showcase some of the most state-of-the art technology available in the industry. As part of the station’s commitment to be an integral part of its new neighborhood, there is also a community room available for the use of Summer Hill residents.

“Staying ahead of the curve in television broadcasting is always a challenge. Most stations never get the opportunity to start from the ground up,” said Annette Parks, WPXI-TV’s Director of Engineering. “Our new facility is technologically advanced and we are proud to lead the way in high definition transmission.”

“The building was more than three years in the making,” according to WPXI-TV Vice President and General Manager, Ray Carter, “and the end results were worth the wait. We now have a state of the art facility that the city and the employees of Channel 11 can be proud of.”

The station closed its doors at its previous home on Television Hill, but as homage to its 50 year legacy in Pittsburgh, the original huge wooden doors will –- quite literally -- remain open since they were removed from the old structure and installed in the new building.