So, here it is. Another important milestone has been passed in Orlando broadcast history.

WFTV began broadcasting its local news in high definition on Thursday. Along with the new technology came a new set, new graphics and new music. (Frame grabs of the new set are now posted in the HD 16:9 ratio on the RogerSimmons.com Channel 9 page.)

So far I've only been able to watch one WFTV newscast in HD, with the rest on the old standard definition TV. I really thought I would be wowed, but so far it's more like -- "OK, that's kinda cool." WFTV was at the top of its game before the change with a contemporary set that lasted nearly a decade and the best graphics package in the market.

The new set -- from Ocoee-based FX group -- is OK. I think I liked the old one better, but this one isn't going to distract from the news product, and that's really all that matters, isn't it?

The new graphics -- created with Giant Octopus from Clearwater and WFTV's staff -- are also sort of average. They really remind me of the old Hearst-Argyle corporate graphics WESH used for years. This is especially true when watching WFTV on an old standard definition 4:3 ratio screen. The graphics do look much, much better when viewed on a 16:9 screen.

The best thing so far about the news in HD is the weather. WFTV's upgraded HD Doppler really pops when there are storms across the area. The new Doppler is available on the station's digital subchannel 9.2, and it's now in the 16:9 ratio screen.

As with any new technology, there are sure to be some tweaks along the way. Give WFTV credit for diving in and becoming just the 10th station in the nation to do the news in HD.

What do you think?

>> Watch WFTV's noon news opening in HD.