Atlanta (GA) - Many news channels have upgraded in-studio sets and cameras to be optimized for high definition, but CNN aims to be one of the first to present field reports in HD as well.

This fall, CNN HD will premiere on DirecTV. In addition to an overhaul of in-studio sets, cameras, and graphics, the news station will use high definition cameras for on-location reports, according to trade magazine Broadcasting & Cable.

B&C says that CNN will use Sony’s XDCAM HD for live and taped on-the-scene reports. Dozens of local news channels have upgraded to HD, but virtually all of them still have standard definition cameras for field reports. The same is true for NBC’s Today Show and Nightly News and ABC’s Good Morning America, all of which are presented in HD.

"For CNN, the newsgathering work in HD is hugely important. We have a global news operation, and we want to use HD to bring the viewer closer to the story," CNN VP Bob Hesskamp told Broadcasting & Cable.

The complete switch to HD is expected to cost CNN millions of dollars.