until october 4, 2010, wpbf was the only channel in the west palm beach market that did not offer newscasts in high definition or even enhanced definition widescreen. however, wpbf was operating hd-ready studios and field cameras for its broadcasts. the shows were displayed in pillarboxed standard definition while showing the station's logo and "hd" in the left and right thirds of the screen. on october 4 starting with the weeknight 4 p.m. newscast, wpbf started broadcasting local news in high definition. upon the upgrade, it began using an updated music package and slightly revised hd graphics previously used by sister station wesh in orlando. in december 2012, wpbf upgraded their graphics package to the new hearst television graphics along with new music and talent opens. however, like another sister station, ksbw in salinas, california, hd is not mentioned in the news openings. wpbf will also continue to display hd in the left and right thirds of the screen when video footage is shown in 4:3 standard definition. the station does not currently operate a sports department which is unusual for both a big three network channel and a hearst-owned station.