MW
Yes, if the studio isn't upgraded to output HD, up converting it from SD isn't a problem. They won't hold up the whole project just because one region isn't SD.... there'll be plenty of other things that will delay it
Are there any similarities between the switch to 16:9 which basically seemed to be if they moved premises or were a new service they switched to widescreen, then upgrades were piecemeal region by region based on equipment dying off (not counting sub-opts, I think Look Newcastle was the last to switch in around 2006/7? NWT were also quite late, despite being a network centre as well with the switch happening 2005/6).
I'm not sure anybody has said we're getting regional news in HD. I feel it's more about getting BBC One HD on LCN 1/101, the regional news may well be upscaled at least in the first instance.
Yes, if the studio isn't upgraded to output HD, up converting it from SD isn't a problem. They won't hold up the whole project just because one region isn't SD.... there'll be plenty of other things that will delay it

Are there any similarities between the switch to 16:9 which basically seemed to be if they moved premises or were a new service they switched to widescreen, then upgrades were piecemeal region by region based on equipment dying off (not counting sub-opts, I think Look Newcastle was the last to switch in around 2006/7? NWT were also quite late, despite being a network centre as well with the switch happening 2005/6).