|
HD Radio technology is a method of transmitting high quality audio and data. To hear HD Radio, you will have to get an HD radio receiver, which you can purchase at most stores that sell electronics. To receive HD radio in your car, you will have to purchase an HD car stereo or receiver. Your present analog radios will continue to work and receive the analog signal sent out by radio stations. There are a host of benefits and enhancements that HD Radio technology provides with the upgrade to digital broadcasting:
- FM digital has the clarity of a CD. HD radio technology potentially will let listeners hear music in five-channel surround sound.
- AM digital has the clarity of current FM signals, allowing higher quality music programming on that band.
- Broadcasts are static-free with near-perfect reception. Signal fading, static, hiss and pops will be radically reduced.
- Each digital FM station will be capable of multicasting, or transmitting two stereo signals, plus data as text. NPR is touting this multicasting capability as part of the Tomorrow Radio Project.
- First generation wireless data services will provide listeners with information on their favorite song, CD title, and artist. In addition, information and host profiles will complement audio commercials and talk radio formats.
- Second generation data services will include the ability to provide breaking news, sports, weather, and traffic alerts delivered via text and/or audio formats.
- As a listener, you can expect a seamless conversion process, with no loss of service in the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Your current analog radio receiver will still be able to pick up regular or non-digital broadcasts.
- Stations can convert from analog to digital radio while maintaining current dial positions and using most of their current equipment and infrastructure.
iBiquity Digital Corporation’s HD Radio technology is the FCC approved digital broadcast system for the U.S.
Have more questions? See our FAQs to find out more about HD radio and Capital Public Radio's broadcasts.
|