Dissecting HD Radio

Recently, there's been some buzz about HD Radio, the technology that's touted by its developer and licenser, iBiquity Digital, as the biggest development in radio since the introduction of stereo FM more than 50 years ago. With the promise of enhanced sound and additional features, Boston Acoustics, Cambridge SoundWorks, JVC, Polk Audio, and Sony are all manufacturing HD Radio receivers for the home and the car, now may be the time to get in on the next big thing in audio. But before you do, it may be a good idea to find out exactly what HD Radio is. Read our quick eight-point primer to find out.

 

1. What is HD Radio?
In a nutshell, HD Radio is the same over-the-air broadcasting that you're familiar with, but with a digital treatment and some added features. HD Radio offers enhanced sound, increased listening options (see Point 2 for explanation), and additional data transmission. But don't make the mistake of thinking that programs are now broadcast in high-definition; the "HD" in HD Radio is simply a branding tool to market the new digital broadcast technology.

 

2. What are the increased listening options that HD Radio brings?
Each radio station can now split its digital signal, which will allow it to broadcast multiple signals. This "multicasting" enables broadcasters to better serve their audience by offering more programming on the same frequency. For example, one listener can choose to tune into music on 92.3a, while another opts for sports on 92.3b. In the works are real-time traffic reports, surround sound, place-shifting, on-demand content, and a "Buy" button, which will let listeners instantly purchase advertised products and other items.

 

3. What type of sound quality does HD Radio deliver?
If you have an HD Receiver and are listening to a channel broadcast in HD, the audio is a step above CD quality, which is what FM stations currently deliver. With HD Radio, AM stations are bumped up to FM quality. Pops and static caused by multipath distortion (when an analog radio signal is reflected off buildings and other structures) are a thing of the past with HD.

 

4. What type of reception does HD Radio get?
HD Radio offers better reception. If the digital signal is lost, HD Radio drops its sound quality to operate in analog in an attempt to boost the signal. The additional multicast stations, however, can't default to analog mode because there aren't nondigital versions of those channels.

 

5. Where is HD Radio available?
Currently, there are more than 1,400 radio stations broadcasting in HD, which iBiquity says covers almost 90 percent of Americans. For a listing of HD Radio channels, click here.

 

6. Does HD Radio require the purchase of a new radio?
Yes. Standard radio receivers are analog-based and can't pick up the HD Radio broadcasts.

 

7. How much does HD radio cost?
The service is free for users, no subscription required. All that's needed in order to enjoy digital broadcasts are receivers such as the Sony XDR-S3HD ($199) for the home, or the JVC KD-HDR1 ($199) for the car.

 

8. Is HD Radio a direct competitor of satellite radio?
No, HD Radio isn't going after satellite radio's market share. While Sirius and XM are national stations, HD Radio is local, featuring each city's homegrown DJs and personalities. In addition, unlike satellite radio, HD radio will still feature numerous commercials.



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