What is HD Radio™?
HD Radio™ is a new technology that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally. HD Radio™ represents the evolution of traditional radio broadcasting into the digital age. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with new wireless data services and radically improved audio quality and reception. And it’s all FREE for consumers, just like today’s AM and FM radio.
What are the benefits of HD Radio™?
Digital technology allows a radio station to transmit more data in the same amount of bandwidth. FM broadcasts have CD-quality sound.
AM broadcasts will sound as good as today’s analog FM stereo giving listeners more options.
Static-free without pops, crackles, hisses and fades.
New data services, such as scrolling text displayed on a radio screen with song titles, artist names, traffic updates, weather forecasts, sports scores and more.
Opportunity for more advanced data and audio services, such as surround sound, multiple audio sources at the same dial position, on-demand audio services, store-and-replay (so you can store a radio program that airs when you are at work and replay it on your commute home), overlaying real-time traffic information on a navigational map to help you find the shortest route, a “buy” button for music, sports and concert tickets etc., along with a host of other services. If you’re listening to a news show, financial updates can be transmitted to your radio. And stations can include local and regional information.
No subscription fees. Its FREE for consumers, just like today’s analog AM and FM radio. HD Radio™ is not a subscription service, like satellite radio. It is the same free, over-the-air broadcast radio that we’ve always known. Only better. It is not something that consumers have to buy into. Everyone can choose to continue listening to their current radios, but eventually all AM/FM radios will incorporate digital technology. It is a natural evolution of the medium. Soon, if you turn on a radio, you’ll be listening to HD Radio™.
Easy transition for broadcasters and consumers by using the existing infrastructure and spectrum and at the same time preserving the existing analog service for as long as needed. This means you can continue listening to your local AM/FM stations on your existing analog radios as well as on your new HD Radio™ receivers, with all the added services and benefits that HD Radio™ offers.
I’ve heard the terms digital radio and HD Radio™. Are these the same?
While digital audio exists in a number of forms, the FCC-approved method of delivering digital radio signals in the United State is known as HD Radio™. Broadcasters on other continents use other systems.
HD Radio™ technology will allow broadcasters to provide 21st century digital service and marks the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio™ technology allows for an easy transition for broadcasters and consumers by using the existing infrastructure and analog radio channels and at the same time preserving the existing analog service for as long as is necessary. As a listener, you can continue tuning in to 104.7 for WKKY-FM for our standard broadcast, but with a new digital receiver, you’ll enjoy the added services and benefits that HD Radio™ offers.
Why is WKKY making this change now instead of waiting for more stations to go first?
At WKKY we are committed to staying competitive in this digital world. We are excited to offer our listeners a better, more comprehensive product.
How is HD Radio different from satellite radio?
HD Radio™ is not a competitor of satellite radio. It is an improvement to terrestrial AM and FM radio. Satellite radio is an alternative to terrestrial radio, in the same way that cable or satellite TV are alternatives to broadcast television. Even if you do have satellite radio, there are often times when you want to listen to local radio.
How can you get HD Radio™?
To hear an HD Radio™ broadcast, you will need a new HD Radio™ receiver that is tuned into a station in your area that is sending an HD Radio™ broadcast.
Check hdradio.com/stations for stations in your area that are broadcasting in digital format.
Who developed HD Radio™ technology?
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the sole developer of HD Radio™ technology. With input from radio broadcasters, consumer electronics and broadcast equipment manufacturers, automakers, retailers, and consumers, the company has brought to market an idea that was conceived over a decade ago by scientists and engineers at Westinghouse, CBS, Gannet and Lucent/Bell Labs.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved HD Radio™ technology in 2002, and the commercial rollout of the technology began in 2003 when AM and FM stations around the country began digital broadcasts and continued with the launch of HD Radio™ receivers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2004.
For additional information you can visit the iBiquity website: www.iBiquity.com
