HD Radio: What is HD Radio?

HD Radio is a new technology that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally, a tremendous technological leap from today's familiar analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality and reception and new data services. Signal fading, static, hisses and pops are a thing of the past. Data services such as displayed song and artist information, weather and traffic alerts and much more will revolutionize the way you experience AM and FM radio. And it's all FREE for consumers, just like today's analog AM and FM radio.

What are the benefits of HD Radio?

• FM broadcasts have CD-quality sound.
• AM broadcasts will sound as good as today's analog FM stereo.
• Static-free without pops, hiss 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.
• No subscription fees. Its FREE for consumers, just like today's analog AM and FM 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.

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. To find out which stations in your area are broadcasting with HD Radio, go to Stations on the Air. To find out where to buy an HD Radio, go to Where to Buy.

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 more information on iBiquity Digital, go to Ibiquity Home Page or HD Radio Home Page.

Credit: Information from Ibiquity Digital