What is HDRadio?

It?s the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally ? a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past.

The Same Unmatched Fidelity as Your Digital Music
FM stations now with CD-quality sound
AM stations now with FM-quality sound
Crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion

New Music, New Sounds with No Subscription Fee
New artists and new personalities
New genres, new music from abroad
New kinds of programs you?ve never listened to before
New experimental formats that no one has ever heard

More of What You?re Listening to Now
New channels to play more of what you like to hear
More talk and music from the stations you?re plugged into
More complete sets and more full albums
More in-depth interviews
More lengthy talk and more detailed news

More of What You Want
More info on your dial, such as traffic data and stock info
Real-time artist and song IDs
Free of charge like radio should be
No subscription costs, no plans and no monthly bills

Since HD Radio is a free broadcast, all you have to do is get a new HD Radio receiver for your home or car. Prices are plummeting as more and more people are discovering what HD Radio is all about. So check out the products on this site for the most up-to-date info.

Questions & Answers about HD Radio

-> What is HD Radio?

The term "HD Radio" is iBiquity Digital Corporation's trademarked name for their digital audio broadcasting technology, which has become the IBOC standard adopted for the United States.

-> What's IBOC?

IBOC ? In Band On Channel ? derives its name from the kind of digital signal being broadcast. IBOC signals use the same AM and FM bandwidth as a station's analog signal ("in band"). The digital information is contained within the station's signal ("on channel").

-> Is HD Radio technology the same as HDTV?

Only in the sense that they're both digital signals. Television's move to HDTV is mandated by the federal government. In time, HDTV will completely replace current analog television broadcasts. On the other hand, radio stations are voluntarily adding HD Radio technology to their regular broadcasts. Stations will continue using the same AM and FM frequencies they do now.

-> What does "HD" stand for?

Originally, the initials stood for "hybrid-digital," because the digital signals were carried with the analog wave. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, that's been changed and the letters "HD" now don't stand for anything. Some articles and news stories have erroneously assumed that "HD" stands for "high definition," which has contributed to the confusion between HD Radio technology and High-definition TV.

-> How is HD Radio different than current FM and AM radio?

Because they're digital, HD Radio signals aren't subject to atmospheric interference the way current FM and AM signals are. Background crackle and hiss are eliminated. The effect is similar to the difference between CDs and records. The digital CD signal is free of the surface noise that's always present on LP playback.

-> How can I find out if my local station is broadcasting digitally?

As stations add HD Radio capability to their service, they generally publicize the fact. iBiquity Digital also maintains a site that lists which stations are broadcasting with HD Radio signals.

-> My radio isn't compatible with HD Radio broadcasts. Will it become obsolete?

Partially. Stations broadcasting with HD Radio technology will continue to simulcast their AM or FM analog signals, so you'll be able to enjoy the same stations as before. Without an HD Radio tuner, though, you'll miss out on the digital-only multicast channels stations will now be offering.

-> What is multicasting?

An HD Radio signal can be subdivided to send out two or more different kinds of programming simultaneously. When a station does this, it is multicasting.

-> What is HD2?

HD2 is the term multicasting stations are using for their secondary digital-only channel. Some stations are using this second channel to offer more specialized programming, such as Latin Hits, Classical Opera, and Electronica.

-> Can all HD Radio tuners get these extra channels?

Multicasting was developed after the first generation of HD Radio tuners hit the market. While all HD Radio tuners will pick up the station's primary digital channel, only radios that are designated multicast-capable will be able to pick up HD2 and any additional sub channels. Multicasting capability has become standard on newer HD Radio tuners, so going forward this feature will be easier to find.

-> Satellite radio requires a monthly subscription fee for their digital broadcasts. What do HD Radio broadcasts cost?

Like current FM and AM radio, HD Radio broadcasts are free to the public. Your only expense is the purchase of an HD Radio tuner.

-> Is the coverage area of my station's HD Radio signal identical to that of their current signal?

Although the coverage area will be similar, there can be areas where only the analog signal can be heard, and conversely, areas where only the HD Radio digital signal can be tuned in.

-> What happens if I lose the HD Radio signal?

If your HD Radio tuner loses the station's digital signal, it will automatically switch over to the analog signal broadcast at the same frequency. There may be a slight break in the sound when this happens. When the tuner is back in range of your station's HD Radio signal, it will automatically go back to the digital broadcast.

-> I see a lot of car radios use the term "HD Radio ready." What does that mean?

An HD Radio ready car radio ? or "head unit" ? can play HD Radio signals, but requires connection to a separate HD Radio tuner. If the radio is a factory stereo, you'll have to get the tuner from the dealer. If you have a brand-name stereo, we probably have the add-on tuner you need.

-> Can I only hear HD Radio in the car?

No. Several manufacturers are rolling out home stereos that have HD Radio tuners. The first of these to hit the market, the Boston Acoustic Receptor Radio HD, has already garnered positive reviews from industry critics and the buying public.