There's been quite a bit of buzz lately on HD radio, also called IBOC (in band on channel). HD radio is a digital stream embedded in the regular broadcast signal, and you need a radio that's HD capable to listen to it. There are some huge advantages to HD radio...
1. It makes AM sound like FM. Seriously, it's night and day.
2. FM stations can have up to 2 additional channels (HD-2 and HD-3) in addition to its regular (HD-1) programming in CD quality. Most big market FM's have commercial-free HD2's, while many NPR affiliates have HD2 and HD3 signals. HD2 and 3 channels are totally seperate from the main FM signal.
3. You don't have to pay for it.
BUT...there are a few problems...
1. You need a new radio (on the bright side, they're not expensive...100 to 200 bucks).
2. HD signals don't seem to travel as far as analog signals do.
3. There are no Walkman-type HD radios I'm aware of yet, and very few car models. Some excellent table-style radios are available.
4. There is some evidence of increased interference to other AM stations due to HD broadcasts.
It's kind of like where TV was in the late 1940's-there was little programming to justify buying a set, and TV stations didn't want to add programs until more TV's were sold. AM Stereo flopped badly in the 1980's but this seems to have wide support among broadcasters. Will listeners support this? Will radio eventually go all-digital like TV will in April 2009? And what about Naomi? :)
If you'd like more info about HD Radio, go to http://www.hdradio.com or if you'd like one, click on the radio at the top of the page to get one from my friends at Radiosophy.
No comments:
Post a Comment