HD Radio Frequently asked questions about portable HD Radio.

» What exactly is HD Radio?
» Is HD Digital Radio technology the same as HDTV?
» What does HD stand for?
» How is HD Digital Radio technology different from current FM and AM radio?
» How can I find out if my local radio station is now broadcasting digitally?
» What is HD multicasting?
» Can all HD Radio portables get these extra channels?
» Is the coverage area of my station's HD Radio signal the same as the stations current signal?
» What happens if I lose the HD Digital Radio signal?
» I see a lot of car radios use the term "HD Digital Radio ready." What exactly does that mean?

 

Q: What exactly is HD Radio?
A: The term HD Radio is iBiquity Inc. name for the digital audio broadcasting technology, which has become the new IBOC digital standard adopted for the United States. Back to top

Q: Is HD Digital Radio technology the same as HDTV?
A: they are the same only in the sense that they are both digital signals. Television's move to HDTV was mandated by the federal government. On the other hand, radio stations are voluntarily adding HD Digital Radio technology to their broadcasts. Radio stations will continue using the same AM and FM frequencies they do now.
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Q: What does HD stand for?
A: The initials did stand for "hybrid-digital," because the digital signals were carried along with the analog wave. According to iBiquity, that's been changed, and the letters "HD" now really don't stand for anything. Kind of funny. Some articles and stories have erroneously assumed that "HD" stands for "high definition," which has contributed to the confusion between HD Radio technology and HDTV.
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Q: How is HD Digital Radio different from current FM and AM radio?
A: Because they are digital, HD Digital Radio signals are not subject to interference in the way current FM and AM signals are. Background crackle and hiss are all but eliminated. The effect is similar to the difference between CDs and records. As you may know, the digital CD signal is free of the surface noise that's always present on LP playback.
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Q: How can I find out if my local radio station is now broadcasting digitally?
A: As more radio stations add HD Radio capability to their services, they will publicize the fact. Also, Click here to find stations broadcasting in HD Radio in your area.
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Q: What is HD multicasting?
A: An HD Radio signal can be subdivided to send out two, three, or more different kinds of programming simultaneously. Pretty neat. When a station does this, it is multicasting.
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Q: Can all HD Radio portables get these extra channels?
A: HD2 multicasting was developed after the earliest generation of HD Digital Radio tuners hit the marketplace. While all HD Portable Radios will pick up the station's primary digital channel, only radios that are designated multicast capable will be able to pick up HD2, HD3, and any other additional subchannels. Multicastinghas now since become a standard feature on HD Radio. At this point, most HD Radios on the market can receive multicast channels.
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Q: Is the coverage area of my station's HD Radio signal the same as the current radio signal?
A: Yes, very similar. Although it will be similar, there can be small areas where only the analog signal can be heard, and conversely, areas where only the HD Radio digital signal can be tuned in. Terrain obstacles, such as hills, building, etc. affect analog and digital signals in slightly different ways, so there is no surefire way to predict reception, especially on the outskirts of a station's coverage area.
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Q: What happens if I lose the HD Digital Radio signal?
A: Nothing happens, as 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, so you will always have a signal for your HD Radio Portable. There may be a short break in the sound when this happens. Best of all, when the tuner is back in range of your station's HD Radio signal, it will automatically go back to the HD digital broadcast.
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Q: I see a lot of car radios use the term "HD Digital Radio ready." What exactly does that mean?
A: An HD Digital Radio ready car radio, or portable radio, can play HD Radio signals, but requires connection to a separate HD Radio tuner. If the radio is a factory installed stereo, you will have to get the tuner from the dealer. If you have a brand name stereo, we probably have the add-on tuner you need and you can shop on this site for it.
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