Here is a list of the primary benefits to going HD:
1. FM stations broadcasted in the digital format will have near CD like quality while AM stations will sound like current FM stations. Digital signals are less vulnerable to reception problems and interference. This means clear sound without static, hiss, pops or fades.
2. If an HD Radio receiver loses its HD signal it will transition seamlessly back to FM until the HD signal returns.
3. Multicasting (HD2 Stations): The digital signals that HD Radio uses have larger bandwidth than analog signals so they can carry one extra music channel and three addition talk channels. This means you can tune in to one station and then select any alternate channels on that station.
4. HD Radio receivers can display text data (artist and song information) or even show updates on the weather, stocks, sports scores and more.
5. iTunes Tagging: HD Radio receivers can “tag” a song which will later show up in your iTunes for purchase. This only works if your iPod can be directly connected to the HD Radio receiver and that HD station has tagging enabled. A “tagged” song will load up in your iPod and then transfer to your iTunes when your iPod syncs up again. iTunes then gives you the option to purchase that song.

Radio stations will continue to broadcast regular analog signals along with HD signals. This will allow older radios to continue to receive AM/ FM signals. There are no current plans to shut down analog radio stations or to stop analog broadcasts, even in the near future. The biggest advantage of HD Radio is, besides the higher quality, that it is free to any listener with an HD radio. Additional features such as surround sound and other multicasting options will be made available as time progresses and the full realization of extra bandwidth usage is made clear.

How does it work specifically?

1.  Radio stations send out a bundled signal comprising both analog and digital. The digital signal is comprised of textual data such as stocks, sports scores, song information and traffic.
2.  This signal is compressed by a computer and digitized into “1”s and “0”s, similar to how MP3 files are a compressed version of WAV files.
3. The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted via specially equipped transmission towers capable of handling both signals.
4. Radio signals bounce off of object such as buildings which is a big contributor to static in conventional radios. HD Digital radio receivers sort through and repair the reflected signals getting rid of artifacts such as hiss, pop and fades.
5. Both analog and digital signals reach their destination and remain free to the listener. HD Receivers decode the information for a clear listening experience.

More and more aftermarket car receivers come with HD Radio preinstalled or as an add-on module giving you high quality radio with a bunch of added features. You can add HD radio to your factory car stereo or aftermarket car stereo using an HD radio add-on kit. These types of kits allow you to add HD radio to your factory or after market stereo using a 3.5 mm headphone jack, RCA connectors or a wired FM modulator. HD Radio can also be found built-in to aftermarket car stereos or as add on modules to these radios. An aftermarket radio with HD radio capability can also come with additional features such as bluetooth, navigation, iPod integration and more.

With no additional costs, an added HD radio is a great investment, especially because most stations will be broadcasting a digital signal in the foreseeable future.  With so many ways to add HD Radio to your life there is no reason you can’t take advantage of this high quality, crisp, clear and FREE radio.

The post What Is HD Radio? appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Imagine listening to your favorite local AM and FM stations without annoying static. Not only does it improve sound clarity, but HD radio also includes extra FM stations, iTunes tagging, and more entertainment all around. Best of all, there is no subscription required. Just install the HD radio components and you are ready to enjoy digital broadcast radio. Be sure to check with your local area regarding signal availability before you purchase HD radio components.

What do I need to listen to HD Radio?

The best option is to buy an in-dash receiver with a built-in HD radio tuner. Another option is to buy a HD radio ready head unit as well as an add-on HD radio tuner. Finally, if you plan on keeping your factory stereo, you can purchase vehicle specific HD radio kits for your factory stereo. All of the above options give you access to free digital broadcast programming.

Is there a subscription fee?

Unlike satellite radio, HD radio broadcasting is free—there are no subscription fees! Once you have your HD radio tuner set up, you can listen to digital AM and FM stations, including HD2 and HD3 multicast channels. These channels offer more music, sports and news options.

What is iTunes tagging?

You no longer have to wonder, “What was the name of that song?”  HD radio brings the song titles to you. The exclusive iTunes Tagging technology enables HD radio receivers to store song names while listening to the HD radio stations. “Tag” songs you like while listen to the radio. Later on you can upload the stored names onto your iPod, and the next time you sync your iPod to your computer, you will be able to locate the songs on the iTunes store.

What other information does the HD radio display?

The HD radio display not only indicates the artist name and song title, but it also scrolls extremely useful information. This includes live weather and real-time traffic updates, local news, sports scores, school closings, and emergency alerts. The scrolling information depends on the station you are listening to.

Does the sound quality of HD radio make a difference?

Yes, HD radio makes FM stations sound CD quality, and AM radio FM quality. You won’t hear the pops, hisses and static that characterizes the regular radio listening experience.

How does HD radio work?

HD radio uses a digital audio signal while traditional radio uses an analog signal. The digital signal is superior because it can be compressed, so it sends more information over the same radio frequency. A digital signal is also less prone to signal dropout and interference.

What is multicasting?

HD radio enables multicasting, or broadcasting multiple channels on the same signal. Basically, two separate genre channels can be set to the same station. So if you were to tune into a multicast on 94.1 FM, the HD radio display indicates that you can switch between the regular rap 94.1 FM and the additional HD broadcast of rock 94.1 FM. The extra rock station is considered a HD2 station. HD radio has HD2 and HD3 channels. Multicasting benefits you because you can choose between more specific listening options, like all sports, all news, or genre specific programming.

The post FAQ Guide to HD Radio appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.