HD radio is one of the most significant advancements in radio broadcasting since the introduction of the 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.
Have you ever wished that you could get the same quality of sound from your radio as you do from your CDs? Or that your radio signal didn't fade out just when you wanted to listen to the game? Thanks to HD radio, your wishes have come true. Get the kind of sound that was previously reserved for your HDTV, CD system, or MP3 player. Get it on your radio. And get it for free!
How does HD radio work?Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio: A signal is on one end, and a receiver is on the other. But there are a few key differences:
1. Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal--both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data, such as traffic, stock info, and song titles, can be sent out as well.
2. The digital signal layer is compressed.
3. The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
4. Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops, and fades.
5. Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD radio receiver.
What are some of the benefits of HD radio?With HD radio, you'll get the same unmatched fidelity as your digital music. FM stations have CD-quality sound, and AM stations produce FM-quality sound. Plus, it's crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion.
You'll find new music and new sounds without a subscription fee. You'll have access to new artists, new genres, and new kinds of programs that you’ve never listened to before.
Plus, you'll hear more of what you’re listening to now. Find new channels that play more of what you like. Or, hear more talk and music from the stations you’re plugged into. You'll hear more complete sets, more full albums, more in-depth interviews, lengthier talk, and more detailed news.
Also, you'll get more details. You'll see more information on your dial, such as traffic data and stock info. You'll see real-time artist and song IDs.
Finally, one of the best parts is that, once you have the receiver, HD radio is free of charge, just like radio should be. There aren't any subscription costs, service plans, or monthly bills.
What is iTunes tagging, and how does it work with HD radio?How many times have you heard a song on the radio that you’d really like to hear again? Wouldn’t it be great if you could tag that song and buy it later? You can with an iTunes tagging-enabled HD radio receiver.
First, ensure that your iPod is connected to the receiver. Then, when you hear a song that you like on your local FM HD radio station, simply hit the "tag" button. The song’s information will be saved from your HD radio receiver onto your iPod. These songs will show up in a playlist called "Tagged" in iTunes the next time you sync your iPod to your computer. Then, you can click, download, and buy the songs you want directly from the Apple iTunes Music Store.
With an HD radio receiver, you'll be able to tag songs while you listen to your favorite music in pure crystal-clear digital sound. And now, many HD radio stations are broadcasting additional digital channels called HD2 and HD3, all subscription-free.
Start shopping for an HD radio receiver.
