RedGTiVR6

This FAQ is a running work in progress. Please limit all discussions in this thread to this topic. Any off topic posts will be split out into their own threads in the appropriate forum.

If you have any information or question about any thing contained in this FAQ, please feel free to post them accordingly.

Q: What is this HD Radio I hear everyone talking about?

A: 'HD Radio' is the trademarked name for iBiquity Digital Corporation's digital audio broadcasting technology. HD Radio has become the IBOC standard across the United States. IBOC (In-band on-channel) is a type of digital signal broadcast.

Q: Is HD Radio High Definition? So it must be like HDTV then, right?

A: While both HD Radio and HDTV are forms of digital broadcast, only HD Radio is a voluntary type of broadcast. By 2009, all TV stations must be broadcasting a digital signal (not a HD signal mind you, only a digital signal, HD is still optional) according to a FCC mandate. This mandate does not apply to radio stations. However, because many radio stations recognize the added value to broadcasting a HD Radio signal, adoption rates have been quite high. This is not to say that radio stations will completely abandon their current analog AM and FM broadcasts, but that they will be adding HD Radio broadcasts as well.

Q: So if 'HD Radio' isn't the same as HDTV, what does the 'HD' stand for?

A: iBiquity initially had press releases that stated that the 'HD' in 'HD Radio' stood for 'hybrid-digital'. This was due to the fact that the analog wave carried both the digital and the analog signals. iBiquity has since retracted this statement, saying that the 'HD' in 'HD Radio' doesn't stand for anything. However, this does not change the fact that the analog signal still carries both the digital and analog signal.

Q: Regular analog radio is known for its issues. How then is HD Radio different?

A: By nature, digital signals are not subject to atmospheric interference or multi-path issues. This means that background crackle and hiss are essentially eliminated.

Q: With HD Radio being a digital signal, what does this mean for the coverage area of my favorite radio station?

A: By nature, the coverage area will be similar. Since HD Radio is a digital broadcast signal, you might be in some areas where only digital or only analog signals are available. This is one reason you will need an HD Radio tuner. These tuners have the technology that enables them to blend both the analog and digital signals so you won't miss any part of the broadcast.

Q: Where can I find a list of stations that are broadcasting HD Radio signals in my area?

A: iBiquity is maintaining a web site of all HD Radio stations in the US. You can find that list here. Because radio stations see the benefit to HD Radio, they have been very quick to adopt. Many times, they will announce their intentions to adopt HD Radio well in advance. The list above will also contain information about stations that have opted to utilize the multicast technology as well.

Q: Will I have to pay a monthly subscription fee like you do for Satellite radio?

A: Here's the best part - NO! Because HD Radio broadcasts are the same as current AM and FM radio broadcasts (not including multicasts), you will not be asked to pay a subscription fee. The only expense you can expect to incur is the price of a HD Radio tuner.

Q: I don't have an HD Radio ready radio or head unit, what does this mean for me?

A: Not to worry, your radio won't become obsolete any time soon. Radio stations that are currently broadcasting HD Radio signals continue to broadcast their analog signals as well. If you would like HD Radio though, you will need to purchase a HD Radio tuner. If you don't have this tuner, you won't be able to receive HD Radio signal or the digital-only multicast broadcasts that many HD Radio stations broadcast as well. These multicasts show up under the HD2 or HD3 sub-station. Many times, these multi-cast stations contain additional programming outside of the regular broadcast material.

Q: Is there anything special I need to check for to ensure I will get these multicast broadcast?

A: All newer HD Radio tuners will have multi-cast capabilities. If you have an older HD Radio tuner, you will want to check to ensure it is 'multi-cast capable'. This is due to the fact that multicasting was not developed until after the first batch of HD Radio tuners were released to market. If you have a tuner that is not 'multi-cast capable' don't worry, you will still be able to pick up the main signal from the HD Radio stations.

Q: What if I want to hear HD Radio in the house too?

A: The MP3Car BoomzBox can be connected to a computer very easily. If you have a nice Home Theatre PC set-up, this will be a great solution for you. If you have a nice set of computer speakers or head phones you're set as well. There are other manufacturers out there that make HD Tuners for use in the home, but none of them can be connected to a computer as seamlessly or as easily.

Q: How do I use HD Radio? It seems it would be different from my regular analog radio.

A: Using your HD Radio tuner is really no different from using your regular analog radio tuner. Start off by tuning into the FM requency you want to tune into. You will know if that station is also broadcasting a HD Radio signal if 'HD' is displayed on your radio or screen. If you do not see 'HD' or the HD Radio symbol, chances are that stations has not opted to braodcast in HD Radio format.

If you would like to listen to the multicast station, just press the appropriate button and you will be taken to the multicast station if that station has chosen to broadcast a multicast station. You will know that you are on the multicast station if the station shows up as 102.1-2 or 102.1-HD2. Some stations are even broadcasting a third multicast station (HD3).

The method for accessing these multicast stations will vary depending on your HD Radio tuner manufacturer.

Q: With Satelite radio, I can hear the same stations across the country, can I do this with HD Radio?

A: Because HD Radio is the same broadcast as your local AM and FM radio stations, you will not be able to hear the same broadcast in another city in another part of the country. However, some radio stations have opted to stream their broadcast over the internet. If this is the case and if you have a computer with an internet connection, you should be able to access their broadcast online. Some stations that are also broadcasting HD Radio signals will also stream their broadcast online as well.

Q: Normally, radio stations make their money from the commercial spots they have. If the multicast channels do not have commercials, how will these radio stations make the money necessary to stay in business?

The choice to provide commercial free entertainment on the multicast channels is a decision that is made on an individual station basis. Many timese these stations are going to provide this second broadcast in a commercial free setting for an initial few years. They would like to showcase their new technology and would like to give back to the listeners.

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