HD Radio™
HD Radio is a new technology that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast
programs digitally, a tremendous technological leap from today's familiar
analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically
improved audio quality and reception and additional programs and data services.
Signal fading, static, hisses and pops are a thing of the past. Data services
such as displayed song and artist information, weather and traffic alerts and
much more will revolutionize the way you experience AM and FM radio. And it's
all FREE for consumers, just like today's analog AM and FM radio.
What are the benefits of
HD Radio?
FM broadcasts will have CD-quality sound.
AM broadcasts will sound as good as today's
analog FM stereo.
Broadcasts are static-free with crystal
clear reception. Signal fades, static, hiss, and pops will be things of
the past.
HD Radio receivers will also display
important data, including scrolling text displayed on a radio screen with
song titles, artist names, traffic updates, weather forecasts, sports
scores and more.
WHQR has begun broadcasting a 24 hour
classical channel – WHQR 91.3fm HD2 Classical.WHQR will be exploring a possible third
channel as well.
No subscription fees. It's FREE for consumers,
just like today's analog AM and FM radio. Unlike satellite radio services, HD Radio does not require a
subscription.
Easy transition: You can continue listening
to your local AM/FM stations on your existing analog radios as well as on
your new HD Radio receivers.
Opportunity for more advanced data and
audio services, such as surround sound, multiple audio sources at the same
dial position, on-demand audio services, store-and-replay (so you can
store a radio program that airs when you are at work and replay it on your
commute home), overlaying real-time traffic information on a navigational
map to help you find the shortest route, a 'buy' button for music, sports
and concert tickets, along with a host of other services.
Easy transition for broadcasters and
consumers by using the existing infrastructure and spectrum and at the
same time preserving the existing analog service for as long as needed.
This means you can continue listening to your local AM/FM stations on your
existing analog radios as well as on your new HD Radio receivers, with all
the added services and benefits that HD Radio offers.
How can you get WHQR on
HD Radio? To hear
an HD radio broadcast, you will need a new HD Radio receiver tuned to 91.3fm
When will WHQR start
broadcasting in HD?
WHQR 91.3fm HD2 Classical went on the air June 1, 2009.
Will WHQR maintain its
current position on the dial?
Yes, WHQR 91.3fm will maintain its current frequency/dial position.
How can you get HD
Radio? To hear
an HD radio broadcast, you will need a new HD Radio receiver that is tuned into
a station in your area that is sending an HD Radio broadcast. Information regarding the types of HD Radio
receivers available in the area will be posted on www.whqr.org
Will my reception
problems be fixed with HD Radio?
If you've been having reception problems with WHQR, HD Radio may or may not fix
them. The answer depends on what type of interference you're experiencing.
If I purchase an HD
radio receiver, will I be able to listen to stations that are broadcasting in
digital and analog signals?
Yes, the HD radios will receive analog if the station isn't broadcasting HD and
automatically switch to HD when it receives a digital signal.
Can HD Radio Stations
broadcast both digital and analog signals?
Yes, HD Radio Stations will broadcast both digital and analog signals.
Where can I purchase an
HD radio receiver?
Information regarding local retailers of HD Radio receivers will be posted on
www.whqr.org
Who developed HD Radio
technology? iBiquity
Digital Corporation is the sole developer of HD Radio technology in the USA.
With input from radio broadcasters, consumer electronics and broadcast
equipment manufacturers, automakers, retailers, and consumers, the company has
brought to market an idea that was conceived over a decade ago by scientists
and engineers at Westinghouse, CBS, Gannet and Lucent/Bell Labs.
The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) approved HD Radio technology in 2002, and the
commercial rollout of the technology began in 2003 when AM and FM stations
around the country began digital broadcasts and continued with the launch of HD
Radio receivers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2004.
