Digital Radio
The Sound of the Future

Background

First there was digital television, called "the latest breakthrough in television." Now, digital radio, also known as HD radio, is catching on as a popular form of broadcasting. Although the FCC has moved a step closer to bringing digital radio to millions of Americans, at this time radio broadcasters are not required to convert to "all-digital" broadcasting.

 What is Digital Radio?

Digital radio is one of the most significant advancements in radio broadcasting since the introduction of the FM stereo more than 50 years ago. Digital radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally--a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past.

Digital radio is the transmission and reception of sound that has been processed using technology comparable to that used in CD players. In short, a digital radio transmitter processes sounds into patterns of numbers, or "digits"– hence the term "digital radio." In contrast, traditional analog radios process sounds into patterns of electrical signals that resemble sound waves.

• FM digital radio is capable of providing clear sound comparable in quality to CDs. Digital receivers provide significantly clearer sound than conventional analog radios, just as CDs sound clearer than record albums.
• AM digital radio is capable of providing sound quality equivalent to that of standard analog FM, and sounds dramatically better than analog AM. Some broadcasters believe that digital broadcasting may bring music back to the AM band.
• Digital radio reception is more resistant to interference, and eliminates many imperfections of analog radio transmission and reception. There may be some interference to digital radio signals in areas that are distant from a station’s transmitter.

Do I Need a New Radio to Receive Digital Quality?

YES, A digital radio is needed to receive digital signals, but you can use the digital radio to also tune to stations that are still broadcasting in analog, not digital.

The best part!  Once you own the HD radio, the digital signal is free of charge, just like radio should be! There are no subscription costs, service plans, or monthly bills.

You can buy an HD Radio for your home, car or a portable device such as Zune.

 Advantages for Listeners

Digital radio offers a number of consumer advantages over traditional analog radio, including:

• Better audio quality, more robust signals, and new auxiliary services, such as multiple audio programming channels, audio-on-demand services, and interactive features.
• Enhanced radio designs with simplified functions. Simply select the station you want from the call letters or names displayed on the digital radio liquid crystal display (LCD) and the computer within the radio will do the rest.
• Potential to introduce new data and information services that will be displayed on the radio’s small screen when “all-digital” operations are introduced. For example, a station could send background information about a band when that band’s music is playing. Advertisers could send information about discounts and sales. Listeners could program their radios to receive customized weather reports, news, or stock quotes.

Buy this very small Portable Digital Radio,
the Insignia NS-HD01

The first portable HD Radio and it's under $50!

Buy this Coby HDR700 Portable HD Radio System

• HD Radio tuner receives crystal clear digital broadcasts with no subscription fees
• Receives AM/FM analog broadcasts
• 10 AM & 10 FM radio station preset memory
• High-contrast LCD display with backlight

Looking for a Digital Radio Station?

Enter your search terms Submit search form

Web www.ezdigitaltv.com