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You've probably heard a lot more about digital television than digital radio, so here's your chance to expand your knowledge. The new technology will dramatically change your experience of listening to the radio!
Digital radio is a revolutionary advancement in the AM and FM broadcasting industry. Digital broadcasting produces the highest quality audio available, delivering crystal clear reception and offering CD sound quality. For consumers with HD Radio™ equipment, advantages are immediately evident. A fundamental benefit of the new technology is that noise, interference, and fades commonly heard on traditional analog radios are effectively eliminated with HD Radio digital broadcasting.
Like digital television, an FM digital radio signal can be broken into multiple channels. This allow us to provide you with a second channel of audio programming (and maybe more), as well as a variety of program information and other data services. AM digital stations won't have additional channels, but will provide other enhancements in addition to a strikingly clear sound. WOSU was a national leader in testing all of these new services.
Another key feature, quite a boon for audiophiles and especially for classical music lovers, is that the digital technology is capable of delivering true 5.1 digital surround sound—an exciting enhancement and major improvement above traditional two-channel stereo sound. HD Radio receivers were first widely available toward the end of 2004, and several automobile manufacturers are expected to provide mobile receivers with select new model cars.
WOSU 89.7 is currently streaming two channels: one is a duplicate of our FM analog channel and the other is a duplicate of our AM. On the AM digital stream we are repeating our AM programming as well.
Here are the answers to some questions you might have.
I've heard the terms digital radio and HD Radio™. Are these the same?
While digital audio exists in a number of forms, the FCC-approved method of delivering digital radio signals in the United State is known as HD Radio™. Broadcasters on other continents use other systems.
HD Radio™ technology allows broadcasters to provide 21st century digital service and marks the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology allows for an easy transition for broadcasters and consumers by using the existing infrastructure and analog radio channels and, at the same time, preserving the existing analog service for as long as is necessary. As a listener, you can continue tuning in to 89.7 for WOSU-FM and 820 for WOSU-AM, but with a new digital receiver, you'll enjoy the added services and benefits that HD Radio offers.
What does HD Radio™ mean to me?
Not a lot if you don't have an HD radio…but once you get that radio, look out!
While there aren't that many radios out yet, more than 75 radio stations are broadcasting with HD Radio technology out of a total of more than 12,000 stations across the country. More stations are added to the list each week. WOSU-FM is the first digital radio station in central Ohio, and only the second digital public radio station in Ohio.
NPR Labs has issued a report in Novmber 2006, recommending some radio receivers. (PDF)
For much more about HD radios, go here
How is HD Radio™ different from regular radio?
The biggest difference for FM stations is crystal clear, digital-quality sound, and in the future, even true 5.1 surround sound such as you would experience live in the concert hall. With digital radio technology, WOSU-FM was the first station in central Ohio to broadcast locally produced surround sound programming, including our Columbus Symphony series programs.
Even better, HD Radio™ promises to do away with multipath interference—that "picket fence" static you may have experienced driving around town or while waiting at a red light. Our WOSU-FM signal is strong, clear, and as they say, "near CD quality." With digital transmitters and receivers, WOSU-AM has FM-like stereo audio quality, allowing for new and innovative programming, including music formats.
Digital TV will be able to provide more than one channel at a time (multicasting). How about digital radio?
National Public Radio is among the industry leaders developing what's being called "Tomorrow Radio," an extension of the HD Radio™ technology, which allow FM stations to offer at least two distinct program "channels" simultaneously. For example, WOSU-FM could offer classical music all day, every day on our primary digital channel. At the same time, for example, we might offer delayed broadcasts of some WOSU-AM news and talk programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Open Line and Car Talk, along with new programs and music in digital stereo on the second channel. Additional channels or data services could also provide highly specialized programming, traffic, or weather information. WOSU-FM is requesting permission from the FCC to be only the fifth station to test these new services, as we explore new ways of serving you.
Although prices are coming down, HD televisions can still be expensive. What will HD Radios cost?
HDTV receivers can cost thousands of dollars, but HD Radio™ receivers won't cost nearly so much. Early consumer models are starting around $650, but look for prices to drop rapidly.
Where can I purchase a digital radio? And when?
Several major electronics company are now offering a variety of after-market car radios, primarily through internet verndors. Second-generation "tomorrow radios" are also available. In addition, major automobile manufacturers have digital radio receivers as an option sometime soon. With America's obsession with technology, home receivers shouldn't be too far behind.
Will I someday not be able to receive a WOSU radio station on my present receivers—at home or in the car?
Not for a very long time. The FCC is relying on marketplace competition, instead of a mandate, to move the digital radio conversion ahead. While it is true that you will need a new radio to benefit from digital radio, your present radios should hold you in good stead for some time to come, since radio stations that do convert (such as WOSU) will be required to continue to offer their existing analog transmission services throughout the conversion. Some estimates place that time period at more than ten years. You may find your adoption of digital radio occurs seamlessly through your normal purchases of automobiles or electronic equipment for your home, rather than a wholesale shopping trip to replace all your current radios, as the technology becomes commonplace and its price falls over the coming years.
Why make the change now instead of waiting for more stations to go first?
WOSU's existing radio transmitters (one FM, and separate daytime and nightime AMs) were approaching the end of their projected life spans had to be replaced anyway. By purchasing the new hybrid analog/digital units, we moved to take advantage of some grant programs for early adopters that will greatly reduce the costs.
How is HD Radio™different from digital satellite radio such as XM™ and Sirius™?
While Sirius and MX use digital transmission, a key difference is that our digital broadcasts are over-the air and available to all listeners, whereas satellite radio is a monthly pay subscription service. While XM and Sirius offer a greater number of channels, they are national services that do not provide local news, weather, traffic or other local content. However, like the satellite services, HD Radio listeners will have to purchase new receivers.
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