What does everyone think of the new "HD Radio" technology?

HD Radio is an upgrading of the way AM and FM radio signals are transmitted, from analog to digital signals. HD is short for “high definition” and it is sometimes referred to as “digital” radio. HD Radio represents the evolution of traditional radio broadcasting into the digital age. Sounds neat. But what does that mean for us listeners?

HD Radio allows broadcasters to transmit a high-quality digital signal. For listeners, the benefits are:

FM radio with CD-quality sound

AM radio that sounds as good as FM

No more pops, crackles or multipath distortion

Transmission of additional information

The Prisoner
------ We want information ...

2004 G35 Sedan AT w/ Premium, Leather, Wood, Sport & Michelin Pilot Sport A/S @ 235/50ZR17 on Stock Rims

 

FM radio with CD-quality sound
Digital technology allows a radio station to transmit more data in the same amount of bandwidth. Primarily, this means higher quality sound. So much more so that FM transmissions are broadcast at the same bitrate used to record and replay CDs. Hence, CD-like sound from FM radio!

AM radio that sounds as good as FM
AM radio uses smaller sections of bandwidth than FM. There is not enough bandwidth to give AM stations the same CD-quality signal as FM stations. But there is enough room to give AM stations clarity equivalent to current analog FM radio. Gone are the days of "staticy" AM radio. This boost in sound quality is expected to make AM radio a viable, mainstream listening alternative to FM, which means more options for listeners.

No more pops, crackles or multipath distortion
The digital signal is less vulnerable to reception problems. The radio tuner’s digital processors eliminate the popping and hissing caused by interference. Multipath distortion, caused by the radio signal being reflected off of buildings and other surrounding obstructions, is completely removed. You hear only clear, clean, rich sound.

Should you lose the digital signal for some reason (obstructing terrain, nearing the edge of the broadcast area, etc.), your HD radio defaults back to analog mode, similar to the way current radios switch from stereo to mono mode when receiving a weak signal. The radio sacrifices detail in an effort to boost reception.

Transmission of additional information
Another benefit of digital radio is the radio station’s ability to transmit additional information along with the music signal. Typically, this takes the form of scrolling text on your receiver's display, such as a song’s artist and title, station call letters, and advertising information. If you’re listening to a news show, financial updates can be transmitted to your radio. And stations can include local and regional information, such as weather updates or even traffic alerts.

“Wait, did you say ‘advertising’?” Yes, I did. The additional information sent to your radio will, without a doubt, include advertisements. Advertising is what pays for radio (and television) today. As it is, a significant portion of airtime is devoted to commercials.

Realistically, why would this text stream be any different? There’s no reason a broadcaster won't include messages like, “This hour of programming brought to you by Blimpstone Tires.” That’s how radio stations pay the bills. Even satellite radio has advertising. Both service providers — SIRIUS and XM — have commercial-free music, but the sports, news, and entertainment channels use a modicum of advertisements to help pay the bills.

The Prisoner
------ We want information ...

2004 G35 Sedan AT w/ Premium, Leather, Wood, Sport & Michelin Pilot Sport A/S @ 235/50ZR17 on Stock Rims

 

They already have the text display with RDS now.

The thing with digital signals is that, yes, you don't get static.. what you get is a clear signal until it just cuts out completely. At the fringe of reception, you'll probably get it cutting in and out.. but without popping or static, ju.. .issing som. p..ts of the sign...

Overall, a good move. It'll be years before it goes mainstream, though.

 

HD-digital radio has nothing to do with the G35. The receiver equipment is not installed on the car, and very few broadcasters are transmitting anything. And unlike the argument for moving to HDTV, HD-radio will not replace the existing analog station network. All analog radio stations are expected to continue in that mode indefinitely, especially FM radio. If you want a taste of digital radio, get XM or Sirius right now. It's the future anyway.

<font color=blue>'04 G35S 5AT, Black Obsidian/Willow, Prem/Nav/Sat</font color=blue>