Frequently
Asked Questions about HD Radio™
What does HD Radio™ mean to me?
HD Radio™ is a groundbreaking new digital technology that produces the highest quality audio available, delivering crystal clear reception and offering CD- quality sound.
How is HD Radio™ different from regular radio?
A fundamental benefit of the new technology is that noise, interference and fades - that "picket fence" static, called
multi-path interference, you may have experienced driving around town or while waiting at a red light - are effectively eliminated.
Another key feature, quite a boon for audiophiles, is that the technology is capable of delivering true 5.1 surround sound.
How
does HD Radio™ work?
HD Radio™ stations transmit a data stream within the same licensed
bandwidth used to transmit their analog broadcasts. This data stream
contains the programming for the station, data for the receiver display
and any additional multicast programming.
What
else does HD Radio™ do?
It
also creates the ability to divide the digital bandwidth
into multiple audio streams, without significant loss of
audio quality. Known as multicasting, WVTF has divided its
audio stream to offer WVTF programming (classical and jazz
music and NPR news programs) on one channel and Radio IQ
programming (BBC news and NPR talk programs) on another
channel.
Digital radios can also receive and display text and images on small liquid crystal screens.
Radio IQ envisions this feature will offer listeners information or present important text messages, such as updated traffic reports or weather forecasts
without interrupting our news programming.
How can I hear
Radio IQ and WVTF's broadcast in HD Radio™ Technology?
To hear
the stations in the purest digital form, you will need a special HD Radio™ receiver for either your car or home audio
system. WVTF will remain at its same dial position and you can still hear
WVTF with your current analog radio (same goes for Radio IQ). But if you have a new HD Radio™ receiver you will hear
WVTF and Radio IQ in our new digital format.
Where can I purchase a digital radio? And when?
HD Radio™ receivers are now on the market. Kenwood, JVC and Panasonic are among a few of the major manufacturers with car units. A number of automobile manufacturers are expected to offer HD Radio™ option upgrades in select 2005 model cars.
WVTF has found several online sources currently selling car units, including
Crutchfield.com.
Are home receivers available?
Yes. Home receivers are currently
available. Visit Crutchfield's website at Crutchfield.com and type in
keywords "HD Radio".
Will I someday not be able to receive
WVTF on my present receiver -- at home and 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
Radio IQ) will be required to continue to offer their existing analog transmission services throughout the conversion. Some estimates place that time period at up to 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.
Who
is developing HD Radio™, and who is behind it?
HD Radio is being developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. iBiquity
Digital is partnered with the nation's leading consumer electronics
manufacturers, semiconductor companies, automakers, radio equipment
manufacturers and data application and service providers. About 15 of
the nation's largest broadcast groups have an equity stake in iBiquity.
For
additional questions not answered here, please contact Radio IQ &
WVTF Chief Engineer Paxton Durham at jpd@vt.edu.
