image and description courtesy of hdradio.com

Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences. [1] Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well. [2] The digital signal layer is compressed. [3] The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted. [4] Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades. [5] Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD Radio receiver.

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What is HD Radio™?

HD Radio™ broadcasting brings you higher quality audio, offering CD quality sound and static-free crystal clear reception. The HD Radio™ technology is a digital radio standard that was developed by iBiquity Digital and recognized by the Us Federal Communications Commission as radio’s digital broadcast standard.

How does HD Radio™ broadcasting work?

WMUB bundles analog and digital signals and transmits them together on the same broadcast frequency. Your radio receives and decodes the transmission. An HD Radio receiver picks up and decodes the digital signal. Older analog receivers continue to pick up the analog signal with no change.

If I can still receive an analog signal, why should I switch to HD Radio™?

Today’s HD Radio™ technology has many features. They include:

• FM Multicasting – the ability to broadcast multiple program streams over a single FM frequency. WMUB has three program streams: news and information on WMUB HD1, Jazz on WMUB HD 2 and BBC on WMUB HD 3.
• Static-free, crystal clear reception
• FM sounds as sensational as CDs
• In the near future WMUB will broadcast additional text and images via its HD Radio™ signal providing the potential for data such as song title, artist, CD information, weather and traffic alerts
• Digital broadcasts are free

What is multicasting?

HD Radio™ technology enables WMUB to broadcast more than one program stream on its existing spectrum. WMUB currently has three program streams: news and information on WMUB HD1, Jazz on WMUB HD 2 and BBC on WMUB HD 3.

How do I find WMUB’s HD channels on the radio dial?

WMUB’s broadcasts continue to be found at 88.5 FM. You do not need to learn a new station number or position on the radio dial. To receive WMUB’s HD signals you must have an HD Radio receiver. Tune up the dial from channel to channel in the same way you have always tuned in your favorite radio stations. HD Radio receivers detect digital and multicast station availability and tune to these automatically. (Tuning techniques vary by manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual.)

How can I get an HD Radio™ receiver?

A variety of HD Radio models for home and car are now available both online and in stores, including the NPR Shop, Radio Shack, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Alamo Electronics in Montgomery. Purchase your radio through the NPR Shop or crutchfield.com and your purchase benefits WMUB. WMUB has also partnered with PolkAudio to make HD radios available at an affordable price. Your purchase will go to supporting WMUB.

Will I someday not be able to receive WMUB 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. This is already happening as the technology is now more common in the marketplace and prices are continuing to fall as time goes on.

More questions about HD Radio™?
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1223 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
513-352-9170
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