Hubbard Radio Backs Push for All-Digital Option on AM

[rbc]

Hubbard Radio has been test driving all-digital AM broadcasting on its WWFD(AM) just outside Washington, D.C., since July 2018. According to the broadcaster, the ride has been mostly a smooth one.

The company told the FCC it is fully supportive of a proposal to permit AM licensees — on a voluntary individual basis — to operate in an all-digital format 24/7.

Hubbard says the MA3 signal of WWFD, which operates in full-time all-digital under special temporary authority from the FCC, has proven to be much more robust than the hybrid mode of HD AM broadcasting, and with improved signal coverage. The company says it has received positive feedback from listeners about the fidelity and reliability of their all-digital signal.
[...]
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/digital-radio/hubbard-radio-backs-push-for-all-digital-option-on-am

 

[bulwnkl]

Remind me: The “MA3” broadcast protocol is compatible with current and past HD radios, right?

 

[rbc]

Remind me: The “MA3” broadcast protocol is compatible with current and past HD radios, right?

Yes

 

[PTBoardOp94]

Yes, that is correct. Any HD radio that can decode AM HD can decode the full digital mode.

I put that qualifier in because some of the more popular HD receivers are FM-only.

 

[bulwnkl]

Thank you.

I am aware of the limited capabilities of some HD radios (that are FM-only), and have only purchased fully-capable HD radios. (-:

 

[Kelly A]

Thank you.

I am aware of the limited capabilities of some HD radios (that are FM-only), and have only purchased fully-capable HD radios. (-:

They all use a single chip receiver, which can receive AM and FM HD. Some of the Insignia radios didn't make AM-HD an option, but that's not because the receiver is any different than a higher-end unit.