106.5 HD 3 shut down

[skiwest]

I noticed 106.5 shut down their HD 3 channel which was "Pride Flashback". I never listened, but it seemed to be dance and disco music from the 70s & 80s. 106.5 still has another "Pride" station on HD 2.

 

[VintageMac]

I noticed 106.5 shut down their HD 3 channel which was "Pride Flashback". I never listened, but it seemed to be dance and disco music from the 70s & 80s. 106.5 still has another "Pride" station on HD 2.

The music was pretty good on the HD-3 channel but it was clearly compressed and was quite noticeable when switching to and from other stations even other HD-2 or HD-3 stations.

 

[snowdog88]

Why doesn't iHeart pick up something else instead of deactivating channels? I would like to have The Breeze back, as well as Real Oldies, though the latter isn't that good as it was several years ago, IMO. They are all iHeart networks, so it shouldn't cost them nothing, other than potential royalty fees.

 

[MediaLover]

Could the move of the stations from Independence to Downtown Cleveland have played a part in the HD3 shutdown?

 

[skiwest]

Why doesn't iHeart pick up something else instead of deactivating channels? I would like to have The Breeze back, as well as Real Oldies, though the latter isn't that good as it was several years ago, IMO. They are all iHeart networks, so it shouldn't cost them nothing, other than potential royalty fees.

A channel that plays 60s music would be nice.

Could the move of the stations from Independence to Downtown Cleveland have played a part in the HD3 shutdown?

I don't see why, especially for 106.5 which is running from a server in a closet.

 

[VintageMac]

Could the move of the stations from Independence to Downtown Cleveland have played a part in the HD3 shutdown?

I don't think it would but maybe they want more audience on their main station. Many of the HD2's have been gone like The Breeze and the other oldies one that Magic 105.7 used to have. It would be nice to have other choices.

 

[snowdog88]

I don't think it would but maybe they want more audience on their main station. Many of the HD2's have been gone like The Breeze and the other oldies one that Magic 105.7 used to have. It would be nice to have other choices.

Most, if not all of these HD Radio networks can be streamed through iHeart Radio's website and apps. It just takes a little bit of searching to find the right stream. It's a bit more convenient and traditional to listen with a HD Radio, but with the online streams, you can listen practically anywhere in much higher quality and without the inconvenience of the station randomly cutting out due to a weak signal.

I wonder if iHeart would rather lease their subs out instead of placing their own networks that probably bring in little revenue for the station. It'd be nice to have MeTV FM end up somewhere on a HD sub here in Cleveland. Better if they could land on a main FM broadcast where most everybody will have the ability to tune in, though I don't ever see that happening.

 

[VintageMac]

Most, if not all of these HD Radio networks can be streamed through iHeart Radio's website and apps.

That's fine in general and is no different than getting streams from apps on computers, phones etc. But when in the car where HD tuner are more prevalent, the ease of use in having those extra channels available makes a big difference especially when they can be preset like any other station. iHeart apparently doesn't care since HD channels are being cut. At least some stations have other choices like WNCX 98.5 HD2 for Classic Rock and 92.3 HD2/HD3 for sports talk.

 

[snowdog88]

That's fine in general and is no different than getting streams from apps on computers, phones etc. But when in the car where HD tuner are more prevalent, the ease of use in having those extra channels available makes a big difference especially when they can be preset like any other station. iHeart apparently doesn't care since HD channels are being cut. At least some stations have other choices like WNCX 98.5 HD2 for Classic Rock and 92.3 HD2/HD3 for sports talk.

That's because people with newer vehicles would rather connect their phones to their entertainment system via Bluetooth and listen through the iHeart Radio app, or whatever streaming app that they prefer. As long as they don't loose their cellular signal, they can listen to almost any radio station or network without being limited to their coverage area. This is convenient for networks that are on HD2/HD3 subs, as there is no analog broadcast to fall back on, resulting in breakups, temporary loss of reception, or no reception at all, especially in areas where the station's broadcast signal is weak.

Unfortunately, HD Radio never took off for several reasons. By the time it started to gain more attention, streaming services and smart phone apps were starting to increase in popularity.

 

[VintageMac]

That's because people with newer vehicles would rather connect their phones to their entertainment system via Bluetooth and listen through the iHeart Radio app, or whatever streaming app that they prefer

Not me as I prefer to keep things simple. Switching stations on a phone is dangerous while driving. Even with Apple CarPlay apps on a car screen, there is that chance for further distraction where presets once set can be controlled through steering wheel controls which is much safer.

As long as they don't loose their cellular signal, they can listen to almost any radio station or network without being limited to their coverage area.

Another problem depending on where you're driving is cell coverage. Also, stations outside of the U.S. are not always available with apps so you have to work around that if you really want let's say a Canadian station.

 

[vw86]

I don't see why, especially for 106.5 which is running from a server in a closet.

I wondered that. With the old set up on Oak Tree I know there was still a studio for 106.5 from the Mix days, but I figured it didn't get a full studio set up with the rest of them with the move.