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HD Radio Stations in Charlotte

A

audiomusiclover

Guest
I understand there are many mixed and even negative reviews on HD radio. After having purchased a HD radio a couple of weeks ago I wanted to chime in. I must admit that I love it. No it isn't XM, but there are still nice choices to listen to. Many of the area stations actually sound MUCH better than XM in fact. I have noticed that the HD-1 stations do sound better than analog and XM stations and it makes me want to listen to the music even in the driveway. Yes, this is a car radio and the gas is high, I know bad timing. I have noticed even a couple of AM's, WFNZ, WFNA, that are in HD. They sound better with a lively sound quality for the sports talk shows.
Yes HD radio has a tall wall to climb, but I really hope it can make it. Anyone who gets one, (like in the car), will enjoy the variety and sound quality that it gives and no monthly charges to boot.
Some noted HD stations in Charlotte. I may miss a few stations but here is some of what noticed.
88.9 - HD1 - Great sound! Has improved dynamics, bass, treble, High quality.
90.7 - HD1, HD2 - Jazz, HD3 - still listening to catch format
92.7 - HD1 - slight sound improvement over analog
96.1 - HD1 - sound improvement, HD2 - is lost in Spanish
99.7 - HD1 - sound improvement, HD2 - lower quality but nice variety, still catching format
101.9 - HD1 - sound improvement, HD2 - lower quality but alternate soul/oldies
102.9 - HD1 – sound improvement, good sound, HD2 - new music, still catching format
104.7 - HD1 – sound improvement, good sound, HD 2 - still catching format
106.5 - HD1 - better sound, HD2 - a 80's new wave?? My personal favorite HD channel
106.9 - HD1, 2, 3 - Christian w/ 3 channels
107.9 - HD1 - sound improvement

Just noting what I have heard so far and say yes, I have drunk the HD radio cool aid as I am enjoying Charlotte local radio again.
 
AudioMusicLover- glad you've discovered the new frontier...Now, go to your favorite music store and buy a HD tabletop receiver (that is, if you can find anyone selling them- and if you're really lucky, a salesperson who even knows what a HD Radio is-), then take said receiver indoors, and watch all those great new HD channels disappear! But take heart- all is not lost- those old outdated analog FM channels still work just fine...even in the house.
 
HD-2 like listening to someone elses iPod.

or

HD-2 like FM, only without the commercials....for now!

Most of what I hear on HD-2 is a different mix of the same old thing. That's because many (not all) radio stations feel the need to stay close to their "Brand". As if the listener cares about that.
 
LaidBackJack said:
AudioMusicLover- glad you've discovered the new frontier...Now, go to your favorite music store and buy a HD tabletop receiver (that is, if you can find anyone selling them- and if you're really lucky, a salesperson who even knows what a HD Radio is-), then take said receiver indoors, and watch all those great new HD channels disappear! But take heart- all is not lost- those old outdated analog FM channels still work just fine...even in the house.
Click to expand...

I understand the limited range of the new frontier with HD radio utilizing the sidebands. That is one of the reasons why I purchased a HD Car radio, as that is where I do most of my radio listening in my daily commutes. I would guess most people listen to radio in their cars as opposed to their homes now-a-days, so that makes the HD radio format more feasible for receiving as long as you live or work in an around the metro area. There are various channels available that I can receive even on the outer edges of the metro. The car is where I bet HD radio has its best chance and largest audience, at least for now. But yes, I recall the puzzled look I received when I asked the 20 something store salesman how well did the HD radio receive?
 
I don't even know you and I'd advise you to spend your money on something else you want. I have a HD radio here at home- one of the upper tier models, no less. It's practically worthless, except for the analog FM...which works fine.
 
When Sharper Image was going out of business, I considered buying an HD radio off the shelf. Couldn't convince myself to do it, even for the price. The reception was horrible. I know this is in a mall, but they were first store when you walked in the main entrance of Southpark Mall.
 
I hear you guys on HD radio not being a perfect format by a long shot. I do concede it has limited reception range and many of the HD2 & 3 stations are continuous music with little to no local input. It does work better in automobiles though as I have little trouble receiving all but a couple of the HD stations in the Charlotte metro area regularly even when driving north of Concord and Mooresville. I have been able to receive HD stations originating from other markets, examples are: 98.7's HD1 out of Greensboro from the northern Charlotte/Concord area and I also regularly receive a couple of HD stations out of Winston Salem, 104.1 HD1 & 2, 105.7 HD1 & 2, from the Mooresville area. There may be more as well but the point is, for the car, HD reception is much improved and could be a real boost (at least temporarily) to the slowly dying radio industry if it could catch on. I understand miracles seldom occur any more though.
 
For me reception isn't the problem content is. There isn't much being offered on HD2 that you can't find elsewhere. If you find something you like then you have to hope the format stays. WEND 106.5 already changed the HD2 format from comedy to Rock. The Smooth Jazz on WBAV 101.9 HD2 is has turned more urban than Jazz. The oldies format on WKQC 104.7 HD2 is okay but I hear a lot of overplayed '70's songs you can hear on K and Lite.

So far there are no people on air, no news, just the computer alone in the corner. In the age of the iPod, radio needs to do more to stand out and grab attention.

I find that I'm listening to more podcasts and satellite radio than anything local.
 
Mike Sheridan said:
For me reception isn't the problem content is. There isn't much being offered on HD2 that you can't find elsewhere. If you find something you like then you have to hope the format stays. WEND 106.5 already changed the HD2 format from comedy to Rock. The Smooth Jazz on WBAV 101.9 HD2 is has turned more urban than Jazz. The oldies format on WKQC 104.7 HD2 is okay but I hear a lot of overplayed '70's songs you can hear on K and Lite.

So far there are no people on air, no news, just the computer alone in the corner. In the age of the iPod, radio needs to do more to stand out and grab attention.

I find that I'm listening to more podcasts and satellite radio than anything local.
Click to expand...

106.5 dropped comedy and 101.9 is leaning more towards urban, wow. I thought about getting HD radio, but after those changes, definitely not now. Why would you make the FM/AM less diverse, knowing they are having to compete with satellite and Internet radio, that's dumb on their parts. I noticed that the stations don't really mention their HD sub-channels on their websites, which isn't very smart either.

Just curious for those that HD radios in their cars... how's the reception while driving?
 
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