> I've never seen or listened to an HD radio. What are they
> basically like?
>
> Are they like regular FM channels, just in high definition?
>
> Please give me a general overview of what exactly HD radio
> is.
>
> Thanks
>
Start at
www.hdradio.com
OK lets see here (rolling up sleeves)
HD Radio is a digital broadcast on the same channel as the analog broadcast. You need a new radio to receive the digital broadcasts, but that radio also receives the analog (standard FM).
HD (NOT HIGH DEFINITION) Radio has the ability to broadcast additional channels on the same frequency.
So if you have a local station on 97.3 you will notice no difference to the standard broadcast if they add digital. However if you bought an HD Radio receiver you COULD pick up the follwoing channels:
HD-1 (which is the same programming a the standard analog)
HD-2 which is DIFFERENT programming than the standard analog
Possibly an HD-3 channel which is lower fidelity and probably would be a talk station)
Benefits fo HD Radio are:
More channels
No interference or multipath
Better audio
Issues with HD Radio:
Limited receivers avaialble (for now)
Radios are expensive (Starting at $299 and they are dropping in price)
HD Radio signals may not travel as far
HD Radio transmissions are only available during the day due to interference issues at night.
Hope this helps