I heard Brian Gregory on KOMO talking about Wal-Mart selling HD radios starting today. Who around Seattle is broadcasting in HD and what? Is it worth the 200 bucks?
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HD Radio
- Thread starter The Street
- Start date
Re: HD Radio in Seattle
Interesting topic, Street. I just got juiced into HD the other day when I walked into Magnolia High-Fi. First off, I had to literally beg the sales guy to hook me up, as the radio was not ready to be demonstrated. Seems as though they're more interested in selling flat-screens than HD Radios. Anyway, I found a Boston Accoustics' Receptor and hooked up an antenna.
Wow. It's a whole new world out there! The FM stations certainly sound a lot better than in analog. It was a pleasure listening to the new digital format. But the most interesting part was not the superior (CD-quality sound, so say's Ibiquity), but the fact that many stations are multicasting now. I am beginning to see that it's not just about bringing superior sound quality to the market, but delivering additional content as the most important achievement. National Public Radio has been spearheading this at an incredibly fast pace, and you can see the result in KUOW ch 1, ch. 2 & ch. 3. Ch. 3 is the live feed from the BBC, and the former are the main line, and news programs, respectively.
My biggest surprise was KBSG's ch 2 programming, "Smooth R & B and Classic Soul." And with no commericals. It fit's in nicely between Movin's vanilla white shaker format, and KWJZ's "Smooth Jazz (& Soul)".
KUBE also sounded really good on their ch. 1, and on their ch. 2 they feature "Extreme Hip-Hop". There are other multicasters in the market, like KMTT's ch 1 (main) and ch. 2 appears as a comedy channel, though I didn't get a chance to listen much.
I think the main issue right now is the cost of the radios, and the lack of promotion to get people to purchase. Radio Shack offers up the "Accurian" for $200, and the Boston Accoustic's goes for $299. But it really opened up my eyes (and ears!) to see that there is some really good, commercial-free digital, terrestrial product out there in the market. And without a subscription fee! I think I'm going to have spring for a new radio now.
http://www.ibiquity.com/broadcasters
Interesting topic, Street. I just got juiced into HD the other day when I walked into Magnolia High-Fi. First off, I had to literally beg the sales guy to hook me up, as the radio was not ready to be demonstrated. Seems as though they're more interested in selling flat-screens than HD Radios. Anyway, I found a Boston Accoustics' Receptor and hooked up an antenna.
Wow. It's a whole new world out there! The FM stations certainly sound a lot better than in analog. It was a pleasure listening to the new digital format. But the most interesting part was not the superior (CD-quality sound, so say's Ibiquity), but the fact that many stations are multicasting now. I am beginning to see that it's not just about bringing superior sound quality to the market, but delivering additional content as the most important achievement. National Public Radio has been spearheading this at an incredibly fast pace, and you can see the result in KUOW ch 1, ch. 2 & ch. 3. Ch. 3 is the live feed from the BBC, and the former are the main line, and news programs, respectively.
My biggest surprise was KBSG's ch 2 programming, "Smooth R & B and Classic Soul." And with no commericals. It fit's in nicely between Movin's vanilla white shaker format, and KWJZ's "Smooth Jazz (& Soul)".
KUBE also sounded really good on their ch. 1, and on their ch. 2 they feature "Extreme Hip-Hop". There are other multicasters in the market, like KMTT's ch 1 (main) and ch. 2 appears as a comedy channel, though I didn't get a chance to listen much.
I think the main issue right now is the cost of the radios, and the lack of promotion to get people to purchase. Radio Shack offers up the "Accurian" for $200, and the Boston Accoustic's goes for $299. But it really opened up my eyes (and ears!) to see that there is some really good, commercial-free digital, terrestrial product out there in the market. And without a subscription fee! I think I'm going to have spring for a new radio now.
http://www.ibiquity.com/broadcasters
The Ibiquity website shows 24 stations broadcasting 41 channels. Most Seattle FMs but few AMs. http://www.ibiquity.com
A
AQH
Guest
Re: HD Radio in Seattle
As you point out, there really is some good programming alternatives around the country, not just in Seattle.
Also as you mention, there is very little promotion of HD radio. I'm not convinced that people know the difference between HD radio and satellite.
FMSteve said:I think the main issue right now is the cost of the radios, and the lack of promotion to get people to purchase. Radio Shack offers up the "Accurian" for $200, and the Boston Accoustic's goes for $299. But it really opened up my eyes (and ears!) to see that there is some really good, commercial-free digital, terrestrial product out there in the market. And without a subscription fee! I think I'm going to have spring for a new radio now.
As you point out, there really is some good programming alternatives around the country, not just in Seattle.
Also as you mention, there is very little promotion of HD radio. I'm not convinced that people know the difference between HD radio and satellite.
No, the offerings in Seattle aren't worth investing in a $200 radio, although some are interesting.
Counting only HD stations I can get, the following broadcast their main signal in HD:
KPLU, Movin', KUBE, KUOW, KJR-FM, Jack, KBSG, KWJZ, KING, KISW, KKWF, KPLZ, KMTT, Spirit 105, Kiss 106, Warm, The End.
One station broadcasts two additional streams. That's KUOW, rebroadcasting the Tacoma 91.7 on one (which often carries supplemental news programming or the World Radio Network, and the BBC on the third stream.
The following stations carry one other stream besides simulcasting their main channel on HD:
KPLU--always some jazz on the second stream, sometimes not simulcasting with the main one's music.
KUBE: Extreme hip-hop.
KMPS: "The Fault"< Future Country. Not really new country, but rockin' country.
KJR-FM; 80s.
KBSG: Mostly slow jams.
KISW: Live recordings of classic rock artists.
KKWF: All Comedy Radio.
KPLZ: Deep cuts, an extension of their classic rock format. (More should offer deeper versions of their main format!)
KMTT: Blues. (Not comedy as stated in another post and on HD websites!)
Kiss 106: New hits. And yay, identified audibly, just in case you're not slavishly looking at the display while you're listening at a distance.)
Warm: KIXI, in stereo.
The End: International music, many genres.
I think the best offerings come from KPLU, KUOW, KJR-FM, KPLZ Wolf and Warm, with honorable mention to The End.
Most offerings are jukeboxes, with song after song, only interrupted by promos or mentions of HD. That's a downside to me, since I can get that kind of thing from Music Choice. You pay $200, you get background services, with above noted exceptions.
I can't get KNBQ or Funky Monkey well enough to check on their HD, and despite website info at hdradio.com, Jack doesn't have a second channel of progressive talk, presumably a KPTK simulcast.
Interesting to play with, but mostly not compelling--at least not yet. Main exception is KUOW, but their two offerings somewhat compromise audio bandwidth. At least there's unique content on their channels.
Counting only HD stations I can get, the following broadcast their main signal in HD:
KPLU, Movin', KUBE, KUOW, KJR-FM, Jack, KBSG, KWJZ, KING, KISW, KKWF, KPLZ, KMTT, Spirit 105, Kiss 106, Warm, The End.
One station broadcasts two additional streams. That's KUOW, rebroadcasting the Tacoma 91.7 on one (which often carries supplemental news programming or the World Radio Network, and the BBC on the third stream.
The following stations carry one other stream besides simulcasting their main channel on HD:
KPLU--always some jazz on the second stream, sometimes not simulcasting with the main one's music.
KUBE: Extreme hip-hop.
KMPS: "The Fault"< Future Country. Not really new country, but rockin' country.
KJR-FM; 80s.
KBSG: Mostly slow jams.
KISW: Live recordings of classic rock artists.
KKWF: All Comedy Radio.
KPLZ: Deep cuts, an extension of their classic rock format. (More should offer deeper versions of their main format!)
KMTT: Blues. (Not comedy as stated in another post and on HD websites!)
Kiss 106: New hits. And yay, identified audibly, just in case you're not slavishly looking at the display while you're listening at a distance.)
Warm: KIXI, in stereo.
The End: International music, many genres.
I think the best offerings come from KPLU, KUOW, KJR-FM, KPLZ Wolf and Warm, with honorable mention to The End.
Most offerings are jukeboxes, with song after song, only interrupted by promos or mentions of HD. That's a downside to me, since I can get that kind of thing from Music Choice. You pay $200, you get background services, with above noted exceptions.
I can't get KNBQ or Funky Monkey well enough to check on their HD, and despite website info at hdradio.com, Jack doesn't have a second channel of progressive talk, presumably a KPTK simulcast.
Interesting to play with, but mostly not compelling--at least not yet. Main exception is KUOW, but their two offerings somewhat compromise audio bandwidth. At least there's unique content on their channels.
Multiplex, sounds like you have an HD Radio. Don't you think the sound is superior to analog? And it sounds like you're still frustruated with this market and it's HD and analog offerings. But if you're older, the idea of a KIXI in FM sounds really good (not that I am of that generation). Or the smooth r & b and classic soul of KBSB ch. 2.
But I think we're in total agreement that KUOW ch. 1, 2 & 3 will be driving this market, and the music channels will follow. Listeners 45 to 65 can afford the higher HD radio price, and I feel that particular demographic will be the one propelling HD local radio here in this market and elsewhere.
But I think we're in total agreement that KUOW ch. 1, 2 & 3 will be driving this market, and the music channels will follow. Listeners 45 to 65 can afford the higher HD radio price, and I feel that particular demographic will be the one propelling HD local radio here in this market and elsewhere.
Yes, I have access to an HD radio, but at least on the Accurion, the difference between HD audio and regular non-HD audio is slight. (That's the only digital radio I've tried.)
That's because the Accurion is bass-heavy, and the EQ settings make little difference.
HD will either rise or fall due to programming, and right now that's where it needs the most help.
I'm not at all fond of KBSG's soul channel, too recent, not enough classic.
Problem is, the recent and classic sound incompatible. I'd have preferred in-depth oldies.
I have a feeling Bonneville will put a different format on anyway, but that's just a guess. Most of my HD listening time is spent on one of the three KUOW channels, but I generally grab the box to see if there's anything new, not for normal radio listening. I'm more likely to check the XM channels than the HD ones.
That's because the Accurion is bass-heavy, and the EQ settings make little difference.
HD will either rise or fall due to programming, and right now that's where it needs the most help.
I'm not at all fond of KBSG's soul channel, too recent, not enough classic.
Problem is, the recent and classic sound incompatible. I'd have preferred in-depth oldies.
I have a feeling Bonneville will put a different format on anyway, but that's just a guess. Most of my HD listening time is spent on one of the three KUOW channels, but I generally grab the box to see if there's anything new, not for normal radio listening. I'm more likely to check the XM channels than the HD ones.
Multiplex, you have made one error in your otherwise thorough post... KPLZ does NOT do any HD radio at all, nor do they do RDS. Nothing digital on 101.5 period.
You may have meant to say KZOK 102.5 since you failed to mention that they simulcast their main channel and they do have deep cuts classic rock on the HD2 channel.
KFNK has HD1 and HD2 with more indie rock on the HD2 channel.
KNBQ does not have HD radio at this time.
KHHO AM in Tacoma has an HD simulcast of the analog during daytime hours. KHHO HD is receivable north to about Seatac and south to near Oly.
You may have meant to say KZOK 102.5 since you failed to mention that they simulcast their main channel and they do have deep cuts classic rock on the HD2 channel.
KFNK has HD1 and HD2 with more indie rock on the HD2 channel.
KNBQ does not have HD radio at this time.
KHHO AM in Tacoma has an HD simulcast of the analog during daytime hours. KHHO HD is receivable north to about Seatac and south to near Oly.
notalent said:Multiplex, you have made one error in your otherwise thorough post... KPLZ does NOT do any HD radio at all, nor do they do RDS. Nothing digital on 101.5 period.
RDS is in the toolchest....just to be clear! You're correct on the hD front, though. Whole facility is digital....which has a lot to do with why you get the "silent" version of WHEEL OF FORTUNE every now and then!!!!
I'm looking forward to the increased choices. As with all new technology, I expect the prices will come down in the near future. Improved quality is great, but I'd rather listen to something interesting on a not-so-great signal, than more of the same on the best fidelity. I wouldn't expect HD alternate stations to remain commercial free forever, either. Some of us remember that FM was gonna be commercial free when it really started to take off. I don't mind the ads so much, it's better than a monthly subscription, IMO. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see ad-supported satellite radio available for free at some point in the future.
Does anyone know what legal restrictions there are on "non commercial" stations? I get that many started as education tools (and the implication is the sponsoring education institution is supposed to keep them alive). But things like PBS, NPR, non-comm's that spin off ... is there a LEGAL reason they are "non commercial"?
Thinking about how funding may hit skids for things like PBS/NPR ... and how dang annoying it is to "stop down" for 15 minutes vs. the 3-5 minute ad blocks that commercial stations adopt. I raise this because it seems to be parallel to the likely evolution of HD that you describe.
Many of the "funding provided by" are already just a hair short of being a full-blown commercial ... would there be a huge ethical issue if PBS, NPR, etc. were to "go commercial"? CBC is also government owned AND airs spots -- no "beg-a-thons". What works and doesn't work in that model? What's good about the model we have (inpartiality?)
just curious....
Thinking about how funding may hit skids for things like PBS/NPR ... and how dang annoying it is to "stop down" for 15 minutes vs. the 3-5 minute ad blocks that commercial stations adopt. I raise this because it seems to be parallel to the likely evolution of HD that you describe.
Many of the "funding provided by" are already just a hair short of being a full-blown commercial ... would there be a huge ethical issue if PBS, NPR, etc. were to "go commercial"? CBC is also government owned AND airs spots -- no "beg-a-thons". What works and doesn't work in that model? What's good about the model we have (inpartiality?)
just curious....
I
IndigoCoyote
Guest
LBB-
You do bring up some interesting points re: the so-called noncomms. I think at this point the main reason they cannot just run ads like anybody else is political. The commercial NAB stations most definitely do not need ,ore direct ad competition. In this market if KUOW or KPLU was put on a truly even footing, there would be serious negative impact on certain commericial stations-- KIRO, KOMO, KWJZ com specifically to mind.
The laws are written by the powerful to keep the powerless that way. So, the non comms are left to follow some very goofy underwriting rules. My LPFMs have to follow the same standards, and that's a big headache for us just trying to survive.
Of course, at this point can you imagine the negative reaction on 94.9 if you suddenly started hearing screaming Sound Mazda used car ads? (Not to pick on those spots particularly.)
You do bring up some interesting points re: the so-called noncomms. I think at this point the main reason they cannot just run ads like anybody else is political. The commercial NAB stations most definitely do not need ,ore direct ad competition. In this market if KUOW or KPLU was put on a truly even footing, there would be serious negative impact on certain commericial stations-- KIRO, KOMO, KWJZ com specifically to mind.
The laws are written by the powerful to keep the powerless that way. So, the non comms are left to follow some very goofy underwriting rules. My LPFMs have to follow the same standards, and that's a big headache for us just trying to survive.
Of course, at this point can you imagine the negative reaction on 94.9 if you suddenly started hearing screaming Sound Mazda used car ads? (Not to pick on those spots particularly.)
A
airwaver
Guest
KNHC
what about 89.5?
they sound commercial every day!!
what about 89.5?
they sound commercial every day!!
Notalent, you're right. I did say KPLZ when I meant KZOK, and KPLZ doesn't do digital. KNBQ has appeared on lists of digital stations, which is why I said I haven't heard it. So the jury's out on whether I could get an HD signal if they had one.
I didn't mention KHHO because I barely get them here. Interestingly enough, on a mailing list I'm on, a member said that on Friday they were playing a classical violin piece instead of running Fox Sports, apparently with "test" on the display.
Bonneville is into HD, so I suspect that'll be the first AM HD station I'll get here eventually.
I didn't mention KHHO because I barely get them here. Interestingly enough, on a mailing list I'm on, a member said that on Friday they were playing a classical violin piece instead of running Fox Sports, apparently with "test" on the display.
Bonneville is into HD, so I suspect that'll be the first AM HD station I'll get here eventually.
Anyone here getting adjacent channel interference from KHHO's HD sidebands?
I start getting a nasty white noise hash from Fife till about a mile South of Tacoma mall (850 Xmitter is behind EQC/River Road area) and it trashes KIXI's 880 signal on my stock car radio for a good chunk of I-5. I can also hear the low level "sssssss" behind KHHO's analog main carrier. Kind of annoying for a poor old analog slob like me.
I start getting a nasty white noise hash from Fife till about a mile South of Tacoma mall (850 Xmitter is behind EQC/River Road area) and it trashes KIXI's 880 signal on my stock car radio for a good chunk of I-5. I can also hear the low level "sssssss" behind KHHO's analog main carrier. Kind of annoying for a poor old analog slob like me.
A
airwaver
Guest
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