HD Signals

[vb2285]

Does anyone know where I can view coverage maps of HD-2 signals?

 

[K6JHU]

H***. Forget coverage maps. Is there any place to get a decent listing of HD-2 signals (similar to Radio-Locator).

 

[Kelly A]

H***. Forget coverage maps. Is there any place to get a decent listing of HD-2 signals (similar to Radio-Locator).

Try this: https://hdradio.com/stations

It will show the stations in your geographic area. The tabs at the top of the page allow you to see the listings of the corresponding HD2 and HD3 streams also.

 

[K6JHU]

Not even close. Has not been updated in a long long time. A quick look at what I know is on locally, by tuning the dial, and what the site says tells me the site is not up to date. I would send a correction to the site if I thought it would do any good.

 

[davideduardo]

Does anyone know where I can view coverage maps of HD-2 signals?

The HD channels are generally effective to the 65 dbu contour of the analog signal, but may very depending on the power, with the ones that have increased the HD level being pretty effective out to the analog 60 dbu contour.

 

[vb2285]

Hd

The HD channels are generally effective to the 65 dbu contour of the analog signal, but may very depending on the power, with the ones that have increased the HD level being pretty effective out to the analog 60 dbu contour.

Could you simplify that for me please? This is like very foreign to me.

 

[K6JHU]

Let me give it a try and David can correct me if I am wrong. '60 dBu' (measured signal strength at a location) is what is considered the 'local' service area for the station. There is a plot of the 60 dBu contour on the FCC web site (Radio-Locator is for 'indication only'). Go to FCC.gov, FM query, enter the call letters, search, and plot the 60dBu contour on a map. It may take a little looking to find. Too bad I can't post an example.

What I believe David is saying is that the inside of the 60 dBu contour plotted on the map is where a typical 'high power' station HD signal will be usable. 65 dBu is higher signal strength, so it will be inside the 60 dBu contour on the map (but not by a lot).

'High Power' vs 'Low Power' is a distinction based on whether the station increased it's HD power when the FCC made a change a few years ago in the amount on HD power output. Some stations took advantage of it and some didn't.

So, in short, plot the 60dBu contour on a map from the FCC database and you will have a reasonably good idea on the HD coverage area.

 

[luperm]

Right. Or on radio-locator.com, the red circle gives you a good generalization of where you might expect decent HD reception. Obviously a lot has to do with terrain, your radio, etc.
Here's a rundown of what's on HD2, 3, etc...

92.3 HD2 - "K-Rock" alternative
92.3 HD3 - Radio Disney (family CHR)
93.9 HD2 - WQXR rebroadcast
93.9 HD3 - 820 WNYC rebroadcast
94.7 HD4 - The Bridge (religious)
95.5 HD2 - "FAS" adult contemporary
95.5 HD3 - 770 WABC rebroadcast
96.3 HD2 - 92.7 Garden City rebroadcast (Spanish)
96.3 HD3 - 1280 WADO rebroadcast (Spanish)
97.1 HD2 - Indian programming
100.3 HD2 - Nick Radio (family CHR)
101.1 HD2 - 880 WCBS rebroadcast
101.1 HD3 and HD4 - CBS Sports Radio
102.7 HD2 - Smooth Jazz
102.7 HD3 - 1010 WINS rebroadcast
102.7 HD4 - Foreign language
103.5 HD2 - Pride Radio (dance/LGBT lifestyle)
104.3 HD2 - 710 WOR rebroadcast
105.1 HD2 - Foreign language (Russian)
105.9 HD2 - Q2/WQXR secondary programming
106.7 HD2 - I Heart 80s (80s music)
107.5 HD2 - 1190 WLIB rebroadcast

Feel free to make any corrections...

 

[davideduardo]

Could you simplify that for me please? This is like very foreign to me.

First, there are two kinds of reception: automobile and in-home or at-work, which are indoors.

It takes more power to get through walls, so the 65 dbu contour (that is a measure of signal intensity) is about the minimum for good analog and HD indoor reception. In fact, for HD stations not running the higher HD signal levels now allowed, 70 dbu is the minimum where HD will work well indoors.

For automobiles, the signal is usable farther away... so we tend to think that the 60 dbu is the limit for HD in cars. The 60 dbu is available as a plot on a map at the FCC website.

Like anything, it depends a lot on your radio and your location. There is no guaranteed reception anywhere.

 

[vb2285]

Hd radio

First, there are two kinds of reception: automobile and in-home or at-work, which are indoors.

It takes more power to get through walls, so the 65 dbu contour (that is a measure of signal intensity) is about the minimum for good analog and HD indoor reception. In fact, for HD stations not running the higher HD signal levels now allowed, 70 dbu is the minimum where HD will work well indoors.

For automobiles, the signal is usable farther away... so we tend to think that the 60 dbu is the limit for HD in cars. The 60 dbu is available as a plot on a map at the FCC website.

Like anything, it depends a lot on your radio and your location. There is no guaranteed reception anywhere.

Thanks. I noticed the HD signals in West Milford were fading in and out while the regular Analogue signals were fine. Once I hit Vernon the HD signal was dead.

 

[Ai4i]

Feel free to make any corrections...

93.9 HD2 - WQXR rebroadcast

You should be excited to learn that the FM band has recently been extended an additional four (4) MHz down the dial:

88.3 HD2 - The Jazz Bee
89.1 HD2 - Jazz
89.1 HD3 - Masterworks
89.9 HD2 - The Classical Network
90.7 HD2 - WFUV Music
91.5 -- -- - (analogue)