Let the streaming begin and HD information
A few things you have to remember, HD doesn't mean Hi-Def, it means Hybrid Digital. the audio quality is much better than Analog FM Radio and Satellite Radio but a few years away from hi-def or CD quality. HD radio is still in start up mode.
as for there is nothing on HD to make you go out and buy an HD radio. thats your musical choice. but for me, even if I wasn't a radio engineer in Pittsburgh and I didn't find any station using their HD-2's or 3's thats is of my liking I still would have purchased an HD car unit just so I can listen to the main channels with a better signal to noise ratio than Analog FM and no multi-path. also clear channel isn't the only stations doing HD. WLTJ was the 1st Pittsburgh commercial radio station to air it's HD2 and HD3, and WDUQ with its HD2 and HD3 was the 1st public radio station in Pittsburgh to go HD.WQED with its main channel in HD. if your a classical music audiophile you need to hear and enjoy what they (WQED)are doing, WRKZ is HD with its multicasting
there are over 18 FM Radio Stations in the Pittsburgh metro less than half are HD or HD+Multicasting. here's a list for those who don't know who is using the HD technology
89.3 WQED (HD1 is Main Channel)
90.5 WDUQ (HD1,HD2,HD3) HD2 is music when the main channel is in news or talk & HD3 is Blues
92.9 WLTJ (HD1,HD2,HD3) HD2 is classic rock, and HD3 is Urban AC + old school
93.7 WRKZ (HD1,HD2) HD2 is comedy
94.5 WWSW (HD1,HD2) HD2 is Jammin' Oldies
96.1 WKST (HD1,HD2) HD2 is Dance Hits
102.5 WDVE (HD1,HD2) HD2 is Blues (for when its working) their HD is off more than its on (I been down that road)
104.7 WPGB (HD1,HD2) HD2 is Jazz
Now that leaves 91.3 (WYEP) 92.1 (WPTS) 96.9 (WRRK) 98.3 (WOGI) 99.7 (WISH) 100.7 (WZPT) 101.5 (WORD) 105.9 (WXDX) 106.7 (WAMO) 107.9 (WDSY)
I will have 96.9 (Bobfm) in HD by the end of the year and it will do HD2 and HD3 (formats are up to Bob)
I'm sure as I am writing this other stations in Pittsburgh are installing or have ordered their HD broadcasting equipment
So HD radio in Pittsburgh is still growing and in a few years I'm sure other radio stations will be broadcasting in HD with their own unique HD2's and I would hope HD3 channels and HD radios will be as common as satellite radio is today. but you will not have to pay a monthly fee for HD Radio like you do with Satellite
as for HD radio on the AM. thats a whole different topic
if you are interested in more about HD just email me
Paul Carroll
Chief Engineer
WLTJ/WRRK
[email protected]