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NAB Releases AM IBOC-Only Test Results

R

rambo2

Washington - May 7, 2013 - The recent AM IBOC-only test (MA3 mode) tests that were conducted with CBS radio station WBCN-AM were discussed in detail during the 2013 NAB Show. The results are of great interest to many, so here's a look at how they were derived.

The test used an all-digital transmission, which places the digital carriers in the center of the carrier channel. In the hybrid mode, the analog signal is placed in the center of the carrier with the digital information on either side. The results are impressive. The question is whether the FCC would push for an all digital AM just like they did for TV.
 
i would hope not. am radio is still the stalwart for millions of listeners and it would only benefit the manufacturers.

let's not throw away a piece of technology that covers the world at a fraction of the price of even short wave and fm transmissions.
 
It has been contemplated that the transition to digital radio using the HD Radio system could encompass two phases: the introduction of digital radio services using the hybrid signal (upper spectrum shown in figure), which would continue to allow for reception of the main channel audio portion of the signal on legacy analog receivers, and an eventual transition from the hybrid signal to the all-digital signal (lower spectrum shown in figure), when there was sufficient penetration of HD Radio receivers in the marketplace (~85%) so as not to disenfranchise listeners. Use of the all-digital signal would be advantageous because of its increased payload capacity and robustness, but these advantages must be traded off against the loss of reception by analog receivers, which are numerous.
 
rambo2 said:
It has been contemplated that the transition to digital radio using the HD Radio system could encompass two phases: the introduction of digital radio services using the hybrid signal (upper spectrum shown in figure), which would continue to allow for reception of the main channel audio portion of the signal on legacy analog receivers, and an eventual transition from the hybrid signal to the all-digital signal (lower spectrum shown in figure), when there was sufficient penetration of HD Radio receivers in the marketplace (~85%) so as not to disenfranchise listeners. Use of the all-digital signal would be advantageous because of its increased payload capacity and robustness, but these advantages must be traded off against the loss of reception by analog receivers, which are numerous.
Click to expand...

It's been, what… Ten years since HD debuted? They're never going to reach 85% of the hundred bajillion receivers out there. Never.

I think a more wise course of action, if the sidebands of all digital stations don't spill all over the place like hybrid operation does now, is to allocate a part of the AM band to digital-only while letting us retain a portion for the profitable analog stations. Stations could be unique or simulcast a stronger analog AM signal elsewhere on the dial and let consumers choose for themselves. It would be a good use for the half the dial that's basically worthless property at this point.
 
Zach said:
It's been, what… Ten years since HD debuted? They're never going to reach 85% of the hundred bajillion receivers out there. Never.
Click to expand...

Sure they can, IF the FCC requires HD chips in every radio that retails for, say, more than $10.
Similar to the way the All Channels Receiver Act eventually saved UHF TV.
 
Ibuquity (I think I miss spelled their name) could easily "save" AM. First off, lower the HD patent fee to less that a dollar on receivers, and require that AM HD and FM HD's be equal in that a when the "Scan" feature is activated, it shows or stops at BOTH AM and FM HD signals. The FCC or Ibuquity should allow AM Broadcasters use the analog and digital only during "daylight" hours, At night either go all analog or all digital on frequency.
 
It's been, what… Ten years since HD debuted? They're never going to reach 85% of the hundred bajillion receivers out there. Never.

I think a more wise course of action, if the sidebands of all digital stations don't spill all over the place like hybrid operation does now, is to allocate a part of the AM band to digital-only while letting us retain a portion for the profitable analog stations. Stations could be unique or simulcast a stronger analog AM signal elsewhere on the dial and let consumers choose for themselves. It would be a good use for the half the dial that's basically worthless property at this point.
[/quote]

This is a wonderful idea for the future of AM, which has been in a state of decline for the past 20 years. In fact, they can use the long wave band, the band that is directly before the current AM (or medium wave) band and encompasses the frequencies before 530 kHz. Since the long wave band is not in use currently in North America, it would be the perfect spot to use digital-only broadcasts on the AM dial and it will give new life to a band that is on the verge of extinction. Furthermore, it would be a catalyst for the future of AM by bringing this early 20th century technology into the 21st century digital era.
 
The noise levels are continuing to go up, traditional analog radio is taking a beating. Why hold on to something that is deteriorating everyday. We should embrace this technology, it would certainly be an improvement over what we have today. A 50 Kw AM is not it what it used to be, no one wants to listen through noise for program content, especially given the many digital options available. It is past that our mindsets catch up with technology.
 
as i said, an analogue am signal can go around the world on a very small energy expenditure. if digital am is as poor a carrier as digital tv (the signal distance degradation from analogue tv to digital was significant) then switching to digital am will kill it altogether.

leave am alone and let it die on it's on if it is to die. sat radio and fm radio and cd decks are what most listen to anyway why try to drag am into a realm it was never meant to be in?
 
Yes, If you leave AM Radio alone, it would surely die. Radio is a business, who cares about reaching people you can't sell. If distant listening is your thing take up Ham Radio or do some Short Wave listening.
 
that is the point, you give the fcc that incentive to kill am and they will kill ANY non commercial broadcast format.

what is wrong with leaving the am band alone if it is to die?

if there is a need for it in the future then it will still be there and not have to be reimagined and reassembled from a distant memory.
 
Regarding AM iBoc's being immune to noise,please

consider this YouTube of it's (non)performance

due to a nearby thunderstorm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej31AftNYy8

It is as fragile as OTA DTV regarding noise etc.

As for fidelity,having had three receivers with

AM iBoc (and sold them all) the lack of midrange,

synthetic (thin) highs and such are very

fatiguing after a few minutes.

Any longer will make your ears bleed.
 
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