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Some observations and questions about HD2 and HD3 subchannels

T

tested

In the Dallas-Fort Worth market we have quite a few stations offering 3 channels of programming on their FM HD signals.
However, I am puzzled by some of what I hear.

KEGL has a great stero sound on their HD1 signal. But Slippery When Wet on HD2, while in stereo, seems off balance. The left side is considerably louder than the right side. The Breeze on HD3 is also stereo, but at a much lower frequency response (or sampling rate) and is very difficult to lock in.

KLUV has good stereo that is well-balanced on both HD1 and HD2, but they offer Classic Trax in mono on HD3. However, it is much easier to get a signal lock on their HD3 station. Same applies for KJKK, KRLD-FM, and KVIL, though I have at tmes noted some balance issues with the Oasis on KVIL HD2. KRLD-FM also apprently turns off their HD when they broadcast Rangers games.

I'm just curious why a station like KEGL would bother trying to put stereo on all 3 when it apparently means the HD3 will be nearly unlistenable for a lot of people.
Are they doing it wrong or is this just an inherent problem with the HD3 subchannel?

I would also note that it appears two FMs have dropped their HD signals. I have not heard HD on KEOM (Mesquite school district) or Univision's KLNO in weeks.
Not sure if that is a trend, but it is worth noting.
 
Yes there are several reasons you may be getting inconsistent quality with the side channels. The biggest is that a station only gets up to 120Kbps of total "bandwidth" to share with all of their digital channels. If you check some of my posts, I discuss how our station (KVCB) chooses its resources. We have HD 1, 2, 3, and 4.

As for other audio issues, such as balance and even sound that might be attributed to low bandwidth; this could also be issues with their audio chain. Bad processing adjustments and even poorly compressed audio sources, such as most mp3 files can detract from the listening experience.

Definitely contact your local radio station. There may be some station operators that don't act concerned, but I've had the honor of knowing quite a few engineers who, even dispute their noticable resistance to HD Radio, really do care that what comes out of their transmitters is the best possible sound :)
 
Slippery When Wet on HD2, while in stereo, seems off balance. The left side is considerably louder than the right side.
Click to expand...


Definitely contact your local radio station. There may be some station operators that don't act concerned, but I've had the honor of knowing quite a few engineers who, even dispute their noticable resistance to HD Radio, really do care that what comes out of their transmitters is the best possible sound :)
Click to expand...

FWIW, I recently succeeded in connecting with the engineer at a local FM. When I wrote I expressly asked them to pass something along to their engineer. That got me a reply from the engineer and an adjustment(!) within an hour or two of when I wrote. So my point is simply to agree with what Ralph is saying, that the engineers do appear to care that their 'product' is as good as it can be.
 
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