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Why don't the big SA broadcasters use their HD signals?

A

Anonymouse

Guest
We only have four extra HD signals currently on, and two are already on FM.
*101.1 HD2 - KONO 860 Simulcast
*101.9 HD2 - Smooth Jazz format from IHM
*101.9 HD3 - originating station for 105.7
*104.5 HD2 - Originating for 93.3

The point is, there are plenty, plenty more HD1 stations on the air with no HD2 or HD3 stations from Cox, Univision, and IHM. Why don't those broadcasters get creative with their channels? If they're going to have HD1 on, why not turn on some of the others and add some extra formats? This has been bothering me ever since HD Radio came about here. It's vastly underused, and the sad part is the technology's probably all there for HD2 and HD3 - the major companies are most likely just choosing not to use it.
I recently got a portable HD Radio from Insignia which picks up analog stations fine, for the most part. Better than most portable radios, I would say. I just wanted to hear more variety as that's what HD promised. LOL
 
I don't think hardly anyone has HD radios around here. I unhooked mine because of the reception problems, I'm surprised KONO is actually having a HD-2 on.
 
I agree with jras20. How many HD radio receivers are out there? How many of those are actually being used?

I found this information online:

* * * * *

"The vast majority of Americans still report listening to AM/FM radio weekly. But, as many as 40% percent of Americans now listen to audio on digital devices, and that is projected to double by 2015, while interest in traditional radio—even the HD option—is on the decline. One of the prime arenas for digital listening was the car, once the domain of AM/FM radio."

Source: http://stateofthemedia.org/2012/audio-how-far-will-digital-go/audio-by-the-numbers/

* * * * *

"While new digital options grew audience, AM/FM’s beleaguered attempt to draw people back to radio – through HD – did worse than ever. For the first time since 2004, when HD radio receivers became available for retail sale, more radio stations dropped their HD signal than adopted the technology."

Source: http://stateofthemedia.org/2013/audio-digital-drives-listener-experience/audio-by-the-numbers/
 
Your points all make perfect sense. LOL Hd isn't that special, and I admit the HD is just an added bonus, so to speak, to the radio's excellent analog reception. I just started comparing SA to other markets like Austin and Houston.
 
Well hey it doesn't make sense, many of these broadcasters have AM signals that don't transmit on FM translators or anything. What they can do is use the HD2 or HD3 signals of the other FM stations they have, if the HD is on why not use it to it's full potential?
I'd love to hear the Spurs games on the radio, but can't because IHM doesn't have WOAI even on an HD signal. AM's obsolete with me. I'm sure they can squeeze it in there on one of their many stations with all the free HD channels somewhere.

A couple days ago KXTN's HD2 came on, but it's just simulcasting the HD1 signal! Waste.

LOL I'll stop complaining. I just was in Austin a couple weeks ago and was pretty impressed with all the extra HD signals.
 
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