History of HD Radio

A History of Hybrid Digital Radio!

Hybrid Digital (HD) radio has the capability to enhance transmission over the old analog formats, using a HD 5.1 surround sound digital for a concert effect. HD technology allows either AM or FM frequencies to broadcast digital information. As the state-of-the-art technology, it will allow three stations per frequency in comparison to the standard. It’s known today as iBiquity's in-band on-channel (IBOC), the only digital system approved by the FCC for broadcasts in the United States. 

During midyear of 2009 stations around the world selected HD radio technology over all other technologies. In 2007 HD reported having a quality equal to CD audio on FM channels, surpassing AM, which transmit on smaller bands. And like all new technologies the first attempts have a few inconsistencies. In 2006 HD received complaints about static and interference when tuning into HD channels, since that time the technology has progressed producing a higher level signal quality, resulting in improved audio performances.

About this same time the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) started moving from analog transmissions toward the HD technology. Today, we see the results with households purchasing HD radios making analog passé, but still operating in some parts of the county.

The principal conversion came in 2002 when the FCC selected HD technology as the audio broadcasting method. iBiquity's in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio technology was trademarked. Both AM and FM radio stations now using it for audio and data transmission, in conjunction with analog and digital signals.

The ability to receive extra channels defined the market for HD technology. The extra channels are located on the FM dial with multicast channels broadcasting over 1,000 HD2 and HD3. Local stations have added several music venues from new musical formats to the beloved classical. New receivers need to be purchased in order to receive the digital signals.