In General
UPDATE: A broad range of HD Radio™ enabled products – from the likes of Sony, JVC, Jensen, Dual, Insignia, and RadioShack’s Accurian, to name a few – are available at leading retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, ABC Warehouse, Myer Emco, Crutchfield, Costco and BJs. Prices start as low as $99.
More than 1,500 HD Radio stations are on the air, with more than 700 offering innovative HD2 and HD3 channels. HD Radio broadcasting has made great strides around the world, including the latest consumer feature developed in conjunction with Apple® – iTunes® Tagging with HD Radio™ Technology.
Volvo announced that it will offer HD Radio receivers standard throughout most of its product line scheduled for introduction in 2008. Volvo joins Ford, BMW, Hyundai and Jaguar with announced plans to offer HD Radio Technology to their drivers.
HD Radio™ gives listeners more and better public radio choices because with HD Radio™, you can hear WVTF's great mix of classical, jazz and NPR news in addition to Radio IQ's schedule of BBC news and NPR talk programs. And our AAA music schedule from XPoNential Radio also is available in some areas (see frequency listing at right). Multiple stations on ONE frequency! HD Radio™ is FREE. There are no monthly service charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about HD Radio™
What does HD Radio™ mean to me?
HD Radio™ is a groundbreaking new digital technology that produces the highest quality audio available, delivering crystal clear reception and offering CD-quality sound.
How is HD Radio™ different from regular radio?
A fundamental benefit of the new technology is that noise, interference and fades - that "picket fence" static, called multi-path interference, you may have experienced driving around town or while waiting at a red light - are effectively eliminated. Another key feature, quite a boon for audiophiles, is that the technology is capable of delivering true 5.1 surround sound.
How does HD Radio™ work?
HD Radio™ stations transmit a data stream within the same licensed bandwidth used to transmit their analog broadcasts. This data stream contains the programming for the station, data for the receiver display and any additional multicast programming.
What else does HD Radio™ do?
It also creates the ability to divide the digital bandwidth into multiple audio streams, without significant loss of audio quality. Known as multicasting, WVTF has divided its audio stream to offer WVTF programming (classical and jazz music and NPR news programs) on one channel and Radio IQ programming (BBC news and NPR talk programs) on another channel (three channels in Roanoke).
Digital radios can also receive and display text and images on small liquid crystal screens. WVTF envisions this feature will offer listeners the title, composer and performer information from pieces of music or present important text messages, such as updated traffic reports or weather forecasts without interrupting our music or news programming.
How can I hear WVTF's broadcast in HD Radio™ Technology?
To hear WVTF in its purest digital form, you will need a special HD Radio™ receiver for either your car or home audio system. WVTF will remain at its same dial position and you can still hear WVTF with your current analog radio. But if you have a new HD Radio™ receiver you will hear us in our new digital format.
Where can I purchase a digital radio? And when?
HD Radio™ receivers are now on the market. Kenwood, JVC and Panasonic are among a few of the major manufacturers with car units. A number of automobile manufacturers are expected to offer HD Radio™ option upgrades in select 2006 model cars. WVTF has found several online sources currently selling car units, including Crutchfield.com.
Are home receivers available?
Yes. There are a few home receivers available. Visit Crutchfield's website: http://www.crutchfield.com/hdradio.
Will I someday not be able to receive WVTF on my present receiver -- at home and in the car?
Not for a very long time. The FCC is relying on marketplace competition, instead of a mandate, to move the digital radio conversion ahead. While it is true that you will need a new radio to benefit from digital radio, your present radios should hold you in good stead for some time to come, since radio stations that do convert (such as WVTF) will be required to continue to offer their existing analog transmission services throughout the conversion. Some estimates place that time period at up to ten years. You may find your adoption of digital radio occurs seamlessly through your normal purchases of automobiles or electronic equipment for your home, rather than a wholesale shopping trip to replace all your current radios, as the technology becomes commonplace and its price falls over the coming years.
Who is developing HD Radio™, and who is behind it?
HD Radio is being developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. iBiquity Digital is partnered with the nation's leading consumer electronics manufacturers, semiconductor companies, automakers, radio equipment manufacturers and data application and service providers. About 15 of the nation's largest broadcast groups have an equity stake in iBiquity.
What is XPoNential Radio?
XPoNential Radio is a service of WXPN in Philadelphia, the nationally-recognized leader in Triple A music, and is distributed by National Public Radio. View XPoNential Radio playlists.
What is RADIO IQ?
RADIO IQ is a service of WVTF Public Radio, in partnership with Virginia Tech and Ferrum College. RADIO IQ airs BBC news and NPR talk programs including The Diane Rehm Show, Fresh Air, Day to Day and Talk of the Nation. Visit RADIO IQ's website.
3520 Kingsbury Lane Roanoke, VA 24014