There’s now yet another new technology for entertainment in the car. Satellite radio has been around for several years, and it’s now joined by another high-tech medium - high-definition radio. Much the same way high-definition television provides a better picture, HD radio makes for much better sound.
“AM benefits in the clearer sound and the quality of the audio. They say AM sounds like FM and FM sounds CD quality,” Steve Sheldon, of KABC-KLOS Radio, said.

High-def AM means voices come through much clearer, while for FM better sound is just one benefit. The FM signal can be digitally split, providing essentially a secondary frequency.

“KLOS for example is going to have a side channel that broadcasts fusion-Anglo-Hispanic rock which is a little different than our classic rock format,” Sheldon said.

And while 93.9 discontinued its country format on the main channel, you can still get country on HD Two.

The number of high-definition outlets is growing. Across the FM band, there are more than 20 stations either using HD now or getting ready to.

AM stations transmitting HD number about eight, mostly news, talk, and sports.

So far BMW is the only car maker to offer high-definition radio from the factory. It’s $500 on the 5,6 and 7 series models. Other car makers will be adding it soon and you can add HD to your existing car radio.

Some new radios can use a converter to pull in the HD signal, or you can buy a whole new radio that’s compatible. The converters start at about $250.

Unlike satellite, there’s no monthly fee, but you’ll still hear commercials. You’ll just hear them a little clearer.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 30th, 2006 at 5:30 pm and is filed under Car Audio & Video [t]. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.