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HD Radio and You
You wanted more talk and more music — you might get it all very soon!
HD Radio™ gives listeners more and better public radio choices because with this new technology, you can hear WFIU's mix of classical and jazz, in addition to the schedule of news and talk programs, on the same 103.7 frequency, at the same time! Imagine – on 103.7A you’ll hear mostly music; on 103.7B you’ll hear mostly talk!
Currently, due to technical and legal restrictions, HD will only be available in Bloomington and its immediately surrounding communities, but we’re looking for ways to bring it to our other communities as well.
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. We are already broadcasting in HD, but we’re not yet “splitting” the bandwidth into two channels.
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.
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, WFIU has divided its audio stream to offer both music programming (classical and jazz) on one channel and news and talk programming on another channel.
Digital radios can also receive and display text and images on small liquid crystal screens. WFIU 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 WFIU’s broadcast in HD Radio™ Technology?
To hear WFIU in its purest digital form, you will need a special HD Radio™ receiver for either your car or home audio system. WFIU will remain at its same dial position and you can still hear WFIU 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 2008 model cars, and most 2008 models of Ford and BMW will come equipped with HD Radios™.
Are home receivers available?
Yes. Home receivers are currently available. Visit the NPR Shop and type in keywords "HD Radio".
Will I someday not be able to receive WFIU 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 WFIU) 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.
How is WFIU funding all of this?
Several years ago we started the Future Fund, an opportunity for people to make donations of $1,000 and more to fund this new technology. Quite an impressive number of you responded, with Sandy and Fred Churchill providing the lead gift. In addition, we received several federal grants to support new technology projects, Thanks to everyone! If you would like to contribute to the Future Fund – a fund that supports our new technology initiatives – you can contact Nancy Krueger, our Major Gifts Officer.
WFIU
Created and maintained by Michael
Toler
Last updated:
Monday, November 5, 2007
Copyright 2005, The Trustees of
Indiana
University
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