New radio listening choices are on the way, thanks to HD radio and a new concept called multicasting or HD2.
The reason for this is that HD radio is digital radio. As such, it requires less radio spectrum which, in turn, permits multicasting. In other words, radio stations with HD radio technology will be able to broadcast their primary FM channel in digital while offering up to two additional side channels on the same frequency. These extra channels have been named HD2.
What to expect from HD2
Seven of the nation's largest broadcasters have joined together to form the HD Digital Radio Alliance to promote HD radio and to coordinate the use of HD2. One of the goals of this Alliance is to help create new programming content to put on those HD2 signals. The Alliance will coordinate the use of the new HD2 channels to offer variety - music, news and entertainment - across formats.
The Alliance also pointed out that HD radio offers more than just entertainment. It can also transmit text messages such as traffic reports, and real-time weather forecasts. Eventually, it will even have interactive capabilities. For example, when you're listening to a song you would like to own, you will eventually be able to press a "Buy Now" button to instantly download or purchase that song on CD.
Free and commercial free
Alliance members have said that HD2 channels will be free and commercial free, at least initially. Just as important, they will be locally programmed in each market - unlike satellite radio which cannot offer local material. How long these HD2 channels will remain commercial free is hard to guess. However, Alliance members have said that these HD2 channels will remain free to listeners, just like today's AM and FM broadcasts. with the possible exception of premium multicast services such as concerts or traffic updates.
140 new H2 channels and more coming
The third and latest wave of HD digital radio rollouts will launch 140 additional HD2 channels across 18 new local markets this fall.
Under the HD Radio Alliance's format-selection program, this latest wave brings the total number of markets served by HD2 multicast programming to 68, all in the top 100 markets, for more than 600 radio stations nationwide offering the programming
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About the Author
Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive who lives in Littleton, Colorado. He writes extensively about Denver, golf and HD Radio. He is also the webmaster and publisher of www.hd-radio-home.com and www.best-denver-vacation.com.
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