What Is HD Radio And Is It Worth The Money?

HD or Hybrid-Digital radio is the latest technology in how FM and AM radio signals are transmitted. It is the transition to digital signals from the old analog signals. It provides a clear sound that's almost album quality. The term "HD Radio" is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation who started the technology. The HD Radio has become the IBOC (In-Band On Channel) standard for the United States and is giving American motorists a higher class of on-road listening experience.

This technology works by allowing in-dash stereos to transmit digital signals that dramatically improve the sound. Various radio stations send out compressed analog and digital signals, with an additional layer for text data. The equipment installed in the cars successfully receives the signal, producing a crisp sound.

With a hybrid-digital radio, there are no more static crackles or pops that annoy listeners. The sound coming from a HD radio is far clearer than what the standard radio produces. With a HD radio, the listening options are increased with the option of multicasting. It allows listeners to simultaneously listen to two or more radio programs without missing anything. Whether it may be a news program, a radio show, or a sports broadcast, the HD radio keeps everyone on track.

Unlike the normal radio that lets songs pass by without the possibility of remembering the song. The HD radio allows the transmission of information, such as song titles, artists and album names, so each song sticks to memory in an easy, hassle-free way. It also allows motorists to tag songs that can be purchased on iTunes.

Getting a Hybrid-Digital radio is worth every penny. Unlike satellite radio, getting a HD radio is not based on a subscription that needs to be paid each month. It works on the same cost-free radio signals we have enjoyed for decades, only with a significantly better sound and a wider array of choices and functions.

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From Ryan - The King of Car Audio and Visual Equipment