HD Digital Radio

High definition [HD] Radio is a secondary digital signal added to AM and FM radio stations used by local radio broadcasters to provide additional audio content [through FM multicasting] and higher quality sound and new data services on the same radio dial.

HD Radio broadcasts are currently available to over 80% of Americans subscription-free; generally supported either by commercial advertising or public broadcasting. This makes HD Radio an attractive alternative to fee-based satellite radio.

Most of the stations offering HD Radio are FM stations; AM stations have been slower to upgrade to the new HD Radio broadcasting technology. Many stations see HD Radio as a way to lure back ipod and satellite listeners.

HD Radio Receivers

To receive HD Radio broadcasts requires a HD Radio receiver, available at major consumer electronics chains, or online at Amazon.

Using hybrid digital/analog mode, an HD Radio receiver will lock onto an analog signal first in mono, then stereo, then try to find a digital signal. If digital signal reception is lost, the radio will revert to the analog signal. Broadcasting success in HD relies on proper time synchronization of the analog and digital audio signals.

The sound output from an HD Radio is considerably clearer than standard broadcast, and you enjoy the benefit of no static, even your AM stations.

A professionally installed HD Radio costs around $200. There are also portable HD Radios which you can plug into your car cigarette lighter. Although these are noticeably inferior in sound quality, it is still much better than regular FM / AM.

If you already have an HD Radio ready head unit, you will only need to replace the tuner.

Connecting HD Radio to Carputer

According to one source, there is a way to connect an HD Radio to the cars computer [carputer] .

• The DLL for low level serial comunication with windows is downloadable online.
• There is a way to connect that to my front end for touchscreen buttons to work, etc.
• May need an adapter to fit stock car antenna. These are available on Amazon. Check you have the right generation model for your car model.
• If you attempt to install an aftermarket headunit you will also need to find a way to adapt the OEM antenna to the standard antenna connector, without introducing noise into the system.

Some car manufacturers, such as Ford, are planning to factory install HD Radio as standard.

For product details on:

• JVC HD Radio
• Pioneer HD Radio
• Sony HD Radio

Find more HD Car Radios here on Amazon

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