FAQs and technical explanations about HD Radio enables AM and FM radio stations to simulcast both digital and analog audio within the same channel (a hybridized digital-analog signal).

1. ITC Portfolio
Part 2—
HD Radio
PPUB 796 Internet and Public Policy:
Technology or Tyranny?
Rick Singer GMU Volegenau School of Engineering
rsinger@gmu.edu

2. Does HD Radio Stand for High Definition?
What Does the HD is “HD radio” represent?
Does it mean “High Definition” or “Hybrid Digital”?
http://hdradio.com/what-is-hd-radio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Radio
HD acronym has no meaning. HD Radio is trademark.
Detractors say letters “HD” mean (H)ardly (D)ifferent.
Digital is transmitted along with the analog, so that radio
stations can fit more channels on the same spectrum.

3. How Does HD Radio Differ from Analog?
In-band on-channel (IBOC) is a hybrid method of
transmitting digital radio and analog radio broadcast signals
simultaneously on the same frequency.
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/iboc-digital-radio-broadcasting-
am-and-fm-radio-broadcast-stations
iBiquity developed the proprietary HD Radio system, the
only IBOC system approved for use in the United States by
the Federal Communications Commission.

4. How Does HD Radio Differ from DVB?
HD Radio incompatible with the standards recognized by
WorldDMB, the global industry forum for adoption and
implementation of broadcast digital radio.
DAB, DAB+ and DMB standards have been adopted
across Europe, Asia Pacific and most other major regions.
http://www.worlddab.org/

5. What ICT Policy Issues Affect HD Radio ?
During the 2007 FCC IBOC (HD Radio) hearings opponents
voiced numerous monopoly and technical concerns:
Poor Quality, Low Coverage, High Interference, Closed-Source.
Despite dissenting views of Democratic Commissioners Michael
Copps and Jonathan Adelstein, the measure passed on April 4,
2007 by a vote of 3-2.
http://www.rwonline.com/article/iboc-rules-pass-fcc-in-39historic39-vote/16063http://www.rwonline.com/article/iboc-rules-pass-fcc-in-39historic39-vote/16063

6. Who listens to HD Radio?
HD Radio is presently exclusive to North America.
Many new receivers sold now have separate electronics to
decoder incompatible European-centric DAB/DAB+ signals.

7. HD Radio - ICT Competition Issues?
The largest audio for radio are in their vehicles. HD Radio
stations compete for passengers attention along with cell
phones, recorded audio media and analog AM/FM radio.
For decades, “drive time” has provided terrestrial radio with
their largest audience. Recently competition from Sirius and
XM satellite cut into market share.

8. HD Radio Competing With ICT Devices
For decades glove-boxes were filled with CDs and home-
made mix tapes. New vehicles now sport auxiliary jacks, USB
ports and Bluetooth to connect ipods and smartphones storing
hundreds of hours of music, audiobooks and podcasts.
In older cars, inexpensive modulators permit wireless
connection to the built in speaker systems. Passengers also
use ear phones to listen separate devices.

9. Shrinking Market Shares For HD and Analog RadioShrinking Market Shares For HD and Analog Radio
The era of bring your own device (BYOD) has arrived at home
and in vehicles. Passengers play games, watch movies, listen
to recorded or streaming music, text and talk on their personal
devices, connecting to the internet via personal unlimited data.

10. What Do Critics Say Is Wrong With HD Radio?
HD sidebands interfere with the traditional AM/FM analog signals and
the first adjacent channels on both sides of the 'licensed' HD station.
Multichannel stations compressed mp3 audio is not CD quality.
Coverage is inferior to that of AM/FM signal from the same station.
HD Radio is expensive, with high costs for both the broadcaster and
consumer.

11. The Final Nail in the HD Radio Coffin?
The era of bring your own device (BYOD) has arrived in
homes and vehicles – at least in my car. Passengers play
games, watch movies, listen to recorded or streaming music,
text and talk on their personal devices, connecting to the
internet via personal unlimited data.

12. Listeners have more choices using streaming apps on
Smartphones with persistent internet connections. Rdio and
TuneIn delivers radio stations from anywhere. Connect to
unlimited music libraries from Pandora, Spotify, and iTunes
Radio are received with vehicles now offering IOS integration.
.
Will Internet Radio Kill HD Radio?
http://www.ftunein.com
http://www.pandora.com
http://www.itunes.com

14. For more information,
please email rick@singer.net
PPUB 796 Internet and Public Policy:
Technology or Tyranny?
Rick Singer GMU Volegenau School of Engineering
rsinger@gmu.edu