One of the things that makes HD Radio is so exciting that allows multicasting. This means that a station can transmit its normal programming, and a second channel with a completely different format. For example, Kioi-FM in San Francisco are transmitted both Hot AC (Adult Contemporary) and 80 pop hits in a channel HD2. Best of all, these HD2 channels will be commercial-free – at least for now.
Clear Channel has announced a timetable for implementation of the addition of HD2 channels in 28 markets including New York, San Francisco, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
Note: For a complete list of Clear Channel markets, stations and new HD2 channels, you can go to the blog of HD Radio is on my website listed below.
Entercom
A broadcaster second, Entercom which owns and operates more than 100 radio stations across the country has announced that it is beginning to add channels HD2. The first markets to see these stations are Boston, Denver and Portland.
Both Clear Channel and Entercom will soon start promoting HD Radio with contests, giveaways and announcements in the air. Entercom and has said it is negotiating rapid deployment forces with retailers such as CarToys and Ultimate Electronics.
HD Radio is also great because it allows stations to AM and FM radio to broadcast their programs digitally, a technological breakthrough to meet today’s analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality, more radio channels through multicasting, and new data services. In fact, HD Radio, stations can actually send useful information such as traffic alerts and weather reports.
More than 15 manufacturers now offer HD Digital Radio. Online retailers and stores selling HD digital radios include: ABC Warehouse, Audio Adviser, Bjorn, Boston Acoustics, Car Toys, Great Indoors (a unit of Sears Roebuck & Co.), Harvey eBay, J & R Music , Listen Up, Magnolia Audio Video, a Call, Ovation AV, Radiosophy, Tweeter and Ultimate Electronics.
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