| What is Digital Radio? |
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| Digital
radio is the transmission and reception of sound that has been processed
using technology comparable to that used in CD players. In short, a
digital radio transmitter processes sounds into patterns of numbers, or
"digits" - hence the term "digital radio." In contrast, traditional analog
radios process sounds into patterns of electrical signals which resemble
sound waves. Following are some technical characteristics of digital
radio. FM digital radio is capable of providing crystal clear sound comparable in quality to compact disks (CDs), or to the acoustics of a fine concert hall. Receivers provide a standard of sound quality that is significantly clearer than conventional analog radios, just as CDs sound clearer than record albums. Conventional analog radio cannot meet this standard. AM digital radio is capable of providing sound quality equivalent to that of standard day analog FM. AM digital improvement qualities are limited due to available spectrum bandwidth. In any event, audio quality improves significantly. Digital radio reception is largely immune to interference. Digital radio eliminates many imperfections relating to analog radio transmission and reception. There may be some interference to digital radio signals in areas that are distant from a station's transmitter. With digital radio, static is virtually nonexistent. Inside each digital radio receiver is a tiny computer ("smart receiver") which is capable of filtering unwanted signals. In contrast, an "unintelligent" analog receiver cannot differentiate the useful information from the useless noise, which results in static. Digital Radio Technology In 2002, the Federal Communications Commission selected in-band, on-channel (IBOC) technology as the technology AM and FM broadcasters will use for the introduction of digital radio broadcasting. Broadcasters will start IBOC transmission on a interim basis while formal transmission standards are developed. Transition to digital radio requires broadcasters to install new equipment. During the transition, broadcasters will operate in a "hybrid" mode, broadcasting both analog and digital signals within a single AM or FM channel. This new digital technology will not require allocation of additional radio spectrum and will have minimal impact on the present broadcast service. During IBOC "hybrid" operations, stations will broadcast the same programming in both analog and digital formats. Consumers will be able to receive their current analog stations with minimal disruption. Advantages for Listeners Digital radio offers a number of consumer advantages over traditional analog radio: · Better audio quality, more robust signals, immunity to interference, and the potential for new auxiliary services, such as multiple audio programming channels, audio-on-demand services, and interactive features; · Potential for enhanced radio designs with simplified functions. Simply select the station you want from the call letters or names displayed on the digital radio liquid crystal display (LCD) and the computer within the radio will do the rest; and · Potential to introduce new data and information services when "all-digital" operations are introduced, which will be displayed on the radios' small screens. For example, a station could send background information about a band whose music is playing. Advertisers could send information about discounts and sales. Listeners could program their radios to receive customized weather reports, news or stock quotes. Do I Need a New Radio to Receive Digital Quality? A digital receiver is required to receive the digital signals. However, listeners can use their digital receiver to tune in stations that are not broadcasting in digital. Current research suggests early models are expected to cost more than analog radios, but there are no specifics on how much more. Will Digital Radio Impact Subcarrier Frequencies? Digital radio may have some impact on existing subcarrier services (known also as Subsidiary Communications Authority (SCA)). While this may be unavoidable in some cases, the FCC is particularly concerned about digital radio's potential impact on radio reading services. Many states have a radio reading service that broadcasts over the subcarrier of a public or private radio station. These services provide information to people who are unable to read print. The services are provided either free or for a nominal fee. |
| This fact sheet
explains how digital radio works, why it offers better sound quality than
current radio standards, and how broadcasters will be transitioning to the
digital radio format in the future. |
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| This document is
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constitute legal advice. |
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