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HD Radio FAQs
WUNC and WRQM broadcast in HD digital. What does that mean for you?
Q: WHY IS NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC RADIO NOW SAYING IT IS BROADCASTING IN HD FOR WUNC AND WRQM?
A: The Federal Communications Commission is now requiring stations that are broadcasting a digital signal to identify this signal in their hourly identification. So this something we are legally obliged to do. We also want to increase listener awareness that this is available.
Q : WHAT DOES THE HD IN HD RADIO MEAN?
A: The 'HD' in 'HD Radio' is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its digital AM and FM radio technology. It does not mean either hybrid digital or high definition, it is simply the branding language for this new technology.
Q: DO I HAVE TO GET A NEW RADIO TO LISTEN TO H-D?
A: Yes. To listen to digital AM and FM programming, you need an HD Radio receiver. There are products already at your local consumer electronics store. Some new cars also come with H-D radios.
Q: IS THE RANGE OF H-D THE SAME AS THE FM SIGNAL?
A: No, it is not quite as broad as the FM signal. If you are driving in a car with an H-D radio, you might be switching back and forth between FM and H-D.
Q: IS HD RADIO broadcasting THE SAME AS SATELLITE RADIO?
A: No. HD Radio broadcasting is your favorite local AM and FM radio stations broadcasting digitally, producing improved sound, and in some areas there are many more new FREE FM channels.
Q: HOW DOES HD RADIO BROADCASTING SOUND?
A: AM stations using H-D sound more like FM. FM stations using HD have a superior CD-like sound, which helps to reduce pops, hisses and dropouts.
Q: WHAT IS HD2 MULTICASTING?
A: HD2 multicasting means more FM channels and new programming available from local FM stations, which you can ONLY hear on your new HD Radio receiver. Across the country, some local FM stations are offering a wide variety of new formats on their HD2 channels: reggae, blues, classic jazz, future country, new alternative, deep tracks, bluegrass and local artists.
Q: IS NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC RADIO OFFERING DIFFERENT PROGRAMS ON ITS HD-SIGNALS?
A: Not at this time, although it's an option for the future as more people obtain H-D radios. Right how you hear the same program on H-D as you do on the FM signal.
Q: BUT HOW DO I GET THESE NEW CHANNELS?
A: By just tuning up an HD Radio receiver dial, you will discover the new HD2 and HD3 channels that are offered in your area.
Q: CAN I GET TEXT INFORMATION ON MY HD RADIO RECEIVER?
A: In some cases, although WUNC is not presently offering text. Some radio stations are offering a variety of useful messages that scroll across radio display screens, including: Live weather and real-time traffic updates o Local news, sports scores and school closings o Emergency information and much more coming in the future o Artist name and song title.
Q: DOES HD RADIO HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FEE?
A: HD Radio broadcasting is FREE; there are no subscription fees. Once you've purchased an H-D Radio receiver, you can get digital AM and FM stations, including HD2 and HD3 multicast channels.
Click the HD logo for more information.
