Digital radio is not just being provided by Sirius and XM, but digital HD radio as well. HD Radio technology transmits digital audio and data alongside existing FM and AM analog signals. According to 12 Volt, iBiguity Digital Corporation of Columbia, Maryland, developed the technology and, like the race between the turtle and the hare, is steady and relentless in signing up new stations.
In fact, it has added its 1,500th HD Radio Station -- Clear Channel's WROV-FM 96.3, a rock station in Roanoke, Virginia. The company's execs credit the steady growth to the release of radios that can receive the HD Radio signal from such manufacturers as Sony, JVC, Polk, JBL, Sanyo, Visteon, and Yamaha. Many of the radio's have the capability to integrate iTunes as well.
Another reason for the continued growth of HD Radio is the retail stores that sell the receivers. The list include Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart and online retailers including Amazon.com.
FM stations are using the technology's ability to do multicasting to increase their content and to broadcast formats including Deep Cuts, Classic Rock, Female Talk, Classic Jazz, Disco, and news. There are now more than 700 multicast stations on the air.
|