It’s the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally – a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past.

HD Radio For Home

HD Radio For Car

Better Listening Experience

• FM stations now with CD-quality sound
• AM stations now with FM-quality sound
• Crystal-clear reception

Better Features

• Real-time artist and song IDs
• More info on your dial, such as traffic alerts, stock info and scores

More Channels

• Now offering multiple channels on the same frequency

More Programming

• Broader song lists with more music diversity
• Undiscovered artists and music
• New blends and mixes of formats
• More talk, more comedy, more news

Same Local Stations You Love

• Favorite programs with local personalities
• Free of charge
• No contract, no subscription fees

More Programming

• All digital, all the time
• No hiss, distortion or station drop off
• Simultaneous broadcasts on HD2 channels

Since HD Radio is a free broadcast, all you have to do is get a new HD Radio receiver for your home or car. Prices are plummeting as the HD Radio revolution catches on. So check out the products on this site for the most up-to-date info.

How Does It Work?

Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences.

1. Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well.
2. The digital signal layer is compressed, and the combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
3. The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
4. Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades.
5. Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD Radio receiver.

Want to Know More?

Ever wonder how technology can split the radio signal into analog and digital channels and then transmit it over the existing AM/FM bands? It’s a process known as In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Broadcasting. And the benefits are REVOLUTIONARY. Why? Because it’s DIGITAL and it’s FREE.

The Digital Revolution

HD Digital Radio supports CD-quality sound as well as song titles and artist names. And because the digital signal piggybacks onto a conventional broadcast signal, it is free to the listener.

The Power of Free

With HD Radio, broadcasters can use the current radio spectrum to transmit free analog simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals. This eliminates the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today’s radio caused by conditions known as multipath, noise and interference.

Transitioning Out of Analog

With IBOC-based HD Radio technology, radio receivers and other consumer electronics will receive traditional analog broadcasts from stations that have yet to convert and digital broadcasts from stations that have converted.

Current analog radios will continue to receive the analog portion of the IBOC-based broadcast, allowing for a smooth transition to a digital world. In fact, specific features have been designed into HD Radio-supported receivers to improve the existing analog reception during the "Hybrid Mode."

As the market reaches maturity, broadcasters will transition out of analog broadcasts and offer "all-digital mode". As a result of our digital architecture, enhanced services such as increased data capacity, surround sound or other multicasting solutions can be made available across this unused bandwidth

HD Digital Radio FAQs

How do I use my new HD Radio:

1. Tune to the FM frequency broadcasting your desired programming (such as 102.7). If the FM station is also broadcasting in HD you will see "HD" displayed on your radio. If "HD" does not appear, the station you selected may not be broadcasting in HD - just analog FM.
2. To listen to a radio station's regular FM programming select HD Channel 1. Your radio dial may read 102.7-1 or 102.7-HD1
3. To listen to unique HD programming being broadcast by the FM station; select HD Channel 2. Your radio dial may read 102.7-2 or 102.7-HD2. Some FM stations may have HD3 channels also.

Please see your radio manufacturers user manual for additional assistance using your HD Radio.

Do I need a new radio?

If you don’t already own an HD digital radio, you will need a new radio to hear HD broadcasts and HD2 multicast channels. Radios that have HD digital radio and HD2 capabilities have an HD Radio logo on the face of the radio. Look for the logo to be sure the radio has the features you want.

Does HD Radio cost me a subscription fee?

No, it is free and local radio and you do not have to pay a subscription fee to hear the stations. You simply need a HD digital radio!

What does this new radio do that my old radio won’t do?

HD digital radio gives you an unprecedented range of new channels and formats plus your favorite local stations in crystal-clear digital sound. HD Digital Radio means FM that sounds like a CD, AM that sounds like FM and farewell to snap, crackle and pop. Because digital signals can carry more information, the digital radio revolution also means a wide variety of new programming and new formats on HD2 multicast channels. And since its radio, it’s still local and free.

How do I get a new radio for my car without buying a new car?

You can buy a new HD digital receiver and have it installed in your car.

Can I hear HD Radio from my home town in another city?

HD digital Radio is local radio. You can hear it in the city where the broadcasts originate. Some radio stations and HD2 channels are also streamed on the web and you can listen to those on your computer from anywhere in the country. Go to your station’s Web site to learn about these capabilities. Listening on the Web is a great way to “test drive” the new HD2 channels, and then buy that new radio to hear them all the time!

How do the radio stations make money if there are no commercials on the HD2 channels?

Some radio stations have chosen to provide the new and exciting HD2 channel programming in a commercial free environment for the next few years. This commitment is great for listeners and gives broadcasters a chance to showcase their new products and to give the listeners time to use and enjoy the new HD2 technology while they also enjoy their favorite AM and FM stations.

How do I find the HD2 channels on the radio?

Once you have an HD digital radio reciever, you would tune to your favorite radio station like always. One click of the dial beyond it, you’ll find the HD2 multicast channel for that station. Your favorite stations are still in their usual place on the radio dial.

Note: Radio manufacturers design the way you scroll through radio channels, so some products might tune a little differently. Please read the product’s user manual or call the manufacturer.

I think I have an HD Radio but I can not find the HD2 channels, what do I do?

Contact your manufacturer. Some radios were produced with the improved HD digital radio sound quality but they do not have the HD2 channel capability. Most manufacturers have help line phone number on their web sites and the web sites are featured on the Products area of this site. If your HD radio does not have HD2 channel capability, you will need to purchase a new receiver to fully experience the HD digital radio revolution.

How do I find the new HD2 channels in my area?

Go to the . Here you will find a list of cities and the new HD2 channels in each. New HD2 channels are rolling out every day.

Can I listen to the HD2 channels now without a radio to test them out?

Some radio stations and HD2 channels are streamed on the Web and you can listen to them on your computer. Go to your station’s Web site to learn about these capabilities. Listening on the Web is a great way to “test drive” the new HD2 channels, and then buy the new radio to hear them all the time in much higher, CD-like quality sound!

What does the “digital” part of HD digital radio mean?

Digital signals can carry more information. The digital radio revolution means a wide variety of new programming, new formats on HD2 multicast channels and display information. And since its radio, it’s still local and free. More than 3,000 stations are currently upgrading to digital broadcasting, with more than 700 already on the air.

How do I find out if my favorite radio station is broadcasting in HD?

Go to the section and use the sorting tool to find stations in your state and city.

Shop for HD Radio products at Abt by clicking here.