WEXT on HD Radio
You may hear us mention that WEXT is available via WMHT-HD2 on the air from time to time. What this means is that you can find WEXT-FM on WMHT-FM's second HD channel (89.1) when using a new HD radio receiver. This digital broadcast should lead to improved reception for those in areas of compromised reception with lots of static and buzzing. Once you hear the digital signal, you'll probably never want to go back. Here is some more information about HD radio to help you understand the coolness of WEXT on WMHT-HD2.
Advantages of HD Radio
HD radio technology is a method of transmitting audio and data. It transmits digital information instead of analog. HD radio technology represents the evolution of traditional radio broadcasting into the digital age. HD radio technology allows WMHT-FM and WEXT-FM to transmit a high-quality digital signal. For you the listener, the benefits of this are:
- FM radio with CD-quality sound
- Digital AM radio that sounds as good as analog FM radio (i.e., less AM radio 'noise')
- No more static, pops, crackles or fades due to less reception problems; instead, you'll hear clear, clean, rich sound
- Transmission of additional information, such as song titles, artist information and radio station call letters.
- Less signal loss (should an obstruction cause you to lose the digital signal, HD radio technology defaults back to analog mode)
How HD Radio Works
HD radio technology works similarly to the traditional analog radio transmissions that you are probably accustomed to:
1. Our radio station sends out analog and digital radio signals, along with a third signal for text data.
2. The digital signal is compressed before being transmitted.
3. The three-layered signal is transmitted from the radio station's upgraded digital transmitter.
4. Multipath interference, caused by the signal reflecting off of buildings, is ignored by the digital radio, which is able to discern the true signal and ignore interference.
5. Your radio receives the signal. Depending on whether or not you have an HD radio, you either hear the digital or analog feed of our station.
In other words, if you want to experience the advantages of HD radio, you will need to purchase an HD radio receiver.
How HD Radio Differs From Satellite Radio
HD radio is not a subscription service, like satellite radio. It is the same free, over-the-air broadcast radio that we've always known (only better). While you will need an HD radio receiver to hear it, it is not something that consumers have to buy into. Everyone can continue listening to their current (analog) radios. Eventually, it's likely that all AM/FM radios will incorporate digital technology as the medium evolves naturally. Soon, if you turn on a radio, you'll be listening to an HD radio tuner. HD radio technology is not a competitor of satellite radio (which is a paid subscription service) but an improvement to current, terrestrial AM and FM radio. Satellite radio is an alternative to terrestrial radio, in the same way that cable TV or satellite TV are alternatives to free, over-the-air broadcast television.
So why would you be interested in HD radio (or analog radio) if you subscribe to satellite radio? Well, there may often be times when you would like to listen to local radio stations that aren't available via satellite radio....like the Local 518 on Exit 97.7, WEXT-FM!