HD Radio

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discman -- Mon, 04/28/2008 - 18:33

I'm looking at a new car. One of the options is HD Radio. Is this a standard that will replace FM?

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Tom Martin -- Sat, 05/03/2008 - 12:03

The FCC has not (yet?) mandated a shift from FM analog to digital (e.g. HD Radio).

Be aware that in hybrid digital/analog mode (the primary mode currently in use) HD radio has a low bit rate of between 100 and 150 kbit/sec data with lossy compression. If the FCC decides to discontinue analog radio, HD Radio has pure digital modes, with data rates of 270 - 300 kbit/sec maximum. Red Book (standard) CD is 1440 kbits/sec uncompressed, for reference. From listening tests, I'd say the low bit rate of hybrid mode is likely to be noticeable. I know from personal experience that the fallback rate of 25kbits/sec (which HD radio uses when there is interference) sounds like broadcasting from the bottom of a well or a barrel.

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