What exactly is HD radio and how does it compare to satellite radio?

You’ve probably noticed an increasing number of ads promoting this new thing you’ve never heard of before: HD Radio. They say you can hear “undiscovered content” and digital-quality audio. You’ve probably heard the best part of the entire announcement, “No subscription fee!”

Let me help you learn a bit about HD Radio. I’ll try to keep it simple to give you all the information you need with as little technical jargon as possible.

HD is NOT high definition

First of all, you’ve probably heard of HDTV, and if you haven’t, I guess you live in a cave. HD Radio is not the same as HDTV. HD in HDTV stands for High Definition. Do not confuse this with the same in HD Radio because HD in this context means Hybrid Digital.

However, it offers much better radio transmission than standard radio signals. Some HD radio stations broadcast 5.1 surround sound digital audio signals, allowing you to enjoy a true concert-like experience. You can be sure that more stations will opt for this mode of transmission in the future.

Digital channels and subchannels

HD Radio allows various radio stations to broadcast digital information over the FM or AM frequencies. Additionally, these digital broadcasts could be sent on numerous subchannels, allowing for about three stations per frequency. This would triple the number of stations you could listen to on HD Radio. What would it look like on screen, you ask?

Generally, standard AM/FM radios would display the following: FM 104.7

On HD Radios, it would show as: FM 104.7 HD-1 or 104.7 HD-2 (each HD-X indicates a subchannel)

As of 2007, the signal quality is reported to be close to CD-quality audio on FM channels, representing a huge leap in the radio industry. However, AM frequencies are very unlikely to experience this improvement since AM operates in a much smaller band. Think of it like a hose. A smaller garden hose could not supply as much water as the fire department hose; and unfortunately AM is that smaller garden hose.

Advances in digital technology

There were reports and complaints in the early stages of HD Radio (2006) of static and interference when tuning to these HD channels. However, the technology has advanced significantly in the last two years and has improved signal quality and isolation. Don’t worry so much about quality loss unless you’re on AM channels.

You may have also heard that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) began the process of making analog radio and television broadcasts obsolete. what does this mean to you? Well, you can be sure that only improvements will be made. Unfortunately, this would mean that most standard AM/FM radios would become obsolete in the next couple of years, possibly forcing you to purchase a new HD Radio for your vehicle or home.

Comparison with satellite radio

Price

Satellite requires a monthly subscription fee ($10-$15/month), activation fee, and cancellation fees if you cancel before your contract ends (if you sign up for the “reduced” contract subscription). To receive the satellite radio signal (either Sirius or XM), you would need a special antenna and a satellite radio that has a built-in satellite tuner or just satellite-ready without the built-in tuner (tuner is still required and sold separately) ). Expect to spend $150-$300 on equipment alone, depending on what you need (additional tuner or antenna, etc.)*

HD Radio is completely free. You just need to spend money on the receiver itself. Like satellite radio, you can get an HD tuner built into the in-dash receiver, or you can get them separately (in the event you already have an HD Ready head unit). They’re much more affordable, either way, costing you $100-$200 total*.

*Please note that these are generalizations of the bare minimum and do not take into account additional features you may want with your radio (ie Bluetooth, USB support, 3.5mm aux input, navigation, etc.). They also don’t take into account labor and parts, as each vehicle varies.

Quality and Coverage

The advantage of Satellite Radio is the coverage. You could drive from Los Angeles to New York City listening to the exact same station the entire trip. Satellite Radio tends to also specialize in its stations rather than HD. For example, there are specific channels for comedy or sports. Satellite radio is also commercial-free since, after all, you pay for it.

HD Radio has a local focus. It tunes into local metro stations and would not have the same coverage as Satellite as exemplified above. Although HD stations are much more like typical non-specialty radio stations, they may do something similar to satellite radio in the future.

Both HD and Satellite Radio broadcast in digital quality audio. At this point, one does not have a significant advantage over the other because, as with radio-type transmission and reception, it is susceptible to interference and static. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘Satellite’ because of this fact.

If you’re trying to keep up with today’s technology but also want to save money, then upgrading to HD Radio isn’t such a bad thing. Most of the well-known brands like JVC, Eclipse, and Kenwood are producing HD Radio Ready integrated receivers, forcing you to get additional accessories. Only a handful of companies like Dual and JVC (again) are marketing integrated HD radio tuners.

If you’re more picky about your listening selection and aren’t too concerned about the fees associated with satellite radio, then perhaps you should go for Sirius or XM radios. Many popular brands like Sony, Alpine, and Pioneer sell built-in, SAT-ready satellite tuner receivers, so you shouldn’t have a problem looking for them.

The choice is yours to make of course. However, one thing is for sure. Digital technology is rapidly advancing and becoming the standard for audio and video entertainment. Analog (or non-digital) technology will become obsolete. You’ll have to upgrade to digital eventually. Find out what you like and try them both. Sometimes the best on the market may not be the best for you. Good luck in your digital revolution!