HD Radio Technology Improves Sound and…
HD Radio Technology Improves Sound and Eliminates Hiss
Digital HD Radio technology is radically changing AM and FM broadcasting with new programming channels, crystal-clear sound and data services. There are more than 950 AM and FM stations in the United States now broadcasting using the HD Radio system, with an additional 2,000-plus stations in the process of upgrading.
Developed and licensed by iBiquity Digital Corporation, HD Radio technology works by transmitting digital audio and data alongside existing AM and FM analog signals. The technology ensures that listeners enjoy dramatically improved sound quality while virtually eliminating the static and hiss often associated with analog radio. It also provides a platform for advanced new services, including HD2 multicasting—a feature that enables FM stations to broadcast multiple streams of unique programming over a single frequency, independent of existing analog signals. HD2 multicast programming is currently available on approximately 300 FM stations around the country.
Niles Audio Corporation, The First Name in Custom Installation®, announced the official release of a new HD Radio™ module (TM-HD/R) for the company’s revolutionary IntelliControl ICS whole-house distributed audio system. The new module enables IntelliControl ICS users to listen to crystal-clear, digital HD Radio broadcasts and the new HD2 multicast channels through their distributed audio system anywhere in the home. At the same time, they can view HD Radio datacasting the traffic, news and other station information which accompany HD radio signals on the system’s wireless iRemote, touchscreens and wall-mounted displays. IntelliControl ICS is the first HD radio-enabled wireless product to display HD radio datacasting on a wireless user interface.
“The TM-HD/R module represents a quantum leap forward in radio listening enjoyment,” said Frank Sterns, president of Niles Audio Corporation. “By combining the pristine clarity of HD Radio with IntelliControl ICS, we have succeeded in our goal of integrating all of the popular sources into a whole-house audio system with unparalleled ease and matchless quality.”
Niles’ new HD Radio module is designed specifically for the IntelliControl ICS whole-house distributed audio system, a cutting-edge product that was recently honored as Product of the Year for 2006 by Electronic House magazine. Thanks to the IntelliControl ICS system, at the touch of a button, listeners can now enjoy digital HD Radio AM /FM broadcasting, Sirius® and XM® satellite radio, iPod®, CDs, IP-based music players, conventional AM/FM radio and other legacy audio sources, simultaneously, in any room in the home.
HD Radio transforms FM broadcasts into CD-quality programming. AM radio, in turn, is broadcast with FM-like fidelity. There is no hiss, distortion or signal drop-off. HD Radio also allows for HD Radio datacasting so listeners can get album, artist, track, news and traffic alerts on their IntelliControl ICS iRemote, touchscreen or wall-mounted display. Furthermore, HD Radio is enabling FM stations around the country to offer over 300 new multicast channels in addition to digital versions of their standard stations. Best of all, HD Radio is free: There are no ongoing service or subscription charges, although it requires certain equipment. ■
For more information, visit www.nilesaudio.com.
