HD Car Radios
We are all familiar with AM, FM, and satellite radios - now welcome HD car radio. If you're thinking about investing in a High Definition car radio for your vehicle, you've come to the right place. Keep reading below for a brief introduction to HD radio and a list of some of the top names in the industry.
iBiquity Digital Corporation created and introduced HD radio in 2002. HD car radio is a digital system as opposed to AM or FM, which are analog systems. The digital signal allows the station to broadcast more information or data than an analog signal can. This would include the audio, as well as information about the artist of the song being played, the album on which the song can be found, and other information. This data is often displayed as text on the face of the radio. The display may also show local traffic and weather reports, stock prices, news alerts, and more.
In addition, FM HD radio stations broadcast a sub-channel. This allows those stations to broadcast one type of music on the main channel while playing another one on the sub-channel. In the future, it is expected that designated signals will allow the broadcast of concerts, extra sports channels or other special interest broadcasts or specialized services. In addition, some HD stations include "tagging" which allows the listener to identify a song for later purchase through iTunes. You will need an iPod for this feature. The quality of the audio from an HD car radio is similar to the sound quality of a CD.
Currently, there are about 1,900 stations covering 84 percent of the U.S. broadcasting HD.
Only HD radios are capable of accepting the digital signal. However, these radios can also accept AM and FM frequencies. Many car manufacturers offer HD car radios as an option or standard equipment on their vehicles. Some of the brands that offer HD car radios include BMW, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Scion, Hyundai, Kia, and Mini Cooper.
There are also a number of aftermarket car audio manufacturers who offer HD car radios through car audio retail stores. Manufacturers of HD car radio receivers include:
- Alpine
- Autonet
- Sony
- Continental
- Delphi
- DICE Electronics
- Dual
- Fujitsu 10 by Eclipse
- Harman Becker
- Kenwood
- Metra Electronics Group
- Pioneer
- Sanyo
- Visteon
- JVC
- Insignia
- Axxess
Programming of radio stations that broadcast HD is said to be more varied and commercial free. In addition, there is no monthly fee to receive HD as there is for satellite radio. HD radios offered for the car also accept AM and FM and have the ability to play CDs and even DVDs. Prices range from as low as $70 to as high as $550. Some of the best brands of HD car radios to consider are Kenwood, Pioneer, JVC and Alpine. Advances in HD radio technology have greatly increased the quality and variety of radio options that are currently available. If you are looking for a way to improve your radio sound quality and increase the features that are available on your radio, an HD radio may be the right option for you.
