I wrote about HD radio last year when 107.5 KLDE turned on their digital signal in January. Now things are starting to get interesting for Houston. This press release heralds the beginning.
Some will argue if you say HD stands for high definition so watch your words, but the promise is clearer quality with more features. (see those features)
One feature...the digital stations will be able to multicast like digital TV channels can. That means there will be a new companion channel for your favorite radio station (essentially a brand new station tied to the current one you know). Here is the Houston list:
Current Format New Extra Channel FormatNow the question is...who has a radio to hear these new channels? Not many. But I'm pretty sure the new channels might get early adopters out to their favorite electronic store/website. I feel a hole starting to burn in my pocket thinking about the possibilities...KHMX-FM Hot AC New CHR
KKRW-FM Classic Rock AAA
KLOL-FM Hurban CHR La Preciosa
KODA-FM AC AC Love Songs
KTBZ-FM Alternative Free Buzz
As any radio junkie will argue, who thought FM would ever be big? Who thought satellite radio would take off? So you never know.
The other argument is too little, too late. The radio industry became too pedestrian and is hemorrhaging listeners to other media (ipod, internet...etc).
I say digital radio sure can't hurt. Media evolves overtime, and this is just the next step.
If you have a digital radio and can pick the new stations up, I'd love to talk with you.
In the meantime, you might be able to hear some of the new stations on this site (keep checking back).
UPDATE:
CBS Radio (formerly Infinity) announced its multicast stations:
KHJZ-FM Traditional Jazz
KILT-FM Future Country
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