What Is Digital Radio?

Digital radio is the transmission and reception of sound that has been processed using technology comparable to that used in compact disc (CD) players. In short, a digital radio transmitter processes sounds into patterns of numbers, or “digits”– hence the term “digital radio.” In contrast, traditional analog radios process sounds into patterns of electrical signals that resemble sound waves.

Digital radio reception is more resistant to interference and eliminates many imperfections of analog radio transmission and reception. There may be some interference to digital radio signals, however, in areas that are distant from a station’s transmitter. FM digital radio can provide clear sound comparable in quality to CDs, and AM digital radio can provide sound quality equivalent to that of standard analog FM.

Do I Need a New Radio To Receive Digital Signals?

Yes, a digital receiver is required in order to receive digital signals. However, all radios capable of tuning in to a digital signal also will be able to receive analog signals.

How Do I Find Digital Radio Stations?

In the United States, digital radio is broadcast using in-band on-channel (IBOC) technology. This enables radio stations to broadcast their regular FM or AM signal and their digital signal at the same frequency. So a station at 88.7 on the FM dial would have a digital signal at 88.7 on a digital radio.

What Is IBOC Digital Radio?

IBOC refers to the method of transmitting a digital radio broadcast signal centered on the same frequency as the AM or FM station’s present frequency. For FM stations, the transmission of the digital signal occupies the sidebands above and below the center FM frequency (e.g., 97.9 MHz). AM band transmissions also place the digital signal in sidebands above and below the existing AM carrier frequency. By this means, the AM or FM station digital signal is transmitted in addition to the existing analog signal. In both instances, the digital emissions fall within the spectral emission mask of the AM or FM channel (see 47 CFR Sections 73.44 and 73.317).

Where Can I Get a Digital Radio Receiver?

A lot of electronics retailers sell digital radio receivers, and many automakers offer digital radio receivers in their new cars and trucks (some models come with digital radio standard.)

Authorized Hybrid Station List (Analog + Digital Signals)
1. FM Stations
2. AM Stations

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