Difference Between HD Radio and Satellite Radio

The main difference between HD radio and satellite radio is the broadcast technology each one uses. Satellite radio uses satellites to transmit content. HD radio is a digital extension of terrestrial broadcasts. There are some key differences in programming, availability, and costs.

1. Is HD Radio the same as satellite radio?
2. Is HD Radio better?
3. Is HD Radio dying?
4. What is the difference between satellite radio and Internet radio?
5. How do I know if I have HD Radio?
6. What does HD mean on radio?
7. Does HD Radio need special antenna?
8. How do you get HD radio?
9. How far does HD Radio signal travel?
10. Is there an app for HD Radio?
11. How do I tune my HD2 radio?
12. How can I get HD radio at home?

Is HD Radio the same as satellite radio?

IS AN HD RADIO BROADCAST THE SAME AS SATELLITE RADIO? No, HD Radio technology enables local AM & FM broadcasters to offer better sound and additional digital content for free. Satellite radio offers select programming across a national footprint for a monthly subscription fee.

Is HD Radio better?

Appropriating an abbreviation from high-definition TV, HD Radio offers better sound quality than AM and FM radio bands. ... Stations supporting HD Radio simultaneously broadcast analog and digital versions of the same programming over the same frequency. With a regular radio, you'll hear the usual analog version.

Is HD Radio dying?

For all that, though, HD Radio isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The fact that GM elected to nix the feature in a number of models may be a bad sign, since consumer adoption of the format is so intrinsically linked to new car purchases, but the overall install base continued to tick up after that decision.

What is the difference between satellite radio and Internet radio?

While satellite radio is more popular in the car, Internet radio is generally more popular in the home and on mobile devices. Satellite radio is exclusively a paid service, whereas only a small fraction of Internet radio listeners are paid subscribers.

How do I know if I have HD Radio?

You can tell, too, by just looking at the radio in your car. When on a station, many cars will show an HD logo. Often you'll see HD1, which is your clue that the next station up is HD2 or even HD3 and can be tuned in.

What does HD mean on radio?

The HD Radio system allows stations to broadcast digital audio, multiple program streams and traditional FM, all on the same frequency. The "HD" is sometimes said to stand for "high definition" or "hybrid digital," but is actually just part of the trademarked logo.

Does HD Radio need special antenna?

Since iBiquity's method involves broadcasting both analog and digital signals on the same old frequencies, you don't need a special antenna to receive HD Radio.

How do you get HD radio?

The best solution for you is to connect your phone to your car's stereo and use an app for HD Radio. I'd suggest using either a streaming app like the ones AppAdvice recommends, or the proprietary app from a station you might like. WLRN, a classical radio station local to you, has free apps for both iOS and Android.

How far does HD Radio signal travel?

No, unfortunately—the HD signal has nowhere near the range of the standard analog signal. In my own experience, an HD signal is only remotely reliable within the immediate environs of an urban area, becomes intrusively flaky around the 10-15 mile range and is basically unusable beyond 20.

Is there an app for HD Radio?

The HD Radio Guide App is designed to help consumers learn about content and discover HD2/HD3 and HD4 stations. ... The app includes a guide to available HD Radio receivers for purchase, including “buy” links. To get the app, text “app” to 25859 or download it through the iTunes App store or Google Play Android Market.

How do I tune my HD2 radio?

Your radio dial is branching out.

All you do is tune in to your favorite station and your HD Radio receiver will automatically lock in to the HD1 signal for that station. One notch over on the dial and you're listening to entirely new content on the HD2 station.

How can I get HD radio at home?

To get HD Radio into your home theater, you simply need to choose a home theater receiver capable of receiving HD Radio, such as Yamaha's RX-V863, or use a separate HD Radio receiver as an audio component connected to your existing home theater receiver.