HD Radio™reception (U.S. models only)
Introduction
Note
HD radio is a brand name registered by the Ibiquity digital corporation1. They are the developer of a broadcasting technology called IBOC or In Band On Channel, which 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.
The IBOC system is referred to as a "hybrid" since it is both analogue and digital. During hybrid operation, receivers still continue to receive the analogue (non-digital) signal. HD radio receivers incorporate both modes of reception, where the receiver will automatically switch to the analogue signal if the digital signal cannot be decoded or is lost by the receiver.
When you have tuned to an HD Radio station, the
symbol will appear in the infotainment system display. The symbol will be displayed in different colors:
- Grayed-out symbol: HD Radio is in standby mode
- White symbol: the radio is actively receiving an HD broadcast
- Orange symbol: the radio is receiving an HD broadcast with digital sound
More information about HD radio and IBOC can be found on Ibiquity's website, www.hdradio.com and www.ibiquity.com.
Benefits of digital broadcasting
- Better sound (FM sounds near CD quality and AM as analogue FM).
- Some FM frequencies offer a greater number of listening choices through “multicasting” (consisting of a frequency's main channel and any sub-channels that may also be available on that particular frequency. See also the section "Sub-channels" below).
- When receiving a digital signal there is no multipath disturbance or hisses/pops/crackling due to outside influences.
How HD broadcasting works
HD Radio works similarly to conventional radio and broadcasts of this type are available in many areas of the United States. However, there are a few key differences:
- Instead of transmitting one analogue signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analogue and digital.
- An HD radio receiver can receive both digital and analogue broadcasts. Depending on the terrain and location of the vehicle (which will influence the signal strength), the receiver will determine which signal to receive.
Benefits of digital broadcasting
- Better sound (FM sounds near CD quality and AM as analogue FM).
- Some FM frequencies offer a greater number of listening choices through “multicasting” (consisting of a frequency's main channel and any sub-channels that may also be available on that particular frequency. See also the section "Sub-channels" below).
- When receiving a digital signal there is no multipath disturbance or hisses/pops/crackling due to outside influences.
How HD broadcasting works
HD Radio works similarly to conventional radio and broadcasts of this type are available in many areas of the United States. However, there are a few key differences:
- Instead of transmitting one analogue signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analogue and digital.
- An HD radio receiver can receive both digital and analogue broadcasts. Depending on the terrain and location of the vehicle (which will influence the signal strength), the receiver will determine which signal to receive.