HD Radio broadcasting is dramatically higher quality audio, far more programming choice and compelling new wireless data services brought to you by your local AM and FM radio stations. No more static, hiss, pops or fades. In other words, HD Radio is digital radio.

Today, thousands of radio stations are upgrading their broadcast technology; hundred are currently broadcasting with digital HD Radio technology, with many also offering new HD2 multicast channels. Your favorite station remains in the same place on the radio dial, but when you have a new digital HD Radio receiver, your AM sound like FM and FM sounds like CDs. In addition, the wireless data feature enables text information – titles, artists, weather or traffic alerts – to be broadcast directly to your receiver’s display screen. And, FM HD Radio stations are starting to “multicast,” offering more than one stream. Simultaneously, one station can offer several audio channels as well as on-screen data. A station can run one channel of music and one of news, or two different music formats. Or run three completely different music formats in three different languages. And much, much more.

To upgrade your car radio, look for HD Radio products from Eclipse, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic and Sanyo. Yamaha and Boston Acoustics offer home radios. Many more manufacturers are coming to market next year, including Alpine, Polk and Radiosophy.