FCC OKs Power-Up For FM HD Radio
January 31, 2010: The FCC's Media Bureau has adopted an order to allow FM stations to increase HD Radio digital signal power up to 10 percent of analog power levels.
The bureau order lets most FM stations increase digital power immediately by 6 dB -- a fourfold increase -- and stations that want to upgrade to 10 dB will have to file an application under new procedures. To protect analog radio from interference, the order also limits power increases for "super-powered" stations that are licensed above current maximums. Complaint procedures will also be set to resolve interference complaints.
In June of '08, HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital and 18 radio group owners requested that the FCC let digital power be moved up to 10 percent of analog from the original maximum of 1 percent, set when iBiquity's in-band, on-channel technology was approved for digital radio. iBiquity and NPR submitted studies looking at the potential for improved service and for increased interference.
The Media Bureau is reserving the right to revisit the issue of digital power levels if significant interference to analog becomes a problem.
NAB Is Pleased
"Today's ruling will result in greatly improved indoor reception for HD Radio listeners and greater service reliability for portable HD Radio devices," NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said. "Broadcasters salute the FCC for taking this important step, which will allow free and local radio stations to better serve communities across America."
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(2/2/2010 6:02:20 PM) HD Radio Farce loves to make predictions. I have a prediction for him... Go back to AM Dxing ! For heaven's sake... Can we please try to enter the 21st century. Good move FCC. Let's give it a chance. |
| - Mike F |
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(2/2/2010 3:25:04 AM) "FCC OKs Increase in HD Radio Power" "At this point it will be up to non-HD stations and affected listeners to band together if they have any hope of seeing digital power increases limited or eliminated. However, this seems pretty unlikely to occur, especially amongst listeners. Given the sorry state of most commercial radio to begin with, listeners are more likely just to abandon radio when their favorite stations becomes degraded from HD interference. This move to improve the reception of HD radio signals might just end up chasing away more casual listeners who just associate poor audio quality (not just poor programming quality) with commercial radio." http://tinyurl.com/yldfbd7 Yes, excellent news - LOL! |
| - HDRadioFarce |
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(2/1/2010 7:22:19 PM) This is excellent news. The future of terrestrial radio is now looking much brighter. |
| - Roger E. Lawndale |
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(2/1/2010 8:27:35 AM) LPFM and LPAM....you're kidding right? Luddite! |
| - The Future |
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