HD Radio FAQ
HD? WRTI HD-2? Multicasting? Streaming?
Sound confusing?
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about high-definition (HD) radio technology.
WRTI HD Broadcasts =
When you hear one of our hosts say that "WRTI broadcasts in HD," what that means is that the station has embraced HD Radio™ technology, which sends out high-quality "high-definition" digital signals. This provides listeners with crystal-clear reception and eliminates a lot of the noise and interference associated with analog signals. WRTI's HD Radio broadcasts are accessible, free of charge, via an HD Radio in the 90.1 FM Philadelphia, 89.3 FM Coatesville, and 91.7 FM Dover listening areas.
WRTI HD-2 =
The station's second broadcast channel accessible to HD radio owners who live in the 90.1 FM or 89.3 FM frequency areas, and everyone else online via WRTI's fulltime classical and jazz streams. WRTI's HD-2 channel plays classical music at night and jazz during the day, and offers unique programming that's mostly not heard on WRTI's main frequency including locally produced and nationally syndicated programs. It's a whole new way of experiencing WRTI.
Multicasting =
WRTI's HD-2 programing that is broadcast on the air and is accessible via an HD Radio, while simultaneously WRTI broadcasts its core programming on its FM frequencies.
Streaming =
All of WRTI's classical and jazz broadcasts are offered online at http://www.wrti.org/ Just click on "Listen Live"and you can "stream" the same broadcasts you hear on the air via your computer. You can hear HD-2 programming even if you don't own an HD Radio. Streaming allows you to access WRTI's classical or jazz programming any time of the day that you want it, and from anywhere in the world.
What are the benefits of HD Radio technology and HD-2 programming to the WRTI listener?
It's 24 hours of classical music radio, and 24 hours of jazz radio. Multicasting also gives listeners more programming choices, provides WRTI with more outlets for new programming, and expands WRTI’s public radio mission. Anyone who streams our broadcasts online can also hear our HD-2 programming. And if you own an HD radio and live in the 90.1 FM or 89.3 FM frequency areas, you can choose between the classical music and jazz formats that WRTI provides by simply turning the dial one notch.
Do I need to buy a new radio to hear WRTI's HD-2 channel on the radio?
Yes.
How can you buy an HD Radio?
Since HD broadcasts are free and do not require a subscription (as Satellite Radio does), all that you have to do is purchase an HD Radio to enjoy it. Best Buy currently sells Insignia HD Tabletop radios - more information here.
Why and when will traditional FM disappear?
Traditional FM isn't going anywhere, at least not in the near future. And, if you choose not to get an HD radio, you will still be able to listen to WRTI on your radio.
Is HD radio available where I live?
WRTI's HD broadcasts are only available in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Dover, Delaware. Each transmitter is costly; we hope to be able to offer HD in other regions soon.
Can I hear both the classical and jazz streams on my computer?
Yes. You just need to click on "Listen Live" on the WRTI website homepage to access the classical and jazz streams. Anyone in the world can hear WRTI's two streams simply by going to WRTI's website at wrti.org.
Can I hear stations that aren't broadcast in HD on an HD radio?
Yes. HD radios receive traditional analog broadcasts from stations that have yet to convert, and digital broadcasts from stations that have converted. Similarly, analog radios will continue to receive the analog portion of the HD broadcast, allowing for a smooth transition to a digital world.