KSL brings HD Radio to Utah

Remember AM radio in stereo, a hyped broadcast technology of more than a decade ago?

Now "HD Radio" is the newest radio technology for the medium in the 21st century, and KSL (AM-1160) is the first to have it in Utah — actually, one of the first in the nation.

This "high definition" radio, the rough equivalent of HDTV, is also licensed to come soon to five other Utah radio stations — all of them FMs.

KBYU (FM-89.1) KRCL (FM-90.9) and KUER (FM-90.1) in the Salt Lake market, as well as Price's KDAL and Moab's KZMU, are all licensed to carry HD Radio. Eventually, they too, will broadcast in HD Radio quality.

According to KSL radio, HD Radio technology should revolutionize the AM and FM broadcasting industry because, among other things, the noise and interference that cause the static, hiss, pops, and fades heard on today's analog radios will be virtually eliminated. In addition to crystal-clear reception, HD Radio technology will dramatically enhance sound fidelity.

After 83 years of analog transmissions, radio now is making its digital migration to HD Radio technology. Home audio receivers and after-market auto receivers now are available to consumers through consumer electronics retailers.

"KSL Newsradio 1160 always has been a broadcast pioneer and continues today, leading the way with HD Radio," said Chris Redgrave, KSL vice president & station manager. "It's exciting to be bringing this new technology to our listeners."

It sounds like HD Radio will be much superior to AM stereo, which never took off or lived up to its billing.

To help acquaint radio listeners with this new technology, KSL will be hosting an HD Radio listening display at many of its remote broadcasts where the HD Radio experience may be heard firsthand.

HD Radio technology was developed by iBiquity Digital and approved in October 2002 by the Federal Communications Commission.

Little or no change in listener behavior will be required, since all local radio-station dial positions will remain the same. Listeners simply hear broadcasts in either a digital or analog format, depending on the radio.

Because stations will begin digital broadcasting using a "hybrid mode," transmitting digital and analog signals simultaneously, listeners with analog receivers will still be able to pick up the broadcasts and will be able to seamlessly upgrade to digital at their own pace.