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HD Channel Frequently Asked Questions
This guide will help you learn about the difference between HD Radio and FM Radio, and it will assist you with optimizing your HD Radio listening experience. We've included some tips and techniques for obtaining the best reception based on your location.
- How do I get an HD Radio?
- How is an HD Radio different from a regular FM radio?
- I'd like to listen to KWMU-2 in my car. What's involved?
- Any other suggestions? vWhere can I get more information about receiving HD radio?
- Where can I get more general information about HD radio?
How do I get an HD radio?
When you purchase an HD radio from Amazon.com via our web page, a percentage of your purchase goes to support KWMU!
>> See our listing of HD radios
For a complete listing of currently available models, go to ibiquity.com. Many St. Louis-area vendors carry HD radios for automobiles. St. Louis vendors do not regularly stock portable, or tabletop, HD radios. However, many do carry HD tuner components that can be added to your existing home stereo.
No matter where you get your HD Radio, please give this exciting new technology a listen. You’ll never listen to radio the same way again!
How is an HD Radio different from a regular FM radio?
HD radios sound better
Regular FM radio has the ability to produce high fidelity sound under the right reception conditions. FM frequencies require a line-of-site path between the FM transmitter and the receiver. Hisses, pops, static, and fading occurs because FM signals are reflected from obstructions such as buildings--or from you when you move around the room where your radio is located.
HD radio differs by using digital technology. This technology minimizes reception problems and offers freedom from the interference descibed above. Also, digital technology allows stations like KWMU to squeeze in additional services, thanks to cutting edge compression technology.
HD radios receive more stations than FM radios
Several years ago, KWMU installed the equipment necessary to broadcast digital signals, in addition to our regular analog signal. Essentially, this allows us to have two signals in the "space" it takes for one. On your HD radio, these three channels are still found at 90.7 on the dial.
KWMU 90.7 -1
This is our flagship channel that you can hear on standard FM radios.
KWMU 90.7-2
KWMU-2 is on-air in HD at 90.7-2. You can also listen to the station here on our web site.
>> Find out more about KWMU-2 programs
I'd like to listen to KWMU-2 in my car. What's involved?
Installing a new radio seems daunting to some; others like their current factory-installed radios. Professional installers available at stores like Circuit City can complete a professional installation of an "after-market" radio such as an HD radio from JVC or Kenwood in a couple of hours. Templates are available for most car models so the finished installation makes the new HD radio look like it was factory-installed.
Two radios currently endorsed by NPR Engineering that are capable of receiving KWMU-2 are the JVC KD-HDR1 and the Kenwood KTC-HR100 TR tuner box with KDC-MP625 head unit.
BMW recently announced a factory-installed HD radio options for their 2008 models. It's likely to take several years for a significant number of auto makers to include HD radios in their models. For those who can't wait, the radios mentioned here are great additions to the listening experience in your car.
Any other suggestions?
Several listeners in outlying areas with some technical savvy have added an antenna preamplifier to increase the WAMU 88.5 signal even more. This approach is most effective when the preamplifier is mounted near the antenna. Some experimentation may be needed and results aren't guaranteed. Consider ordering outdoor antennas and amplifiers from a store that has a return policy.
Where can I get more information about receiving HD radio?
After reading this FAQ, feel free to contact us with your questions. Also, we'd like to hear from you about your experience with digital reception.
