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Friday, January 27, 2006

 

HD digital radio-SHUT UP AND DRINK THE KOOL AID (Remember Jonestown?)

"IT'S A HIGHLY DOUBIOUS PROPOSITION THAT MILLIONS OF EXISTING AM LISTENERS WILL RUN OUT TO BUY IBOC RECEIVERS ONCE THEY DISCOVER THE BAND HAS BECOME A WALL OF (digital) NOISE ON THEIR ESTIMATED 1 BILLION ANALOG RADIOS."
Quotes are from a "Readers Forum" letter from broadcaster Robert C. Savage, WYSL(AM) Avon, NY, published in RADIO WORLD Jan. 18, 2006 Pg. 44.
Unlike other RADIO WORLD articles, I was not able to find a weblink to this article that appeared in the print publication.
"Allowing IBOC AM stations to crud up 50 kHz of the band while requiring analog operators to observe the NRSC mask is ... foolish, (and) .. outrageously unfair."
"When audience figures start plummeting, top management of the major groups" (owners) "will dash to the transmitter rack to turn off the HD exciter faster then you can say C-QUAM."

I wonder where that leaves all the HD radio owners who were suckered into spending money on this seriously flawed technology?

 

HD digital radio-IF LOW-FI SOUNDS SO GREAT, WHY DO WE NEED DIGITAL?

"5 kHz audio equates to going back to the days when we used carbon microphones and mechanical oscillators."
Quoted from the article:
Now, I don't know who put wax in the ears of the proponents of 5 kHz bandwidth, and who talked them into the idea that the listener won't notice a difference; but I do notice a huge difference in the freshness of the highs on my AM stations when the highs are severely rolled back.
Besides, if listeners don't notice the audio quality at 5 kHz, why do they notice the difference in FM audio? Why do they notice that CDs sound better than FM? Could it be that high frequencies in the audio create interference patterns in the lower frequencies, making the audio more "hi-fi"?
Based upon the logic of several proponents I've heard, maybe those stations experiencing the interference should roll back their highs. But most of the rural stations, especially Class As, are still doing fine with NRSC at 10 kHz (upper and lower sidebands). And our listeners do notice. I've heard it straight from their mouths.
I am proud of a full-throated sound of my AM stations and intend to keep it that way as long as possible. And if technology supplants analog service, I welcome the day. But until everybody can make up their cotton-picking mind how it's going to be done, please don't trash a service that's already struggling with its identity.
Here is the link to the full article:
http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/special-report/06_rwrf_june_22_part_1.shtml

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

 

HD digital radio-NOT OUTSIDE THE CITY, OR IN THE SUBURBS!

"If you don't have an HD station very close, they dont work!"
http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board?Post=638746&Board=hd

 

HD digital radio-But people don't want to listen to radio in CB quality at 5 kc.

HD Radio on AM "is going to be a disaster."

"Im scared of the commission once again being run by a bunch of bureaucrats mandating what we have to do, based on what they perceive to be a marketplace decision."

"I think we need some improvement in the AM spectrum. But the approach we're taking, reducing the frequency response to 5 kHz, is an absolute joke. It's only being done as a way to precondition for IBOC, in order to allow eventually more stations to be shoved into the spectrum than we already have."

"On AM I think the majority of small-town broadcasters will go to Cam-D. We'll not go digital (HD radio) on FM; we'll go with the system [FMeXtra from Digital Radio Express] that gives us additional channels for $9,000."

Quotes from Paul Mclane's article, quoting Ed De La Hunt.
Link to the full article:
http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/special-report/01_rw_page_4_feb_1b.shtml

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

 

HD digital radio-FIND A BETTER WAY, OR FORGET IT!

HD DIGITAL RADIO, WORTH THE DESTRUCTION AND EXPENSE?
Here is radio expert Robert C. Crane's http://www.cccrane.com/ (the radio company) analysis and letter about digital AM IBOC creating a usable signal only within the IBOC stations 2mV/m local analog coverage area. Crane proves that the coverage area of an AM digital IBOC station is 1/40th of the stations analog coverage area.
According to Crane, past the local 2mV/m analog coverage area AM IBOC creates severe jamming interference to other analog stations, and reverts back to a noisier (digitally hissed) signal on the HD radio.
For a typical AM station, the 2mV/m signal only extends a few miles from the tower.
Other reports from HD radio users claim the signal starts to become spotty and revert to analog beginning at the much shorter 5mV/m coverage area.
Calculations show the -28 db AM digital signal equals about 1.5 watts of signal per kilowatt of licensed broadcast power, but creates jamming interference to adjacent channel stations at a much greater distance because of the high density, loud, irritating, digital hissing, jamming waveform. The digital waveform used for HD radio is similar to very successful radio jamming waveforms used to jam radio stations during the cold war.
HD digital radio creates many more problems, and much more trouble and expense, then any slight benefit it can provide to broadcasters or listeners. The only profit seems to be to the cartel peddling this defective technology.
The NRSC-5 "mask" often sited as an FCC "standard" has not yet been accepted, and can not be found in the FCC rules. The "mask" was created, and is being claimed as a standard by the same cartel hypeing HD digital radio to sell equipment and expensive use licenses.
Be as sceptical about the wild claims made for HD digital radio by their hucksters, as you would be the claims made by politicians or used car salesmen. They are cut from the same cloth.

http://www.nrscstandards.org/DRB/NRSC%20eval%20iBiquityAM/Craneletter.pdf

Saturday, January 21, 2006

 

HD digital radio-CREATES A GIANT HISSING CONTEST ON AM AND FM!

IN METROPOLITAN AREAS VIRTUALLY ALL RADIO FREQUENCIES ARE ALREADY USED.
THERE ARE NO EMPTY ADJACENT CHANNELS TO BROADCAST ADDITIONAL DIGITAL HISS NECESSARY FOR HD DIGITAL RADIO, WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH OTHER LICENSED STATIONS.
THIS IS TRUE IN MOST POPULATED METROPOLITAN AREAS.
The most powerful stations are usually concentrated in or near the large cities.
HD digital radio will create jamming "hiss zones" in the suburban areas between the metropolitan areas, and jam local stations.
The digital hissing channels will overlap, creating digital intermodulation havoc.


There are 144 radio stations that may be barely perceptible from
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (39° 59' 53" N, 75° 08' 41"
Distances to the stations are in miles.

Info Call Sign Frequency Dist./Signal City School Format
WNJS 88.1 FM 24.6 mi. Berlin, NJ Public Radio
WNJT 88.1 FM 31.2 mi. Trenton, NJ Public Radio
WXPN 88.5 FM 6.1 mi. Philadelphia, PA University of Pennsylvania Adult Album Alternative
WBYO 88.9 FM 28.8 mi. Sellersville, PA Christian Contemporary
WBZC 88.9 FM 33.6 mi. Pemberton, NJ Burlington County College College
WWFM 89.1 FM 31.8 mi. Trenton, NJ Mercer County Community College Classical
WXVU 89.1 FM 10.5 mi. Villanova, PA Villanova University College
WYBF 89.1 FM 12.8 mi. Radnor Township, PA Cabrini College College
WNJB 89.3 FM 37.2 mi. Bridgeton, NJ Public Radio
WRDV 89.3 FM 14.5 mi. Warminster, PA Nostalgia
WSJI 89.5 FM 14.1 mi. Cherry Hill, NJ Religious
WDVR 89.7 FM 36.8 mi. Delaware Township, NJ Variety
WGLS 89.7 FM 22.5 mi. Glassboro, NJ Rowan University of NJ College
WRTI 90.1 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Temple University Public Radio
WVBV 90.5 FM 37.2 mi. Medford Lakes, NJ Religious
WHYY 90.9 FM 5.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Public Radio
WRTQ 91.3 FM 50.9 mi. Ocean City, NJ Temple University Public Radio
WTSR 91.3 FM 26.9 mi. Trenton, NJ The College of New Jersey College
WDBK 91.5 FM 15.8 mi. Blackwood, NJ Camden County College College
WSRN 91.5 FM 12.8 mi. Swarthmore, PA Swarthmore College College
WBMR 91.7 FM 22.6 mi. Telford, PA Religious
WKDU 91.7 FM 3.6 mi. Philadelphia, PA Drexel University College
WVLT 92.1 FM 34.8 mi. Vineland, NJ Oldies
WXTU 92.5 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Country
WMMR 93.3 FM 3.4 mi. Philadelphia, PA Rock
WSTW 93.7 FM 24.0 mi. Wilmington, DE Top-40
WYSP 94.1 FM 5.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Rock
WDAC 94.5 FM 58.5 mi. Lancaster, PA Religious
WPST 94.5 FM 20.6 mi. Trenton, NJ Classic Rock
WRDX 94.7 FM 59.5 mi. Dover, DE Classic Rock
WRSD 94.9 FM 12.6 mi. Folsom, PA Ridley High School Grade School (K-12)
W236AF (WBZC) 95.1 FM 15.7 mi. Burlington, NJ Burlington County College College
WAYV 95.1 FM 56.4 mi. Atlantic City, NJ Top-40
WZZO 95.1 FM 43.8 mi. Bethlehem, PA Rock
WBEN 95.7 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Adult Hits
WCTO 96.1 FM 44.0 mi. Easton, PA Country
WRDW 96.5 FM 5.6 mi. Philadelphia, PA Hip Hop
W245AG (WBMR) 96.9 FM 6.1 mi. Gladwyne, PA Religious
WFPG 96.9 FM 56.7 mi. Atlantic City, NJ Adult Contemporary
W246AQ (WXHL) 97.1 FM 3.3 mi. Collingswood, NJ Christian Contemporary
W246AR (WRDV) 97.1 FM 13.9 mi. Bensalem, PA Nostalgia
WIXM 97.3 FM 50.9 mi. Millville, NJ News/Talk
WTHK 97.5 FM 25.8 mi. Burlington, NJ Classic Rock
WOGL 98.1 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Oldies
WUSL 98.9 FM 6.0 mi. Philadelphia, PA Hip Hop
WAWZ 99.1 FM 52.1 mi. Zarephath, NJ Christian Contemporary
WJBR 99.5 FM 23.1 mi. Wilmington, DE Adult Contemporary
WHHS (CP) 99.9 FM 8.4 mi. Havertown, PA Haverford High School Grade School (K-12)
WODE 99.9 FM 49.3 mi. Easton, PA Classic Hits
WPHI 100.3 FM 6.1 mi. Media, PA Hip Hop
WLEV 100.7 FM 42.2 mi. Allentown, PA Adult Contemporary
WBEB 101.1 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Adult Contemporary
WKXW 101.5 FM 31.2 mi. Trenton, NJ News/Talk
WJKS 101.7 FM 40.5 mi. Canton, NJ Hip Hop
WIOQ 102.1 FM 6.0 mi. Philadelphia, PA Top-40
WRFY 102.5 FM 45.5 mi. Reading, PA Rock
WMGK 102.9 FM 5.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Classic Rock
WPRB 103.3 FM 31.2 mi. Princeton, NJ Princeton University College
W278AK (WXHL) 103.5 FM 18.6 mi. Village Green, PA Christian Contemporary
WMGM 103.7 FM 53.9 mi. Atlantic City, NJ Classic Rock
WXCY 103.7 FM 59.1 mi. Havre de Grace, MD Country
WPPZ 103.9 FM 5.8 mi. Jenkintown, PA Gospel Music
WAEB 104.1 FM 55.3 mi. Allentown, PA Top-40
WSNI 104.5 FM 5.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Oldies
WSJO 104.9 FM 41.2 mi. Egg Harbor City, NJ Hot AC
WIOV 105.1 FM 55.0 mi. Ephrata, PA Country
WDAS 105.3 FM 5.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Urban Contemporary
WCHR 105.7 FM 49.3 mi. Manahawkin, NJ Classic Rock
WJJZ 106.1 FM 6.2 mi. Philadelphia, PA Smooth Jazz
WKDN 106.9 FM 6.6 mi. Camden, NJ Religious
W297AD (WRDV) 107.3 FM 3.6 mi. Philadelphia, PA Nostalgia
WBYN 107.5 FM 38.8 mi. Boyertown, PA Religious
W300AD (WWFM) 107.9 FM 3.6 mi. Philadelphia, PA Mercer County Community College Classical
WHHS 107.9 FM 8.4 mi. Havertown, PA Haverford High School Grade School (K-12)
WRNB 107.9 FM 3.4 mi. Pennsauken, NJ Urban Contemporary

WLIE 540 AM 114.3 mi. Islip, NY Business News
WFIL 560 AM 9.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Religious
WHP 580 AM 97.8 mi. Harrisburg, PA Talk
WARM 590 AM 109.5 mi. Scranton, PA News/Talk
WIP 610 AM 9.3 mi. Philadelphia, PA Sports
WWJZ 640 AM 22.5 mi. Mount Holly, NJ Children's
WFAN 660 AM 93.1 mi. New York, NY Sports
WCBM 680 AM 100.9 mi. Baltimore, MD News/Talk
WPHE 690 AM 24.0 mi. Phoenixville, PA Spanish
WOR 710 AM 78.0 mi. New York, NY Talk
WWII 720 AM 96.6 mi. Shiremanstown, PA Religious
WKDL 730 AM 135.8 mi. Alexandria, VA Spanish
WVCH 740 AM 16.2 mi. Chester, PA Religious
WBMD 750 AM 88.1 mi. Baltimore, MD Religious
WABC 770 AM 83.2 mi. New York, NY News/Talk
WAVA 780 AM 130.8 mi. Arlington, VA Unknown Format
WAEB 790 AM 49.8 mi. Allentown, PA Talk
WTMR 800 AM 6.6 mi. Camden, NJ Religious
WEEU 830 AM 62.8 mi. Reading, PA News/Talk
WWDB 860 AM 16.1 mi. Philadelphia, PA Business News
WCBS 880 AM 93.1 mi. New York, NY News/Talk
WURD 900 AM 6.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA News
WSBA 910 AM 84.8 mi. York, PA News/Talk
WPHY 920 AM 23.2 mi. Trenton, NJ Sports
WPEN 950 AM 6.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Oldies
WTEM 980 AM 121.1 mi. Washington, DC Sports
WNTP 990 AM 9.7 mi. Philadelphia, PA Talk
WIBG 1020 AM 58.6 mi. Ocean City/Somers Po, NJ Religious
WCHR 1040 AM 36.2 mi. Flemington, NJ Religious
KYW 1060 AM 9.1 mi. Philadelphia, PA News
WBAL 1090 AM 96.7 mi. Baltimore, MD News/Talk
WGPA 1100 AM 44.7 mi. Bethlehem, PA Variety
WNAP 1110 AM 13.0 mi. Norristown, PA Gospel Music
WBBR 1130 AM 80.9 mi. New York, NY Business News
WDEL 1150 AM 24.0 mi. Wilmington, DE News/Talk
WBYN 1160 AM 63.6 mi. Lehighton, PA Religious
WOBM 1160 AM 49.4 mi. Lakewood Township, NJ Nostalgia
WPHT 1210 AM 8.5 mi. Philadelphia, PA Talk
WEEX 1230 AM 49.3 mi. Easton, PA Sports
WIOV 1240 AM 47.8 mi. Reading, PA Sports
WSNJ 1240 AM 37.4 mi. Bridgeton, NJ Nostalgia
WBUD 1260 AM 27.6 mi. Trenton, NJ Nostalgia
WWTX 1290 AM 27.4 mi. Wilmington, DE Sports
WIMG 1300 AM 24.7 mi. Ewing, NJ Gospel Music
WEMG 1310 AM 3.2 mi. Camden, NJ Spanish
WTKZ 1320 AM 44.7 mi. Allentown, PA Sports
WJSS 1330 AM 59.8 mi. Havre de Grace, MD Christian Contemporary
WHAT 1340 AM 3.4 mi. Philadelphia, PA Talk
WHWH 1350 AM 33.2 mi. Princeton, NJ Business News
WNJC 1360 AM 14.6 mi. Vineland, NJ Variety
WPAZ 1370 AM 32.0 mi. Pottstown, PA Oldies
WTMC 1380 AM 28.5 mi. Wilmington, DE Talk
WEST 1400 AM 46.8 mi. Easton, PA Nostalgia
WDOV 1410 AM 59.5 mi. Dover, DE News
WCOJ 1420 AM 35.5 mi. Coatesville, PA Oldies
WMVB 1440 AM 40.4 mi. Millville, NJ Adult Contemporary
WNPV 1440 AM 18.9 mi. Lansdale, PA Talk
WILM 1450 AM 28.5 mi. Wilmington, DE News/Talk
WIFI 1460 AM 19.4 mi. Florence, NJ Christian Contemporary
WKAP 1470 AM 47.6 mi. Allentown, PA Oldies
WDAS 1480 AM 3.6 mi. Philadelphia, PA Gospel Music
WBCB 1490 AM 20.2 mi. Levittown, PA Variety
WFAI 1510 AM 33.3 mi. Salem, NJ Religious
WCHE 1520 AM 26.0 mi. West Chester, PA Talk
WNWR 1540 AM 5.9 mi. Philadelphia, PA Ethnic
WISP 1570 AM 22.7 mi. Doylestown, PA Religious
WGYM 1580 AM 31.7 mi. Hammonton, NJ News/Talk
WPWA 1590 AM 18.5 mi. Chester, PA Gospel Music
WTTM 1680 AM 33.2 mi. Princeton, NJ Asian

Thursday, January 19, 2006

 

HD digital radio-Benefits a few at the expense of the many.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PUBLIC AIRWAVES FAR OUTWEIGHS ANY BENEFIT.
The media is already over concentrated in the hands of far too few vested interests.
HD digital radio jamms existing analog stations by broadcasting modem type digital hissing noise all over the public's AM and FM bands.
Provides fewer stations, not more, by jamming popular stations you can now receive clearly and enjoy.
Jamms lower power local, community, and suburban stations most. The same stations that provide valuable choice, diversity, and otherwise unavailable, unduplicated, local news, sports, entertainment and information.
Reduces diversity, restricts local news, information, and free speech, by allowing powerful broadcast stations and conglomerates to control and jam independent voices with digital noise.
Has digital coverage limited to only a few miles from the station's transmitter.
Provides few benefits, but maximum destruction, of the current analog broadcasting system the public depends upon, especially in emergencies.
Is a seriously flawed, expensive, technology that benefits a very few group station owners, at the expense of the many.
Obsoletes almost 1 billion AM and FM radios the public already owns.
Provides little benefit for the general public, at the great cost of destroying their airwaves.
The internet already provides hundreds of thousands of iPod downloads and broadcast streams, wireless inernet is already on the way. There is no need for a destructive new proprietary digital signals to jam analog broadcasting.
http://worldsupercaster.blogspot.com/

 

HD digital radio-Just because it’s new and digital does not make it better.

"I just can’t see ever upgrading my radio to HD."

"So one of the things you’ve probably heard about today is that your existing radio stations are converting to digital. What that means is that you’ll get the same clear stations with the limited programming you get now, but in crisp digital, as opposed to that lame analog you are listening to now. Of course you’ll need a new radio to enjoy this."

Here is the link to the complete article:
http://www.atmasphere.net/wp/archives/2005/01/05/hd-radio

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

 

HD digital radio-Jamms your neighbors-FOR BROADCAST ENGINEERS

It is a matter of record that 2nd adjacent interference to analog was observed in both the AM and FM IBOC systems, under laboratory conditions with pristine signals.
We've been through this one before, but I guess I'll have to say it again.
It is not necessary to postulate Tx problems in order to have 2nd adjacent issues. It is a matter of record that 2nd adjacent interference to analog was observed in both the AM and FM IBOC systems, under laboratory conditions with pristine signals. Obviously IMD from the transmitter canmake matters worse, but problems may exist even when the IMD is insignificant.
Barry-- Barry McLarnon VE3JF Ottawa, ON
Source:
http://lists.radiolists.net/pipermail/tech-zone/2005-November/000176.html

 

HD digital radio-FAILS AGAIN!-(for broadcast engineers)

A large bird squatting on the tower can change everything, and IMHO "annual" mask measurements have become a joke with the advent of NRSC-5.
On 26 Nov 2005 at 3:00, Alan Alsobrook wrote:> In actual practice it does seem to be hitting up to the 3rd on a few > I've listened to. I must admit that this was simply consumer receiver
> listening. So I can't say much as to the reason, be it receiver induced > or excessive bandwidth from the source.All I can say is I've seen Richard Hinkle's demo of adaptive predistortionwhere there was plenty of garbage at +/- 20 kHz around -70 with some showing up at +/- 30 kHz; then about 30-45 seconds after doing the Capt.Picard "Engage" number, all is clear above -90 at both second and third.Truly amazing.Considering the variations typical in DA operation, and for that matter,in a simple ATU/tower combination with temperature and moisture variation,I don't see how it will be possible to operate MW-IBOC/HD without a predistorter and continuous monitoring such as Belar is bringing to marketsoon.Maybe it's just me, but I don't see how you can KNOW what your emissions are unless you watch them. A large bird squatting on the tower can change everything, and IMHO "annual" mask measurements have become a joke withthe advent of NRSC-5.
Phil Alexander, CSRE, AMDBroadcast Engineering Services and Technology (a Div. of Advanced Parts Corporation) Ph. (317) 335-2065 FAX (317) 335-9037

Source:
http://lists.radiolists.net/pipermail/tech-zone/2005-November/000147.html

 

HD digital radio LLL-LIES, LIES, AND MORE LIES!

"I’m concerned for the future of AM IBOC with the Ibiquity system. If adopted as-is, multiple lawsuits from aggrieved and irate parties seems likely."
"P.E. Timothy Cutforth of Vir James Engineers spoke of severe 2nd adjacent interference posed by the 6 Denver AM’s that were operating with HD Radio. Some of this was within the 2 mV contour of the "desired" station. Tim also charged that the present STA operations do not properly comply with the NRSC-2 mask, which uses a 10 minute peak detection."
The comments and replies on HD Radio-IBOC in general, and the NRSC-5 standard in particular, continued to roll in right up to the August 17 deadline. Nearly 1000 comment postings are listed in Docket 99-325. A number of Consulting Engineers and smaller broadcasting companies expressed concerns about interference with the AM system. P.E. Timothy Cutforth of Vir James Engineers spoke of severe 2nd adjacent interference posed by the 6 Denver AM’s that were operating with HD Radio. Some of this was within the 2 mV contour of the "desired" station. Tim also charged that the present STA operations do not properly comply with the NRSC-2 mask, which uses a 10 minute peak detection. Tim stated: "The very manufacturers setting up IBOC equipment are specifying that the spectrum analyzer should be set for average not peak detection as specified in NRSC-2. The new proposed NRSC-5 standard calls for several allowable spikes 20 dB above the (averaging detector) mask level. The present FCC rule upon which the IBOC STA operation is based specify peak detection and NO SPIKES above the mask level over a ten minute observation period. Again the broadcaster and the FCC has been mislead into believing that the IBOC STA operation complies fully with the present NRSC-2 emission mask when in fact it may miss the mark by 20 dB or more as actually installed and measured."
Broadcast Company of the Americas (BCA), which programs 50 kW 1090 XEPRS, was particularly concerned. Thanks to favorable propagation over the ocean, this Mexican AM has a 5 mV/m signal over much of Los Angeles, but received severe interference over large areas within that contour when Infinity's 50 kW KNX 1070 Los Angeles and Disney's 50 kW KDIS 1110 Pasadena turned on their HD exciters. BCA mirrored Cutforth’s concerns: "Whereas NRSC-2 used peak weighting and 10-minute spectrum storage for spectrograms, the proposed NRSC-5 uses average weighting and 30-second storage. The relatively lax NRSC-5 standard thus tends to gloss over what the ear actually hears as "hiss/noise" and what the spectrum analyzer displays. The NRSC-2 spectrum was never "maxed out" within a few seconds of storage time. It took many minutes to build up the NRSC-2 spectrum mask, unlike NRSC-5’s instant build up with constant digital signals. Additionally, NRSC-5 allows for two discrete "spikes" within 75 kHz of the carrier frequency to be 10 dB above the emission mask, with the result that a hybrid transmission that is barely meeting the proposed mask can claim compliance with the NRSC-5 standard. The ear hears these vast differences in digital and analog sidebands." (XEPRS was formerly "The Mighty 1090" XERB, with the inimitable Wolfman Jack.)
Having done hundreds of AM NRSC measurements over the years, I can verify that a station that meets the mask in a 10 minute peak test will normally have average sidebands many dB lower. The mask was never intended to be a limit for "good" operation, but a maximum for a "worst case" station operation. Some really lousy sounding AM stations with very audible sideband splatter can still pass the NRSC mask. While I’m still optimistic about the FM system, after reading many of these comments I’m concerned for the future of AM IBOC with the Ibiquity system. If adopted as-is, multiple lawsuits from aggrieved and irate parties seems likely.

HERE IS THE LINK:
http://www.sbe124.org/newsletters/pdx0905/

 

HD digital radio-Out of 940 comments filed with the FCC, MOST ARE AGAINST HD!

MOST OF THE 940 OFFICIAL COMMENTS FILED WITH THE FCC, BEFORE THE FILING PERIOD CLOSED, WERE AGAINST ACCEPTING THE STANDARD AS SUBMITTED.
Here is the link:
http://www.nab.org/newsroom/PressRel/Releases/nrsc041605.htm

 

HD digital radio-"INTERUM AUTHORITY" NOT THE SAME AS "FINAL APPROVAL"

ANOTHER HD DIGITAL RADIO LIE DETECTED!
The FCC has given broadcasters interim authority to implement iBiquity's HD Radio™ system, which is a specific implementation of NRSC 5.
Source:
http://www.nab.org/newsroom/PressRel/Releases/nrsc041605.htm

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

 

HD DIGITAL RADIO-Encryption requirement to prevent downloading.

"The RIAA has suggested broadly empowering the FCC to mandate that all radio broadcasters encrypt their digital content at the source."
The NAB objects claiming millions of HD digital radios would become obsolete.
Some would argue that this is wishful thinking on the NAB's part because there are few HD Radio receivers actually in the field.

Here is the link to the full article:
http://beradio.com/currents/radio_currents_010906/index.html#riaa

Sunday, January 15, 2006

 

FMeXtra vs HD Radio-Comments

Independent comments from broadcast engineers comparing the two FM digital systems.

"> > Thats a cool system, it seems much more superior to IBOC. > > Why havent we heard more about it? > > Because our pals at Ibiquity wouldn't be able to charge > their superior licensing fees for their inferior product > they are sticking us with... > At least with the whole HD-2 thing we might gain enough > extra revenue to recover all the fees someday... Maybe. Thats just it. FMeXtra is superior in several ways to HD. First off, the Codecs sound much better. Why can't iBiquity get it right. How come the FM codec doesn't sound much better than the AM codec. FMeXtra managed to squeeze two really good sounding stereo streams in the subcarrier band. Even TieLine Technology http://www.tieline.com/ was able to develop a codec that gives you quality stereo audio over a POTS Dialup connection! Where has (or why has) iBiquity gone wrong? Secondly, all the radio station has to do is buy the FMeXtra encoder/generator. Once you have it, you got it. Plug it in, configure it, and you're done, its on the air. With HD, stations need to spend money on combiners or additional antennas. Thirdly, There is the annual licensing fee for HD. There are no fees with FMeXtra. Fourthly, there is no issue of adjacent channel interference from FMeXtra as it uses the existing subcarrier part of the channel, and not the sidebands. Drawbacks: You need to keep the Analog Modulation in check. No more overmodulating. Also the range doesn'treach quite as far as the usable main channel Analog signal. This however is no different with the current HD system. Other Perks: FMeXtra is fully compatible with HD, so a station could use both at the same time if they wanted. The system supports ancillary data as well. It can also be configured to allow for use of RDS. So why haven't we heard more about it? The problem is that it is a superior system that would allow the little independant and college/community stations to remain on a level playing field with the big corporate broadcasters. FMeXtra is developed by DREinc which itself is a small private company. iBiquity is a conglomeration supported by all the big corporate broadcasters and then some. There is too much invested in iBiquity's system to let some little independant guy come along and steal their corporate thunder. By advocating a system that requires major technical upgrades, expensive equipment, and "superior licensing fees" they basically edge out the little broadcasters who can't aford it, thus allowing more room for big bucks corporate radio. Tell everyone you know about DREinc and FMeXtra! "
http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board?Post=628373&Board=engineering

 

HD digital FM-POOR QUALITY-JAMMS OTHER STATIONS!

Here is a link providing engineering proof that HD digital radio is a seriously defective system.
http://users.tns.net/~bb/iboc.htm

 

HD digital radio jamms stations!

Before and after spectrum analysis proving HD digital AM radio jamms other stations!
Here is the link:
http://www.dallas.net/~jvpoll/rfi/AM620_KMKI/AM620_KMKI_01.html

 

HD DIGITAL RADIO IBOC technology has not been proven to work.

"In almost every test conducted in the past ten years, the IBOC system failed to perform as well as expected."

Observers that have listened to IBOC test stations have heard sound effects on adjacent channels that they have likened to "a buzz saw."

NEXT FCC GIVEAWAY: DIGITAL RADIO, by Pete Tridish & Amy Hammersmith
Here is the link to the full article:

http://www.media-alliance.org/article.php?story=20040514121942368&mode=print

 

I expect IBOC to die the same death as AM Stereo.

"If everyone adopts IBOC, they should destroy each other totally."
Here is the link to the complete review article about AM and FM HD digital radio IBOC:
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/Page3/iboc.htm

 

What does IBOC add to the enjoyment of the FM radio listener? Nothing!

"But, as with all entertainment services, it is the content that is the real market driver. What does IBOC add to the enjoyment of the FM radio listener? Nothing. Will buyers go out for a new IBOC receiver for a switch to digital quality? No. So, do I believe that the IBOC market for existing FM stations is a moot issue? You bet."
"From this Editor's viewpoint of the radio industry iBiquity's IBOC is a wonderful idea, poorly engineered. Were there any analog RF engineers in the design team or did "digital" make assumptions about reality? All in A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Here is the link to the full review:
http://www.analogzone.com/nete0819.htm

Monday, January 09, 2006

 

HD digital radio-Just Hype-"WHERE'S THE BEEF?"

"IBOC is a solution running around in search of a problem that doesn't exist. I have yet to hear anyone say, "I don't listen to radio anymore because AM (or FM) sounds horrible," but I *have* heard people say that they abandoned radio because of lousy programming. If stations that play stale voice-tracked playlists or schlock infomercials think they can magically expand their audience shares by broadcasting such program content in IBOC, I have some prime Martian real estate for them at a very reasonable price... It's ironic that IBOC's backers are pushing it primarily for car receivers, because with the ambient vehicle noise the supposedly better audio quality wouldn't be apparent anyway."
Here is the link to the full posting:
http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board?Post=617562&Board=engineering

Friday, January 06, 2006

 

HD DIGITAL RADIO-EXPENSIVE HOAX

HD DIGITAL RADIO-SPUTTERS-VERY LIMITED RANGE!
Here is a link to a Philadelphia Daily News article about HD digital radio, and my reply is below.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/nightlife/13537303.htm

My letter to the editor:
Oh, if the rosy picture you paint for HD digital radio were only true.
I am in favor of digital audio and digital media except for the proprietary HD Radio-NRSC-5-iBiquity system which is destructive, deceptive, and not in "the public interest, convenience, or necessity." It will do far more to destroy broadcasting, and the public's airwaves, then any possible benefit. As more digital stations sign on the air the digital hissing and jamming will spread across the dial, jamming more and more licensed stations, and eventually making the broadcast bands a noisy wasteland. This system is severely flawed and has misrepresented itself to the public and the government. HD Radio should not be approved or allowed.

Here, in northeast Philly, WDAS 1480 (AM) jamms the primary signal of WBCB 1490 (AM) in their primary coverage, with a continuous, annoying digital hiss.
Thousands of favorite AM and FM stations will be jammed by these digital signals (which sound like a computer modem) as more and more digital stations invade the airwaves. Each HD Radio AM or FM station blocks up to 5 channels, jamming and blocking other popular stations with digital noise. Proove it yourelf! Just tune to either side of a HD digital AM station with any ordinary AM radio. The hissing noise is loud, plain and jamms other stations. The digital stations here in Philadelphia are WIP 610, WPEN 950, and WDAS 1480. The situation is similar on FM.

HD digital AM radio requires the current analog fidelity to be cut in half, in order to accommodate the new digital signals, and creates an annoying digital hiss that can not be tuned out with most current analog radios. The public now owns over 800 million analog AM/FM radios, and they all will become obsolete due to digital hissing. Conveniently for the HD cartel, they have an expensive, poor performing, replacement.

There are other, better, compatible systems to transmit digital audio that are not getting proper consideration because of political misrepresentations, maneuvers, lobbying, and "influence" being spread around by the HD Radio Cartel/Consortium. Other systems are Kahn CamD for AM and FMeXtra for FM. Neither jams other stations and both provide fully compatible digital broadcast service without destroying the current analog broadcasting system. Both are fully compatible with the current AM and FM broadcasting system and standards, while HD Radio is not.

HD digital radio claims to be in band, on channel. But it is off channel, and will soon be all over the band if HD digital radio proponents have their way.

The FCC is now considering final acceptance of this seriously flawed system. Let them know that you do not want HD digital radio jamming the public's airwaves.

There is much less coverage area, not more, as falsely promised.
HD digital radio does not overcome interference, in most cases, it creates it.
HD digital radio creates an annoying digital hiss, jamming other favorite stations.
Fewer stations, not more.
Less diversity, not more.
Lower fidelity, not more.
More expense, not less.

Do you want your radios to perform as poorly as your digital cell phone?
They will soon, if HD Radio has it's way.

My websites further discuss this impending digital disaster, and are listed below.
HD digital radio is a DIGITAL DISASTER.

Sincerely,
Richard Franklin
http://worldsupercaster.blogspot.com/

FMeXtra info: http://www.dreinc.com/www/main_radio.htm

Kahn CamD info: http://www.wrathofkahn.org/wst_page5.html

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

 

HD DIGITAL RADIO-believe it or NOT!

HD DIGITAL RADIO-FORGETABOUTIT!
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Dear Digital Radio Babe,
Oh, if the rosy picture you paint for HD-2 radio were only true.
I am in favor of digital audio and digital media except for the proprietary HD Radio-NRSC-5-iBiquity system which is destructive, deceptive, and not in "the public interest, convenience, or necessity." It will do far more to destroy broadcasting, and the public's airwaves, then any possible benefit. As more digital stations sign on the air the digital hissing and jamming will spread across the dial, jamming more and more licensed stations, and eventually making the broadcast bands a noisy wasteland. This system is severely flawed and has misrepresented itself to the public and the government. HD Radio should not be approved or allowed.
There are other, better, compatible systems to transmit digital audio that are not getting proper consideration because of political misrepresentations, maneuvers, lobbying, and "influence" being spread around by the HD Radio Cartel/Consortium.
Other systems are Kahn CamD for AM and fmXtra for FM. Neither jams other stations and both provide fully compatible digital broadcast service without destroying the current analog broadcasting system. Both are fully compatible with the current AM and FM broadcasting system and standards, while HD Radio is not.
HD digital AM radio requires the current analog fidelity to be cut in half, and creates an annoying digital hiss that can not be tuned out with most current analog radios. The public now owns over 800 million analog AM/FM radios, and they all will become obsolete. Conveniently for the cartel, they have an expensive, poor performing, replacement.
Each HD Radio station is up to 5 channels wide, jamming and blocking other stations with digital noise.
There is much less coverage area, not more.
Fewer stations, not more.
Less diversity, not more.
Lower fidelity, not more.
Do you want your radios to perform as poorly as your digital cell phone?
They will soon, if HD Radio has it's way.
My websites further discuss this impending digital disaster, and are listed below.
HD digital radio is a DIGITAL DISASTER.
Sincerely,
Richard Franklin
http://worldsupercaster.blogspot.com
http://commonsensesolutions.blogspot.com

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