Frequently Asked Questions

HD Radio is a digital radio standard developed by iBiquity Digital Corp., recognized by the FCC and backed by broadcasting, consumer electronics and automotive industry leaders. It works by transmitting analog and digital signals simultaneously on the same frequency (IBOC — In Band On Channel). Digital receivers decode CD-quality audio; conventional analog receivers continue to work normally.

AM broadcasts can be received with FM-quality audio, and FM with CD-quality audio. HD Radio also enables data services delivered to the receiver: song and artist name, weather information, traffic updates, sports scores, stock quotes, and more. It also enables additional channels (HD2, HD3) within the same FM carrier.

Stations transmit their existing analog signal and the new digital signal on the same channel. AM stations use the same transmitter for both analog and digital broadcast: a digital exciter is simply connected to the transmitter's external RF input.

If you have a Continental Lensa K5 or K6 series AM transmitter, you should be able to broadcast HD Radio by adding a digital exciter and some modifications. Other Continental Lensa or third-party solid-state transmitters may require additional work. Tube-based transmitters are generally not suitable for HD Radio digital operation.

Purchase a digital-ready transmitter now without the digital exciter. This way you get a future-proof unit without investing in the exciter until your country adopts digital broadcasting. All Continental Lensa X.DA models are designed to accept a digital exciter as a future upgrade.

Only five companies worldwide are licensed by iBiquity Digital Corp. to manufacture HD Radio-compatible transmitters and exciters: Nautel (Canada), Continental Lensa (Chile), Broadcast Electronics (USA), Continental Electronics (USA), and Harris (USA). Always ask your supplier for the license certificate.

It depends on your specific situation. AM stations with a non-directional antenna and a recently designed ATU will generally work. If the ATU is older, an expert should evaluate its frequency response: the HD Radio digital signal requires at least 30 kHz of bandwidth. Bandwidth-widening, symmetry-correction, or phase-correction circuits may be needed.

You will need an audio processor designed for HD Radio. Also evaluate: Is your STL link digital? Is your current audio processor digital? Is your console digital? Are you using any audio compression algorithm incompatible with IBOC? Is your automation system compatible? What monitoring equipment do you need?

HD Radio technology enables improved signal quality, better audio, innovative programming through additional channels, technological leadership positioning, retention of listeners migrating to digital formats, and new revenue streams through data services.

Continental Lensa continuously updates its website with information on HD Radio developments worldwide. You can also contact us directly through the contact form or by phone: +56 224.625.000.