HD Radio Programming Expands
The HD Radio Alliance said Monday that an additional 22 radio markets are ready to begin broadcasting HD2 channels, which is additional high-definition programming that piggybacks digital on the main broadcast signal.
With the new channels, 50 radio markets would now have the service, spanning over 450 new radio stations as a result. Locales to now receive HD2 programming would include Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas among others.
According to a statement, this puts the rollout of the radio technology nearly six months ahead of schedule.
Some of these new markets would also feature several new formats created to continue diversifying content available. These include Eclectic Chill-Out, Christian Contemporary, Cafe Jazz & Blues, Mash-Up and Outlaw Country.
HD2 programming would be customized to the tastes of each market, executives said. "Unlike any other audio entertainment source, radio is all about serving the local community and these new HD2 channels will do just that," HD Radio Alliance president and CEO Peter Ferrara said.
The service, which is free of charge, is now available from at least two dozen online and brick-and-mortar retailers, with receivers manufactured by at least 15 companies. The group also said that by 2008, nearly 30 models of automobiles with come with HD Radio factory installed.