Our first article is about Digital Radio.

We here at WCNY are very excited that we are continuing our digital conversion with another new project. Over the next several months, we will be converting our three radio stations, WCNY, WUNY, and WJNY-FM, to the digital broadcasting format. OK… what’s that mean?

What is digital radio?

Digital radio is a new format for transmitting our radio signals using a method of transmission that allows us to provide:

1. Our WCNY-FM (CLASSIC FM) programming in crystal clear CD quality.

2. AND, provide up to two more radio channels simultaneously.

3. AND, continue to provide our existing analog FM signal.

This is multi-casting, just like we do with our digital television station. Using new technologies developed, we are able to squeeze in additional programming into our existing FM signals without losing quality.

You will often hear digital radio described as HD Radio, or IBOC radio, and I’m asked quite often, what’s the difference between these, and what do they mean. HD Radio is just a marketing name for the new digital system. IBOC stands for In Band On Channel. This is the really neat thing about the digital radio system. All of these additional services we will be providing are all combined right inside the same FM channel we are currently using. This means that you will still be able to use your current analog radio to get our WCNY-FM (CLASSIC FM) signal until you are ready to get a digital radio. When you are ready to get a digital radio, you will then be able to receive our WCNY-FM (CLASSIC FM) programming in higher quality, and with no transmission static, and also take advantage of the additional programming services that we will provide. Digital radios are available for both home use and for your car. For more information on these radios, please call me at the station, or e-mail me at john_duffy@wcny.org.

Also, check out this website for some more information on digital radio and how you will be able to listen to WCNY.

I will keep you updated on the progress of our conversion over the course of the year in these Technology Corner updates. Also, please feel free to call me at the station, or e-mail me to talk about this and other topics or concerns you have. I look forward to hearing from you.

Next issue, we’ll talk about the end of analog television, as we know it.