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HD Digital Radio
Experience your favorite public radio programs in digital clarity.
On May 1, 2004, KUOW became the first public radio station in our region to broadcast in HD Radio.
KUOW 94.9 FM Seattle broadcasts three digital channels:
- KUOW HD1: Broadcasts current KUOW programming.
- KUOW HD2: Broadcasts KUOW2, an additional public service from KUOW.
- KUOW HD3: Broadcasts BBC World Service.
KQOW 90.3 FM in Bellingham broadcasts in three digital channels (same as KUOW).
KUOW 1340 AM Tumwater/Olympia broadcasts in one digital channel.
Just as HDTV provides television viewers with a crisp video image, HD Radio technology provides radio listeners with a stronger, cleaner signal than analog radio. When you listen to any KUOW service on a digital receiver, you will hear how clear your favorite programs sound: free from static, hiss, pops and fades.
KUOW broadcasting in HD Radio is better than digital satellite radio.
- KUOW HD is near-CD quality — satellite radio quality varies on the feed.
- KUOW HD is available to all listeners — satellite radio is a paid monthly subscription service.
- KUOW HD offers local programming — satellite radio does not.
The listening area for KUOW's HD channels is roughly the same as our analog FM signal. If you are in an area with good reception for KUOW FM, then you are likely to have no difficulty receiving KUOW HD channels on an HD receiver. However, for those in areas where reception is spotty, the HD signal may not be strong enough for HD radios.
At the present time, there are only a few HD radios on the market. Many new cars come with HD as a standard feature on the radio. Also, many of the add-on radio and CD players for cars come with HD without extra cost. For the home or office, there are several portable and table top models ranging from around $50 to $100.
Resources:
KUOW is proud to take a leadership role for this important service in the Puget Sound region. If you have any questions, please email webstaff@kuow.org.
