MIPS Project Detail:
Company
Company Description:
iBiquity Digital is the developer and licenser of HD Radio™ Technology, which is transforming AM and FM broadcasting with a vastly increased number of channels, dramatically improved sound quality, and an array of new data services. iBiquity is actively engaged with broadcasters, receiver, component and broadcast equipment manufacturers, automotive manufacturers and retailers in the United States and around the world to ensure the swift and successful adoption of HD Radio Technology.
MIPS Project
HD Radio System Testing at Increased Power Levels
Project #
3906
|
MIPS Round
39
|
Starting Date:
Feb 2007
MIPS Project Challenge:
iBiquity sought to obtain FCC clearance for the use of higher broadcast power levels for the digital carriers in the FM HD Radio system.
Project Scope:
Salisbury researchers examined higher power levels for the digital carriers in the FM HD Radio system. The MIPS project focused on the feasibility of increasing power levels and the potential impact of that increase on adjacent analog channels. Increased digital power levels allow broadcasters to increase the coverage of their digital signals and to enhance the signal penetration of buildings. The project also involved the collection of audio samples of analog radio programming from several existing radio stations. Analog broadcasts were examined with the digital power of adjacent channel stations set to existing authorized levels and proposed higher levels. A subjective evaluation of the audio samples was conducted using listeners to determine if they perceive a diminution in audio quality.
Results:
There was no appreciable decrease in audio quality from the increase in digital power levels. This finding allowed the broadcast industry to become comfortable with the benefits of increasing digital power levels for the HD Radio system and allowed the industry to seek FCC authorization for an overall increase in digital power levels. Various broadcasters supported iBiquity’s request to allow broadcasters to increase the power level of their digital radio broadcasts. On January 29, 2010, the FCC issued an order authorizing FM radio stations to increase their digital power levels based on the test results conducted pursuant to the MIPS grant. iBiquity also distributed results to regulators in other countries considering HD Radio adoption and to the International Telecommunication Union. The information about high-power FM broadcasts helped to encourage the Mexican government to adopt HD Radio technology as the digital radio standard in Mexico. The FCC authorization of increased power resulted in several dozen stations around the country increasing the power levels of their digital broadcasts and improving the quality of their digital signals.
Principal Investigator:
Ellyn
Sheffield
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
Project Manager:
Albert
Shuldiner
Senior VP & General Counsel
Technologies:
Communications
