HD Radio is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. The new technology allows AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally—a tremendous leap from the analog broadcasts of the past.

The technology behind HD Radio allows stations to broadcast higher-quality versions of their normal programming, as well as alternate formats not available on regular radio. And like traditional analog radio, HD Radio is completely free, with no subscription fees. Here’s what else you can look forward to:

Improved sound quality

FM stations with CD-quality sound, AM stations with FM-quality sound
Crystal-clear reception with no distortion

New music, new sounds

New artists, genres and songs
New programs and formats

More of what you want to hear

New channels with more talk, news and music
More complete sets, full albums and in-depth interviews

More information

More info on your dial, such as traffic data and stock info
Real-time artist and song IDs

Basically, HD Radio works the same as traditional analog radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences.

If you’re ready to make the leap to HD Radio, we have the hardware you’ll need. Click here to browse our selection. You can even check out a coverage map to see which stations near you are broadcasting in HD.

HD Radio technology means that FM signals approach CD-quality sound, and AM stations sound as good as traditional FM broadcasts. Click on the demos below to hear the difference.