Volvo S60: How HD broadcasting works

Volvo S60 / Volvo S60 Owners Manual / Infotainment / Radio / HD Radio reception (U.S. models only) / How HD broadcasting works

HD Radio works similarly to conventional radio and broadcasts of this type are available in many areas of the United States. However, there are a few key differences:

Instead of transmitting one analogue signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analogue and digital.
An HD radio receiver can receive both digital and analogue broadcasts. Depending on the terrain and location of the vehicle (which will influence the signal strength), the receiver will determine which signal to receive.

Benefits of digital broadcasting

Better sound (FM sounds near CD quality and AM as analogue FM). Some FM frequencies offer a greater number of listening choices through “multicasting” (consisting of a frequency's main ...

Limitations

Main channel vs. sub-channels (FM only): The main channel is the only channel that can receive in hybrid mode (both digital and analogue). If a frequency has subchannels, they are broadcast i ...