What is HD Radio broadcasting? - HD Radio is an improved version of what you already love: quality and diverse radio programming available at no cost to you. With HD Radio the quality of a digital signal is higher and the digital form allows stations to split their signal into multiple channels. HD Radio also broadcasts additional information as well, such as program information.

Is this related to televisions conversion to digital? - Many things are moving to a digital world. There is a federal mandate that all television stations must convert to a digital signal by February 17, 2009. [Learn more about this conversion] Although Radio’s transition is not federally mandated, this new technology improves the user experience and prepares us for the future.

What's the difference between satellite radio and HD Radio technology? - Satellite radio is a subscription service that requires users to pay monthly fees for content delivered to them from networks of satellites. HD Radio broadcasting is commonly referred to as "terrestrial digital radio" because it operates compatibly with the same frequencies AM and FM stations are on currently. And, while you'll need a new receiver to get the new digital content, once you get that the service is free.

Do I need to buy a radio to hear the other station? - To hear WFIU’s second audio channel you will need a special HD Radio receiver for either your car or home audio system. WFIU will remain at its same dial position and you can still hear WFIU with your current analog radio.

What is the price range for HD Radios? - HD Radio’s start at around $100 and go up from there.

I don’t want to buy a new radio but would like to hear the second channel now and then, what equipment do I need? - If you have a computer with high-speed Internet connection you will be able to stream this second audio channel online from anywhere in the world.

Where can I purchase a digital radio? And when? - HD Radio radios are available in tabletop, component, car, and hybrid car/home versions. The list of manufacturers includes: Boston Acoustics, Accurian by RadioShack, Cambridge Soundworks, Polk Audio, Sangean and more. In Bloomington, HD Radios are currently available at Best Buy. Many online retailers offer HD Radios such as NPR Shop and Amazon.

Will I someday not be able to receive WFIU on my present receiver—at home and in the car? - Not for a very long time. The FCC is relying on marketplace competition, instead of a mandate (like television), to move the digital radio conversion ahead. While it is true that you will need a new radio to benefit from digital radio, your present radios should hold you in good stead for some time to come. Radio stations that do convert (such as WFIU) will be required to continue to offer their existing analog transmission services throughout the conversion.

I like WFIU as is and am not interested in more talk or more music, but I’m about to buy a new radio. What should I buy? - For now, your regular FM radio will continue to work just fine—but the potential for exciting new services might encourage you to try out an HD Radio sooner rather than later. We suggest that you consider HD Radio.

I listen to Terre Haute on 95.1, can I get the second channel? - Currently the second audio channel is not available in any of our translator communities (Columbus, French Lick/West Baden, Greensburg, Kokomo, or Terre Haute). However, if you have a computer with high-speed Internet connection you will be able to stream this second audio channel online from anywhere in the world.

I’m getting a new car. What should I ask for? A number of automobile manufacturers are expected to offer HD Radio option upgrades in select 2008 model cars, and most 2008 models of Ford and BMW will come equipped with HD Radios. Check out this updated list of manufacturers.

What will be on this new channel? - We are currently working on a schedule and will post it closer to the July 21 launch date. We do know that the current WFIU will remain the same and that the secondary audio channel will compliment our existing program with a variety of talk and music programs.

Why not one entire channel devoted to music and another to talk? - WFIU’s current schedule works well for many listeners and we didn’t want to disrupt established listening habits. We do feel that this is an opportunity to compliment WFIU existing lineup with many of the programs that our listeners have been requesting.

How is WFIU funding all of this? - Several years ago we started the Future Fund, an opportunity for people to make donations of $1,000 and more to fund this new technology. Quite an impressive number of you responded, with Sandy and Fred Churchill providing the lead gift. In addition, we received several federal and state grants to support new technology projects. If you would like to contribute to the Future Fund you may contact Nancy Krueger, our Major Gifts Officer.

All member contributions will continue to support programming on the current channel.

WFIU is grateful to National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI) and American Public Media (APM) and other syndicated program producers for making their programs available at deeply discounted rates.