HD Radio™reception (U.S. models only)

HD Radio is a brand name registered by DTS, Inc.1. They are the developer of a broadcasting technology called IBOC or In Band On Channel, which refers to the method of transmitting a digital radio broadcast signal centered on the same frequency as the AM or FM station's present frequency.

Introduction

P3-1020-USA-S60/V60 HD radion main channel
Display when the radio is receiving an HD Radio broadcast

 Note

HD Radio volume may fade in and out at times due to coverage limitations.

The IBOC system is referred to as a "hybrid" since it is both analogue and digital. During hybrid operation, receivers still continue to receive the analogue (non-digital) signal. HD radio receivers incorporate both modes of reception, where the receiver will automatically switch to the analogue signal if the digital signal cannot be decoded or is lost by the receiver.

When you have tuned to an HD Radio station, theP3-835- XC60-USA HD radio symbol – text symbol will appear in the infotainment system display. The symbol will be displayed in different colors:

  • Grayed-out symbol: HD Radio is in standby mode
  • White symbol: the radio is actively receiving an HD broadcast
  • Orange symbol: the radio is receiving an HD broadcast with digital sound

More information about HD Radio and IBOC can be found on DTS, Inc.'s website, www.dts.com.

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 channel and any sub-channels that may also be available on that particular frequency. See also the section "Sub-channels" below).
  • When receiving a digital signal there is no multipath disturbance or hisses/pops/crackling due to outside influences.

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 channel and any sub-channels that may also be available on that particular frequency. See also the section "Sub-channels" below).
  • When receiving a digital signal there is no multipath disturbance or hisses/pops/crackling due to outside influences.

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.
  1. 1 HD Radio (TM) technology is manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. U.S. and Foreign Patents. HD Radio(TM) and the HD and HD Radio logos are proprietary trademarks of DTS, Inc.