NAB Will Ask FCC to Up FM IBOC Power

02.01.2008

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Should digital FM stations be allowed to increase their HD Radio power?

NAB is getting behind the idea; it will ask the commission to approve, on a voluntary basis, a digital power increase of up to 10 dB for FM stations broadcasting in HD Radio (analog power is not affected).

The intent is to get digital coverage to better match the analog without causing harmful interference on neighboring first-adjacent channels.

According to sources, Ibiquity and CBS Radio, Greater Media and Clear Channel Radio have conducted tests on higher-powered FMs . Hammett & Edison reportedly confirmed the Ibiquity field test results of digital coverage improvement with an increase in digital FM power, and agreed that the increased interference to 1st-adjacent channel analog reception is “tolerable” in most cases.

The idea is increase FM IBOC coverage and improve building penetration of digital signals for better HD-R receiver performance.

The NAB Radio Board has approved a resolution that was recommended by the NAB Digital Radio Committee.