Mexican broadcaster Instituto Mexicano de la Radio has completed its FM HD Radio upgrade and is now moving onto converting AM.
IMER began converting its facilities in Mexico City soon after the Mexican government approved HD Radio technology as the digital radio standard for that country in 2011. IMER has since begun transmission of two new HD2 and HD3 channels at each of its 13 stations, and producing unique content for those.
“We are beginning to produce specific and special programming for our growing audience on digital radio,” according to IMER Director General Carlos Lara Sumano. He notes that “Jazz at Any Moment” and “Music of the World” are two multicast channel-dedicated programs produced by IMER.
IMER is using GatesAir HD Radio transmission equipment for its 13 converted stations. In the coming months, the broadcaster plans to convert its first AM to digital, XEQX on 1350 kHz in Mexico City. GatesAir engineers will help with that conversion.
We’ve noted several automakers have been shipping vehicles with HD Radio tuners to Mexico; those include Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Infiniti, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, RAM and Toyota.
HD Radio aftermarket and home products are also available from multiple brands including Alpine, Kenwood, Insignia, Pioneer and Sony at Mexican retailers; Best Buy, Coppel, Elektra, FAMSA, Liverpool, Sears and Woolworth.
IBiquity Digital President/CEO Bob Struble notes that IMER, “along with many other partners,” are committed to a digital radio future in Mexico. Broadcasters like IMER “will ensure that Mexican listeners can experience the upgraded quality, increased content choice and advanced interactive features the HD Radio system provides.”
IMER’s HD Radio offerings are:
Station
City
Frequency
XHIMER(FM)
Mexico City
94.5
XHOF(FM)
Mexico City
105.7
XHIMR(FM)
Mexico City
107.9
XHUAN(FM)
Tijuana
102.5
XHUAR(FM)
Juárez City
106.7
XHRF(FM)
Acuña
103.9
XHFQ(FM)
Cananea
103.1
XHLAC(FM)
Cárdenas
107.9
XHSCO(FM)
Salina Cruz
96.3
XHCHZ(FM)
Chiapa de Corzo
107.9
XHEMIT(FM)
Comitán
107.9
XHCAH(FM)
Cacahoatán
89.1
XHYUC(FM)
Yucatán
92.9
