NPR Labs Offers Tips for Improved HD-R Receiver Antennas; Early Data Support Passive Types

NPR Labs has been testing coverage and signal strength of antennas for the Boston Acoustics Recepter HD radio. Initial results, based on tests using five Washington-Baltimore stations, have been compiled in a field service bulletin meant to help guide stations and consumers choose antennas that are effective in improving reception.
As reported earlier, some listeners have complained about the unit’s indoor reception.
NPR Labs obtained several active (amplified) and passive FM receive antennas to evaluate their performance with HD Radio signals: Folded dipole, compact amplified FM-only antenna, compact amplified FM/AM antenna and rabbit-ear FM antenna.
“Preliminary testing shows a clear advantage to passive antennas, such as folded dipole and rabbit-ear types, over low-cost active antennas,” states NPR on its Web site for the lab. Read more in an upcoming issue of Radio World.
NPR Labs plans to issue a complete report later this year.
RW Online reported earlier that Boston Acoustics plans to add an additional antenna, a traditional FM dipole, in its packaging of the radio; the antenna would be free to those who already purchased the radio.