Puerto Rican radio station WPRM(FM) has become the first radio station in the country to convert to digital HD Radio. Using a Broadcast Electronics FMi 31 HD Radio transmitter with HD Radio signal generator and an FXi 60 digital FM exciter into a separate antenna the station, which is owned by UNO, is expected to spark interest in HD Radio in the Caribbean and throughout Latin America.
HD Radio technology transmits digital audio and data alongside existing AM and FM analogue signals, allowing listeners with HD Radio receivers to enjoy crystal-clear reception and CD-quality sound. Unlike other digital broadcasting technologies, HD Radio works within the existing analogue spectrum, allowing unused spectrum to be preserved for future needs. Through this approach, HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations throughout the world to transition to digital broadcasting in a seamless, non-disruptive manner. The technology also provides a platform for advanced interactive features that include: multicasting (multiple channels broadcast on a single FM frequency), real-time traffic and weather services, scrolling text on the receiver display, and surround sound. More than 2,500 radio stations in the U.S. are in the process of converting to the HD Radio system and more than 300 HD Radio broadcasters are currently on the air.
WPRM(FM) has the ear of more than 800,000 listeners a week in the San Juan market, according to a 2004 Arbitron report.
“UNO Radio’s adoption of HD Radio technology positions the technology for widespread adoption outside the continental U.S.,” said Scott Stull, Vice President of Broadcast Business Development for iBiquity Digital Corporation, the sole developer and licensor of HD Radio in the U.S.
A long-time Broadcast Electronics customer, UNO Radio Group is known as one of the foremost early adopters in the area, according to John Schneider, Broadcast Electronics’ Sales Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean. “They’ve embraced digital technology early on, which is one reason why they’ve been able to take a lead position in the fiercely competitive San Juan market,” he said.
WPRM(FM), which is known locally as the Salsoul Network, is a 25kW Tropical format station licensed to 98.5MHz and is the first of 12 sister stations to implement the U.S. digital technology. “We want to make HD Radio an immediate success in Puerto Rico, and so far, it has been warmly received here,” said Luis Soto, President of UNO Radio Group.