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GLT HD Radio: Frequently Asked Questions

GLT’s new HD radio stations:

GLT HD1, our current analog broadcast in HD
GLT HD2, Blues Radio 24/7, all blues all the time
GLT HD3, News & Ideas, NPR news and information programs 24/7

Frequently asked questions about HD radio:

What is HD Radio?
HD radio is a technology that allows broadcast radio to become digital, allowing for a better sounding signal and additional content. 

How do I hear it?
You must have an HD radio to hear our HD signals. Your old radios will still receive our current analog signal.   

How do I get an HD Radio and how much do they cost?
HD radios are available at many online retailers like Crutchfield.com, Amazon.com, and locally in stores such as Best Buy and Radio Shack.  Radios start around $99. A coupon is available at WGLT.ORG through December 2008.

What kind of radios are available?
Most HD radios are stand alone tabletop radios.  That means they are a radio with a good set of speakers.  These are great for places like a kitchen, bedroom, or out on a patio.  There are some tuners available that will connect to your existing stereo equipment as well.

Can I hear HD Radio in my car?

HD radios in cars are available three different ways.

1.  Buying an aftermarket radio.  Places like Best Buy and Circuit City sell HD car radios, including CD players and iPod inputs and offer installation as well.  Price will run you from $150 and up.

2.  Buy an adaptor, such as the Visteon HD Jump.  This works like an iPod with your car.  It can receive our HD signal, including HD2 and HD3, and send the audio to your car's Auxiliary input or will rebroadcast the HD signal to an unused channel on your radio.

3. Wait.  Beginning in 2009 Ford, Hyundai, BMW, and a few other manufacturers will begin offering HD on standard stereo systems. 

Will your existing signal shut down someday, like HDTV?
No. For now there are no mandates to shut down our existing signal heard at 89.1FM.  So you will be able to use your existing radios for many years to come. 

So if I don’t HAVE to buy one to continue enjoying your station, why should I?
HD radio not only improves the quality of our existing station, but it offers two brand new radio stations on 89.1FM.  The audio on 89.1 will sound brighter, clearer, and have less static.  You’ll also be able to hear our HD2, which is 24/7 Blues, and HD3, which is 24/7 News and Ideas.  The HD signal also carries additional displays like information on the song that is playing, weather alerts, contest updates, and more without interrupting what’s on the air. 

How does this work? How do you put two new stations on 89.1FM?
It’s a technology called Multicasting.  When you tune to 89.1FM on your HD radio, you’ll initially hear the same GLT you’ve always heard.  Your radio will recognize that there are more stations and will allow you to tune to them.  They are most commonly displayed as 89.1-2, and 89.1-3.  You cannot hear these stations with your existing analog radios. 

What are these new stations you are offering?
If you’re a fan of the Blues on GLT, you can now hear the Blues anytime day or night on HD2.  If you love Morning Edition and All Things Considered, check out HD3, which gives you expanded offerings of both programs, plus more NPR news and information programming new to GLT.

How is the reception? 
If you live in McLean County, you should be able to hear WGLT HD broadcasts with an HD radio.  Outside of McLean County you probably will not be able to listen. Our analog signal will still be available outside of McLean County.