Fully Modulated is your backstage pass to the stories and signals that shaped radio, TV, and wireless communication. Join Tyler, a broadcast engineer, as he uncovers the wild moments, quirky legends, and technical breakthroughs that keep the world connected. From vintage radio hacks to the real drama behind today’s digital waves, each episode blends deep research, humor, and storytelling for anyone curious about how media magic happens. Independent, insightful, and made for every fan who loves a good broadcast mystery.
Fully Modulated is your backstage pass to the stories and signals that shaped radio, TV, and wireless communication. Join Tyler, a broadcast engineer, as he uncovers the wild moments, quirky legends, and technical breakthroughs that keep the world connected. From vintage radio hacks to the real drama behind today’s digital waves, each episode blends deep research, humor, and storytelling for anyone curious about how media magic happens. Independent, insightful, and made for every fan who loves a good broadcast mystery.
Ever wondered why HD Radio never took off despite being technically superior to regular FM? This might be the most tragic story in broadcasting history - a technology that had everything going for it but still managed to fail spectacularly.
In this episode, we explore how HD Radio went from revolutionary promise to comprehensive disaster. We'll cover the brilliant engineering behind OFDM technology, why it cost stations up to $200,000 to upgrade, and how the "digital cliff effect" made listening unbearable. Plus, we'll talk about the perfect storm of competition from iPods, satellite radio, and streaming that killed HD Radio's chances.
From the early success of in-band on-channel broadcasting to Wisconsin Public Radio shutting down their HD operations, this is the story of how superior technology couldn't overcome bad timing, economic barriers, and devastating market forces.
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Fully Modulated is not affiliated with or endorsed by any station, media company, or network. All opinions are solely my own.