Digital radio is a reality that will be increasingly in demand by the public as more people acquire high definition (HD) digital radios. To remain competitive in the radio marketplace and to meet higher FCC standards, NHPR will have to convert to digital signal transmission in the near future.

Analogous to CD's, DVD's and digital television (HDTV), the promise of digital technology is exhilarating. It offers crisper, clearer sound and the ability to add text information, such as the name of a program, guest, and current weather or traffic conditions to your digital radio display. Further, digital broadcasting will allow us to create a second service, a supplemental audio channel that will double NHPR's ability to provide high-quality, public-service programming.

NHPR broadcasts in digital format from Concord and Nashua, but our entire network must be upgraded to digital technology over the next three to five years.

"In the very near future, analog technology will be replaced by digital technology and New Hampshire Public Radio must meet the digital challenge to remain competitive. Digital technology does more than improve sound quality, it gives us the opportunity to double our public service. To acquire a second statewide terrestrial service would require an investment in excess of $25 million; by simply upgrading our broadcast technology from analog to digital, we will have the capacity to launch a second programming stream for approximately $500,000 - a fraction of the cost."