UA?s KUAF Goes High Def

National Public Radio station KUAF, 91.3 FM, started broadcasting a digital signal called “HD” (for high definition) in mid-November, the first station in Northwest Arkansas to make the leap. But KUAF, which is operated by the University of Arkansas, didn’t tout the transition until the first week in March, said Rick Stockdell, station manager.

The HD radio technology is so new, few people have radios that can receive the signal, Stockdell said. KUAF waited several months to get its first receiver, which is like “a nice clock radio,” he said. Receivers cost about $300 now but are expected to be about $100 by the fall.

The HD signal is “bundled” with the station’s analog signal, so a mirror of KUAF’s programming in high def is being beamed around Northwest Arkansas. The signal provides CD-quality sound with HD receivers and is still compatible with analog radios, but there is no benefit through an analog receiver.

Stockdell said the HD technology will allow stations to broadcast their analog signal and several supplemental sub-channels, such as HD1, HD2, and HD3, still under their traditional dial number (such as 91.3 FM).

KUAF is considering running a mirror of programming on HD1, while HD2 would air the same programs at different times. Alternative programming, such as jazz, will air on HD3.

The upgrade cost the station $140,000, Stockdell said, but $85,000 was paid for through a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private non-profit corporation.

The non-commercial station is supported through donations from the community and has an annual operating budget of $1 million. KUAF’s spring fundraising event begins March 31. The goal is $135,000.