One of the things that makes HD Radio so exciting is that it enables multicasting. This means a station can broadcast its normal programming, plus a second channel with an entirely different format. For example, KIOI-FM in San Francisco is broadcasting both Hot AC (Adult Contemporary) and 80s pop hits on an HD2 channel. Best of all, these HD2 channels will be commercial free -- at least for the time being.

Clear Channel has announced a roll-out schedule for adding HD2 channels in 28 of its markets, including New York City, San Francisco, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Note: For a complete list of Clear Channel markets, stations and its new HD2 channels, you can go to the HD Radio Blog you will find on my web site listed below.

Entercom

A second broadcaster, Entercom which owns and operates more than 100 radio stations across the country has announced that it is also beginning to add HD2 channels. The first markets to see these stations will be Boston, Denver and Portland.

Both Clear Channel and Entercom will soon begin promoting HD Radio with contests, give-aways and on-air commercials. And Entercom has said it is also negotiating accelerated roll-out efforts with retailers such as CarToys and Ultimate Electronics.

HD Radio is also great in that it enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally, a tremendous technological leap from today's familiar analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality, more radio channels through multicasting, and new data services. In fact, with HD Radio, stations can actually send you helpful information such as traffic alerts and weather reports.

More than 15 manufacturers now offer HD Digital Radios. Online and in-store retailers selling HD Digital radios include: ABC Warehouse, Audio Adviser, Bjorn's, Boston Acoustics, Car Toys, Great Indoors (a unit of Sears Roebuck & Co.), Harvey's, eBay, J & R Music, Listen Up, Magnolia Audio Video, One Call, Ovation AV, Radiosophy, Tweeter and Ultimate Electronics.