New Programs Debut on WQCS Digital “HD2” Channel

WQCS, 88.9 FM, has added a new digital channel (HD2) that features many well-known public radio shows, such as the daily “Talk of the Nation”, “Fresh Air with Terry Gross”, “The “Diane Rehm Show”, and “Performance Today”, as well as a variety of music shows. Additionally, the digital HD2 channel will enable Treasure Coast listeners to hear the weekly “This American Life”, “The Splendid Table”, “Doc Grober’s Sounds of Jazz”, “Thistle and Shamrock”, and “The American Songbook with Dick Golden”. “We have doubled the number of hours of programming we air each week and have designed a schedule to meet the demand for news and information programming requested by our listeners.  We also want to serve a variety of musical tastes and allow classical listeners an opportunity to enjoy their favorite music at times we currently air news and talk programs,” according to WQCS Manager Madison Hodges. Listeners to HD2 will also enjoy “Science Friday”, “BBC World News” overnight, Friday night jazz, world and current music, and special local programs.  WQCS, 88.9 FM, began sending a digital “HD Radio” (HD1) version of the current analog signal to the Treasure Coast in April, 2008.   To receive the new digital signals, you will need a new “HD Radio” digital receiver.  The radios are available in new automobiles, and at electronics retail outlets and many online shopping sites. At this time, we can not report with certainty if reception of the digital signal will equal the same coverage pattern as the analog signal.  There is no “fade out” with digital “HD Radio”, and you will either hear the signal or not.  NPR Labs suggests two passive antennas to improve reception for home or office use that were found to perform well:   C. Crane “FM Reflect Antenna” or Radio Shack “Budget TV Antenna Model 15-1874”. “HD Radio” allows WQCS to send two digital signals that are broadcast alongside the 88.9 FM analog signal that all FM radio sets currently receive.  The digital signals are unaffected by atmospheric conditions that may distort analog signals and creates a CD-quality sound on “HD Radio” receivers.   The new digital receivers also will continue to receive the analog signals of stations not airing digital signals.  WQCS and other FM stations will continue to broadcast the analog signal for many years so that analog radio sets will not become obsolete. The installation of “HD Radio” transmission means that the station is able to utilize digital audio throughout the station to provide the highest quality audio to listeners as well as transmit information data.  For more information about “HD Radio”, go to http://www.hdradio.com.

We want to be your TWO favorite radio stations!

New technology is making more exciting radio programming possible on the Treasure Coast! For several years, many of our listeners have asked us to air more of the best of public radio’s quality news and information programs. Others have asked for more classical or variety music. With a new digital “HD Radio” you will be able to enjoy both of these WQCS programming services: WQCS 88.9 and digital HD-1 will feature all of the programs currently heard WQCS FM, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, along with the best in classical music.  NEW WQCS 88.9 digital channel HD-2 will feature many new programs such as the daily Diane Rehm Show, Talk of the Nation, and Fresh Air with Terry Gross, as well as weekly shows such as This American Life, Thistle and Shamrock, Tavis Smiley, and the Splendid Table.   You’ll be able to listen to everything from Friday night jazz, to cutting edge new music and world music, as well as weekend and morning classical performances.  There are many sources for HD radios, including on-line and at several retail electronic stores in our area.  For more information about HD radios click on www.hdradio.com  where you will find answers to many of your questions.   On behalf of everyone at WQCS, we are pleased to bring enhanced programming to the Treasure Coast and we thank you for your support.   Madison Hodges WQCS Manager