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August 26, 2019 5:36 pm  #1


FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

I'm not the biggest techie type, but I found this fascinating - the possibility that one day, the so-called dying shortwave band and the fading AM band could be revitalized by new technology and new radios. But while many overseas might more readily accept the idea, could it sell here in North America?  

U.S.-Based Shortwave Broadcasters Eye Digital, While AM Thinks VHF 

 

August 26, 2019 6:50 pm  #2


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

Absolutely not. Not a chance. Why, when data plans are trending towards unlimited and cell coverage improves?

Who asked for this other than these guys pictured in the article?

Coke not advertising on SW because of audio quality? No, they're not advertising becuase virtually nobody is listening and Coke's buyers probably don't know it even exists.

upload

Last edited by RadioAaron (August 26, 2019 6:52 pm)

 

August 26, 2019 7:08 pm  #3


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

I suspect you're right. It's pie in the sky, although if it catches on in a huge population area like India or East Asia - where short wave is still important -  I suppose anything's possible. But who wants to buy a new radio just to hear SW?

Like DAB (CHUM's been there, done that, lost money) I doubt it will ever be a factor in North America. But it sure would be interesting to hear how it sounds just once. 

     Thread Starter
 

August 26, 2019 7:46 pm  #4


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

I prefer my numbers stations to be surround sound.

 

August 26, 2019 7:52 pm  #5


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

RadioActive wrote:

 But it sure would be interesting to hear how it sounds just once. 

Absolutely! I'd love a chance to dial around and give it a listen.
 

 

August 26, 2019 8:56 pm  #6


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

Well, this might be as close as you'll get to actually listening:

https://jonathanmarks.libsyn.com/mn21092000-drm-test-results-bombshell-announcement

It's courtesy of Jonathan Marks' Radio Netherlands Media Network archive. It was first broadcast back in 2000.

 

August 26, 2019 8:57 pm  #7


Re: FM Quality Shortwave? AM On VHF?

Chrisphen wrote:

I prefer my numbers stations to be surround sound.

Your comment gave me today's chuckle. Well said!