WNYC is the longtime public radio station in New York City famous for many firsts, and now it's looking forward to another one - testing an HD signal on the AM band. We couldn't get it here, even if it were possible - CHAM's Punjabi radio signal occupies the same 820 frequency.
For the engineers and technically inclined in the audience:
"Under the test, WNYC will turn off its analog transmitter and run the IBOC digital standard exclusively. The main transmitter to be used is a Nautel XR12 using an AM IBOC digital Nautel exciter, provided by Xperi. [Engineer Steve] Shultis says the power level will be set according to the IBOC AM mask measurement method with support from Nautel representatives to determine the precise level...
"I think the question that’s on everyone’s mind is if AM can stand a chance against the volatile world of electromagnetic interference,” he said.
They plan to drive around NYC (good luck with the traffic, even on a Sunday!) to see how the reception is in various parts of the Big Apple and if the experiment works in such a built-up urban area.
WNYC(AM) 820 Set to Test All Digital AM in December