820 WNYC(AM) is postponing its all-digital MA3 test of AM HD Radio.
Steve Shultis, New York Public Radio’s chief technology officer, said he wants to ensure the test represents an equal comparison with the AM’s analog signal. “As we analyzed our current equipment further, we discovered we would have had to reduce the transmitter power in order to achieve the desired RF mask with the all-digital carrier,” Shultis told Radio World.
Instead, his team will delay the test to allow Nautel time to build a newer NX series transmitter to loan to NYPR. He said it will also allow more time to organize logistics around the transmitter’s installation and its accompanying testing program.
The new Nautel NX model will allow for full transmitting power and will support modern features such as full metadata, station graphics, PIDS (program information data service) carriers and stereo transmission. Shultis said he and the partner companies are currently discussing a new MA3 test date in 2025.
“This is our best chance to get this right and, for the benefit of the industry, we want to make sure the platform performs and is tested in its full ability,” Shultis said. “I’m grateful for the generosity of Xperi and Nautel and for their support of the test.”
The MA3 all-digital mode for AM was approved by the FCC in 2020. The WNYC test is garnering industry interest on a number of levels, including for a same-channel comparison of how MA3 behaves. Hubbard’s all-digital WSHE(AM) in Frederick, Md., also transmits on 820 kHz. WSHE is one of two-known stations in the U.S. running the mode full-time. The other is 1260 WYDE(AM) in Birmingham, Ala., owned by Crawford Broadcasting.
NAB is supporting NYPR’s effort. The test was granted FCC approval last month.
