Forks now for the first time enjoys four channels of local and commercial network radio programming via HD Radio and for many listeners that means it may be time to upgrade their receivers.
Forks Broadcasting deployed the multi-program channel technology when upgrading its FM signal in May 2016. Since then, the broadcaster has reached audiences across the West End that weren’t previously in the FM signal footprint. Across much of that area, the broadcasting also now delivers supplemental digital program channels, including the “Forks 1490” programming previously heard only on KFKB-AM.
Forks Broadcasting vacated 260 Cedar Ave. and the AM tower in December and has since relocated. With the 1490 kHz signal gone, the Forks area radio dial is now devoid of any daytime signals on the AM band.
New Location at a Historical Forks Address
Forks Broadcasting has relocated studios and offices to the northeast side of the former Forks City Hall building. Portions of the new facility were formerly occupied by Certified Hearing which has moved its office to the western side of the building. The intensive 10 days site rehabilitation and build-out also converted a former city jail cell into the station’s new operations center. The original sliding metal jail cell doors still hang in the hallway outside the main operation. That’s all that remains of the former cell in what is now an efficient broadcast facility and business office.
Thanks to significant technology investment by Forks Broadcasting, the real country music, CBS News and other programming no longer heard on 1490 AM is still broadcast digitally across the West End. By moving the FM signal to Ellis Mountain and deploying HD technology, “Forks 1490” programming now airs on 96.7 HD-2 and the new digital signal is reaching areas never touched by the old AM.
“Last night on Mora Road, as I watched the sunset over James Island, I listened to ‘Forks 1490’ in absolutely clear fidelity because it was the HD-2 digital broadcast, and that’s something which was rarely possible due to AM signal fade,” said Forks Broadcastings Mark Lamb.
HD Radio delivers improved signal reach, nighttime usability, fidelity and program choice. The KBDB 96.7 signal delivers four separate HD program channels to most of the West End.
HD-1 replicates Twilight 96.7 in digital, noise-free fidelity. HD-2 delivers Forks 1490 programming and will be the only place on the West End to hear the 2017 Mariners baseball season.
HD3 delivers ForksTalk, a new 24/7 talk station with USA Network News, CNBC market updates through the trading day, and stimulating and information talk.
HD4 is Soul Duck, the station playing the best of the rest of the music in Forks. All four of these program choices are heard is exceptional digital fidelity that’s always interference-free, day or night. “For listeners equipped with HD Radios, there’s now more on the dial than ever before,” Lamb noted.
HD Radio is a digital radio transmission technology that’s been proven in over a decade of North American deployment. Unlike satellite or internet feeds, HD is delivered from local radio broadcast stations. There’s never a data charge or a subscription fee with HD. But listeners need HD Radio upgrades to be able to receive the secondary digital program channels.
While Forks Broadcasting is first to deploy HD Radio on the north peninsula, every major broadcast group is heavily invested in the technology. Over 40 of Seattle’s most important radio stations are already HD and adoption is evident in related industries.
HD Radio reception features none of the multi-path noise that’s part of all analog FM listening and that is particularly evident in moving vehicles. Unlike AM signals, HD sound is completely noise and interference free, and the signal doesn’t fade after sunset. 2017 BMWs come with FM that’s HD equipped, but no AM- perhaps revealing the technologically advanced car maker’s view of band trends.
Over half of the new cars sold in 2017 will be HD equipped. Wilder Auto has HD Radio available in models across all of its automotive brands and HD is standard equipment on every new Scion and most new Toyota models.
In Forks, Whitehead’s Auto Parts offers do-it-yourselfers HD receivers for in-dash install. Mobile Music in Port Angeles has sales and service for a variety of mobile HD solutions, depending upon the equipment in your existing make and model.
Manufacturers learned a lot from the first generation of HD table radios for the home. Now, thanks to a new integrated circuit enabling greater functionality and value, a number of manufacturers will launch new HD Radio models in 2017. Forks Broadcasting is in discussion with a major global Radio manufacturer regarding new table models to be offered through local retailers. This direct from manufacturer deal for world-class HD radios will be available to West End retailers.
Expecting the Biggest QVSA ever on the Powerhouse 96.7 Signal — “Our commitment to serving the community remains steadfast,” Lamb said. News and local sports continue to play prominent roles on the 96.7 program channels.
“We’re looking forward to broadcasting the 53rd annual Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction this year for the first time on the new 96.7 FM signal,” Lamb said. With the upgrade effective May 2016, KBDB-FM delivers greater effective radiated power that all other Clallam and Jefferson county radio stations combined.
The 20 continuous hours of radio coverage will potentially reach more bidders for auction tele-purchases than ever before.
Temporary
Programming Note
While awaiting restoration of the satellite dish, certain syndicated programs can’t be broadcast at this time. Notably, Coast-to-Coast AM is currently out of the Forks 1490 line up as heard on KBDB HD2, and the ForksTalk HD3 schedule currently has significant programming gaps. It is expected these issues will be resolved once satellite dish reception at the new facility is restored.
Forks Broadcasting wants everyone to hear what it is offering on HD and will support businesses that will play Forks 1490 or other secondary digital program channels in its public space. They will offer receiver and antenna installation advice, and in some circumstances will offer businesses a subsidized or free HD receiver in exchange for helping demonstrate HD Radio.
Call the station for details at 374-6220
HD Radio reception, while flawless when achieved, requires a stronger antenna signal for HD compared to analog reception. Additionally, the 96.7 FM signal from on top of Ellis Mountain is now regionally distributed instead of concentrated locally. Combined with the reception challenges caused by buildings with metal roof and sides, many will find best results using an outside antenna to feed the receivers inside their structure.
