For radio broadcasters using the HD Radio format, maintaining perfect alignment between analog and digital signals is crucial. Any timing differences—known as diversity delay—can lead to noticeable audio shifts when a listener moves between HD and analog coverage areas. Ideally, this delay should be zero, ensuring a seamless transition.
One cause of timing differences can occur during the STL transport of these two signals over IP networks. When MPX and HD Radio E2X signals are sent separately, network delays, packet loss, and timing differences can create misalignment between the analog and digital signals. This is where 2wcom’s MPX-2c codec comes in.
Our MPX-2c codec includes the MPE feature, which is designed to reduce or eliminate timing differences between the signals. To achieve this, MPE acts as a wrapper around the MPX and E2X signals, creating a single IP stream that keeps both signals in sync throughout transport.
In combination with MPE, using any of the 2wcom reliability tools like dual streaming, FEC, SRT, and/or RIST, provides extra assurance that all the packets that were transmitted at the studio end are received and decoded at the transmitter. The result is a consistently synchronized listening experience that meets FCC regulations and ensures perfect audio quality.
Visit us at NAB 2025, booth W3272, for a discussion about your STL configuration and how 2wcom products can help to make your job easier.
