COMMERCE, Texas -- Digital high definition technology is now a reality at KETR-FM 88.9.

The radio station's conversion from analog to a digital transmitter has been completed, said KETR general manager Vicki Holloway.

Listeners can hear the new technology on HD radio receivers.

In the coming weeks, KETR will give away HD radios to listeners so stay tuned, Holloway said.

Some of the benefits of digital's HD technology are enhanced sound fidelity, improved reception, and upgraded audio quality.

"KETR will eventually have additional channels on the same frequency picked up by HD radio receivers," Holloway said. "We hope to make the first auxiliary channel classical music."

Until HD receivers are readily available on the consumer market, radio stations will be reverting their digital signals back to analog for traditional radios.

Eventually, today's radio will be obsolete.

KETR is one of the few public radio stations to receive a grant through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting last year to make the digital conversion.

Texas A&M University-Commerce, which owns the broadcast license for KETR, set aside matching funds allowing the station to begin the process of becoming fully digital.

KETR is the 100,000 watt public radio station on the A&M-Commerce campus.