There's another world of radio on HD digital broadcasts. Here's a big sampling of what is available locally:

WDVE (102.5) offers an HD blues channel, featuring a range of classic to contemporary blues artists. Because of WDVE's ties to the Pittsburgh Blues Festival and rock's roots in the blues, the format is a good teammate for its terrestrial cousin. There is an option to localize the playlist as well, WDVE operations manager John Moschitta says.

WPGB (104.7) has a smooth jazz format on its second channel.

WKST-FM (96.1) augments its contemporary hits format with a second channel of all-dance music.

Oldies WWSW-FM (94.5) has a rhythmic oldies format.

New rock WXDX (105.9) will launch a second HD Channel of adult alternative music this year.

CBS Radio has embraced HD technology, with about 75 of its stations nationwide now broadcasting in HD. Two of those recently launched here with secondary channels: a comedy format for WRKZ (93.7) and a new contemporary hits channel on WZPT-FM (100.7). They're not yet available online because of logistics involved in streaming copyrighted material.

The WRKZ comedy format is an example of a new approach to radio programming. Right now, it consists of pre-recorded stand-up performances, but as it evolves, the plan is to add more local material -- performances by local comedians or interviews with touring comics.

Steel City Media's adult contemporary WLTJ-FM (92.9) has a second HD channel that runs a classic-rock format similar to the one previously heard on sister station WRRK (96.9).

Renda Broadcasting, which owns music stations WSHH-FM (99.7) and WJAS-AM (1320), along with talk station WPTT (1360), has plans to launch HD in the coming year.