With the arrival of iBOC and HD technology along with streaming, buffering is necessary to prevent drop outs and for HD synchronization shifting between analog and digital broadcasts in weak areas. For streaming, due to drop of data transmission.

For the blind, visually impaired or those at live sporting events wanting to hear radio play by play using headphone or ear buds, buffering is an issue. Some stadiums and venues will provide a Part 15 type low power analog FM feed with no buffering, so people can listen. LA, NYC, DC are a few of the venues providing it.

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