There's a pretty broad
industry-wide move that's seeing traditional radio stations add HD signials as a way to up both the sound and image of
radio stations as the compete against Sirius and XM. There's concern that the two providers of
satellite radio aren't taking seriously the threat HD radio could be to their business model. While new hardware would
need to be purchased there aren't the monthly subscription fees that need to be paid to get satellite service. That,
and the potential for Apple to include some form of HD radio reception into their iPod line, could kill whatever
forward momentum and lofty ambitions the satellite providers have.Is satellite ignoring HD radio at its own peril?
There's a pretty broad
industry-wide move that's seeing traditional radio stations add HD signials as a way to up both the sound and image of
radio stations as the compete against Sirius and XM. There's concern that the two providers of
satellite radio aren't taking seriously the threat HD radio could be to their business model. While new hardware would
need to be purchased there aren't the monthly subscription fees that need to be paid to get satellite service. That,
and the potential for Apple to include some form of HD radio reception into their iPod line, could kill whatever
forward momentum and lofty ambitions the satellite providers have.Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. It appears XM is dipping their toes into commercial-free HD radio:
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2005-12/xm-goes-hd/
3. I'd rather watch standard definition TV programming via tape/PVR, rather than watch shows live in HD, and suffering thru 18 minutes of commercials per hour. (HD PVR is not yet in my price range.)
I'd rather have a regular CD or Mp3 that plays more places and is more portable, than a more expensive SACD or DVD audio which requires stationary listening to fully enjoy the 5.1 channel experience.
And I'd rather have better content on satellite radio, than free HD radio that is still programmed by idiots and (eventually) bursting with commercials.
Posted at 1:09PM on Feb 9th 2006 by FrankM
4. I honestely don't see myself going anyway for HD radio. Buy the songs i like is more important for me and i think most people out there.
Posted at 3:07PM on Feb 9th 2006 by Gratis Flirt
5. I honestely don't see myself going anyway for HD radio. Buy the songs i like is more important for me and i think most people out there.
Posted at 3:08PM on Feb 9th 2006 by Gratis Flirt
6. Dave, looks like that move by XM has nothing to do with "HD Radio" -- whitch is a specific digital standard being employed by AM/FM stations on the good old AM and FM bands. XM is just using the initials HD.
BUT ... still interesting news, trying to do surround sound. I'd like to hear that.
Posted at 5:19PM on Feb 9th 2006 by loikll
7. Hmm... looks like I misunderstood.
So that 'HD digital standard' is a way to squeeze more fidelity out of limited bandwidth to compete with satellite? I know I subscribe not for music quality, but for a huge and diverse programming library that is largely ad-free.
As an aside both Sirius and XM have changed the format of their disco stations over the last few months by adding 80's dance and it's pissing me off. ;)
8. Satellite radio is still a very small audience compared to traditional radio, and HD is just an extention of the traditional brand. HD producers could care less about satellite. And yes, satellite is probably not paying enough attention to HD - especially if satellite is going to use the "sounds better" hook to get subscribers.
Also - this fall look for a major industry campaign to get listeners up to speed on HD.
Posted at 2:13PM on Feb 13th 2006 by dave b
9. Dave Z: yep, supposedly with the HD Radio upgrade, AM will sound as good as FM, and FM almost as good as CD. But the bigger deal is that the FM band can be used for "multicasting" two or more digital channels on top of the analog signal. So a radio station can now put out more content. And you hear of other potential applications involving data (electronic program guides, traffic data).
Dave B: I disagree. I've heard the pathetic commercials AM/FM broadcasters run to scare people away from satellite, and I suspect they're very scared and see HD radio as their chance to compete.
Posted at 4:39PM on Feb 13th 2006 by loikll
10. Satellite radio offers programming and less commercial noise than FM radio. After having satellite radio for almost a year now, I can't listen to regular radio any longer. To the point where I would rather talk to my wife than listen to the radio in her car {grin}.
As I see it, FM radio will broadcast at a higher fidelity. So now we get to hear 20 minutes of commercial chatter an hour in crystal clear fidelity. AM begat FM, FM begat XM, unless radio dramatically changes it's programming I can't see how HD will survive to last longer than the BetaMax.
Posted at 5:46PM on Feb 15th 2006 by loopylou
1. I've been sorta following HD Radio since I started noticing the logo on car stereos at the store. Sounds interesting, and I saw that a lot of radio stations are upgrading and apparently already HD broadcasting -- but I don't see much sign anyone knows or cares. Sounds like it might just be the same crappy radio with all the commercials, just digital -- so what.
But I dunno, will be interesting to see what happens.
Posted at 8:26AM on Feb 9th 2006 by loikll