HD Radio Blog

Well, this is definitely not good news February 8, 2008 09:33

Do you own an HD digital radio? And, if so, do you think it was worth the money? February 11, 2008 07:55

 
I've done a lot of posts about digital HD and now it's your turn. If you own an HD radio, I would like to know if you think it was worth the money you spent. I would also like to know which features you like the best. If you purchased an HD radio and have been disappointed with digital HD, let me know that, too.

Please give me your comments – no holds barred - so I can see what people really think about HD radio.

Here's an idea - use the Radiosophy HD100 as an HD tuner February 14, 2008 11:09

 
OK, I stole this idea from one of my readers but it makes so much sense, it had me banging my head against the wall because I hadn't thought of it.

The deal is, this reader purchased the Radiosophy HD100, then connected it to his audio receiver and says he gets great sound from about 20 HD stations in his area.

In other words, the HD100 makes a great HD tuner. And where else can you find an HD tuner for less than one hundred bucks?

If this idea appeals to you, just click on the button below for more information on the HD100 or to buy the unit.

Tag, I want that restaurant! February 17, 2008 09:36

 
I ran into a news item the other day that left me shaking my head a bit. The idea is to add iTunes-type tagging to commercials. When I first read the item, I thought "no way." However, the more I pondered this, the more it began to make a sort of sense. Radio is a great medium but is super ephemeral. You hear a spot and then it's gone. Let's suppose you hear a commercial for a new restaurant that sounds like it's right down your gastronomical alley. But you're in your car and can't write down its phone number or address. Plus, two minutes later, you can't remember whether its name was Chez Tres or Tres Chic.

I guess if you had, let's call it, iSpot tagging, you could tag the commercial come back to it later.

Maybe that would work.

Another low-cost HD Radio - the Jensen Docking Digital HD Radio System for iPod February 19, 2008 08:29

 
The Jensen Docking Digital HD Radio System for iPod offers new FM channels (HD stations) with CD-quality sound and provides a place to dock and play an iPod, iPod nano, iPod with video or iPod mini (not included) for maximum audio versatility. The system features an AM/FM stereo receiver with 10 AM and 20 FM presets and digital tuning. In addition, it has dual alarms with snooze and sleep can be set for those with differing schedules.

The iPod docking feature allows you to wake to your iPod or favorite radio station instead of a jarring buzzer. Interchangeable brackets for iPod let you switch between players, and an audio line-in jack lets you connect iPod shuffle, MP3 or other digital audio players. The Jensen Docking Digital HD Radio System has a vivid backlit LCD that is bright and clear, allowing you to see the artist name and track. The unit measures a svelte 6.8"l x 13.5"w x 5.8"h.

You can get more information on this HD system at Bjs.com or Newegg, which is apparently selling the radio for just $79.99 - meaning we have a new winner in the race to build low-cost HD radios.
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OK, I stole this idea from one of my readers but it makes so much sense, it had me banging my head against the wall because I hadn't thought of it. The deal is, this reader purchased the Radiosophy HD100, then connected it to his audio receiver and says he gets great sound from about 20 HD stations in his area.

In other words, the HD100 makes a great HD tuner. And where else can you find an HD tuner for less than one hundred bucks?

If this idea appeals to you, just click on the button below for more information on the HD100 or to buy the unit.

Ford commits to digital HD in 2009 February 21, 2008 08:42

 
I found a recent announcement that Ford Motors is teaming with Sony who will be the exclusive supplier to Ford of in-car audio products for all Ford and Mercury vehicles beginning in 2009. Ford plans to offer HD Radio on cars straight from the factory during 2009 as standard or optional equipment. Currently, Ford dealers offer HD Radios as an option. Other car companies now offering HD radios – at least as an option – are BMW, Volvo and Hyundai.

Information about new Sony and Yamaha HD units February 26, 2008 08:44

 
Yesterday, I learned some details about the new Sony HD radio. It is a high-end car audio system labeled the CDX-GT820IP. It features an auxiliary input jack on the faceplate, making it easy to connect portable music players. There is a 30-pin connector and a cable for direct attachment of an iPodplayer and the Sony Quick BrowZer promises fast and easy interaction when calling up tunes stored on an MP3 player.

The CDX-GT820P has a flip-down detachable faceplate. It's both satellite- and HD Radio-ready andretails for $230. Visit www.sony.com.for more details.

Second, Yamah has unveiled five new receivers, two of which are HD ready-- the RX-V863 and RX-V663. Both of these units support Dolby Digital Plus / DTS-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats and offer up 105-watts x 7 and 95-watts x 7, respectively. Furthermore, the V863 adds in 1080p upconverting along with a trio of HDMI 1.3 inputs and one output. Each of the newcomers support Apple's iPod with an optional dock

On the lower end is the Radiosophy HD100 at $89.95. The HD100 not only provides a lot better sound than you would expect from a radio this size, but can double as an HD receiver when connected to a component system. I had one reader who did this and said he was able to get great sound from about 20 HD stations in his area.

If you'd like more information about the HD100, just click on this button.