Ford Slams HD Radio Inclusion Proposal
November 24, 2008 (10:37 am) Tyler Savery
In an interesting move, Ford Motor Company has come out against a
proposed rule that would require all satellite receivers to include HD
radio capabilities. The position Ford is taking is interesting because
Ford was one of the first major auto makers to announce a deal with HD
Radio for installations of HD technology their cars.

Some who follow satellite radio had been nervous that a SDARS partner
was including a competitive technology, and saw it as a threat.
Despite HD having deals with some automakers, the service has failed
to gain support from consumers, and seems to be struggling to become
mainstream. This latest slam by Ford could illustrate how much of a
hurdle HD radio as a concept has.

In a letter to the FCC, Ford stated, “This proposal has several
ancillary consequences that would be extremely burdensome to
consumers, the auto industry and OEM manufacturers, and it should be
rejected by the commission.”

In defending their position Ford also noted that a forced mandate
would force consumers to subsidize a product that they may have no
interest in. The company expressed that they have embraced many forms
of audio entertainment, including satellite, HD, and products such as
their SYNC, which was brought about through a relationship with
Microsoft.

According to Ford, forced inclusion into SDARS receivers would not be
fair and equitable on many fronts. The company has no issue working
with HD, but wants the freedom to respond to consumer demand without
increasing costs for a product that is not yet proven.

http://siriusbuzz.com/ford-slams-hd-...n-proposal.php