In article ,
SMS wrote:

No one ever said that you aren't allowed to sell advertising on the HD-X
channels. Granted, until the installed base of HD receivers is much
greater it will be a hard sell.

Once the commercials start, then it is just another commercial-laden
ho-hum competitor in a sea of commercial programs. Most of the stations
that are adopting IBOC are having one helluva time getting listeners on
their main channel. Why will they do better attracting listeners to a
grungy HD-X channel? And if they can, why don't they put that killer
program on their main channel and make some real money?

It depends on how much of those costs are real. You don't necessarily
need any studio upgrades if you're doing "jukebox in a closet." You've
got to look at the long term and the big picture. At least ensure that
new equipment that's purchased is "HD ready" so when HD reaches critical
mass in a few years the time and money to bring it up will be minimal.

First, we don't do jukebox in a closet formats at our stations. That
isn't what we do. We serve listeners. We do need to have real
program-production facilities. Second, I don't personally believe that
"long term" and iBiquity are compatible concepts. Third, going HD Radio
means trashing audio quality both in the analog channel and in the
multitude of HD-X channels. That's a "no sale" to us and at least a hard
sell to most quality-conscious broadcasters. Fourth, the current crop of
HD equipment is egregiously unreliable, and there is no expectation that
the condition will improve in the foreseeable future. Don't take my
word...ask any radio engineer who is responsible for a cluster of
stations employing iBiquity's scheme. I personally know one engineer who
got national attention for tossing all of the IBOC from his stations, AM
and FM.

[regarding SAP]

It could have worked if done properly.

Gee, I've never hear that before in my career!

--
John Higdon
+1 408 ANdrews 6-4400
AT&T-Free At Last