On 3/6/2011 7:55 AM, D. Peter Maus wrote:
On 3/6/11 09:00 , SMS wrote:

The fact is that digital radio is all about content and a lack of
monthly fees.


The content on digital subchannels is no different than the content on
the baseband. A different shuffling of the records, but the same records
as are heard elsewhere.

The HD2 (and HD3, 4 if they exist) content is very different than the
analog/HD1 content. In a great many locales, "niche" formats like jazz,
classical, R&B, oldies, etc., only exist anymore on HD2.

And as for monthly fees....conditional access has been under test for
more than a year, now. And that IS the goal of digital radio. It's been
the holy grail of broadcast since KDKA. Digital doesn't make it
possible. But digital does make it practical.

Yes, it's possible that stations could offer commercial-free paid
conditional access if the public would go along with it. I think it's
unlikely to happen considering the alternative paid services.

Public interest is still waning for HD radio, and more stations are
turning off the IBOC transmitters across the country every month. Audio
quality is poor and coverage is spotty.

Some AM is being turned off, but it's extremely rare for an FM IBOC
station to stop digital transmission. More and more FM stations are
adding HD, but since most major stations have already converted the rate
of increase of conversions is less than when it was brand new. Audio
quality is excellent, but coverage is definitely an issue at 1% of
analog power. The hope by everyone is that as receiver penetration
continues to increase that HD stations will increase their power levels.

And no, it's not a philosophical difference that has most in opposition
to HD Radio, it's the interference, the lesser audio quality for the
addition of programming that's no different than what's on the baseband
that's got so many people opposed.

LOL, no matter how many times you claim "lesser audio quality" it won't
make it true.

Your protests to the contrary not withstanding, HD Radio is not a growth
industry.

Apparently radio stations, receiver makers, auto makers, and broadcast
equipment manufacturers have a different view of things. But then
they're actually knowledgeable about the industry so clearly their view
isn't valid!