2. BMW has been an early adopter of HD Radio and currently offers an option for the technology on all of its 2
By
Shane Kite
updated 5/10/2007 4:52:50 PM ET
The air war for in-car listeners is spreading. As the satellite radio
stations fight for subscribers, and as more drivers cue up their iPods
with slick car-stereo interfaces, a new entrant has entered the drive-
time marketplace: HD Radio. As HD Radio promises superior sound
quality and subscription-free content, auto manufacturers like BMW
and Jaguar are perking their ears. Should you?
In simple terms, HD Radio is a digital technology for traditionally
broadcast FM and AM radio. HD receivers basically convert the signal
of AM and FM from analog to digital, thereby changing sound quality.
Proponents say HD-based AM sounds as good as analog FM stations
sound today, and that HD-based FM has near-CD quality fidelity.
Additionally, the compressed digital signal opens up the amount of
spectrum available to broadcasters, thus allowing single radio stations to broadcast separate content on multiple channels. Called “multicasting,”
this means single stations can offer more dedicated programming on several channels nearby on the dial. An example would be stations dedicating
new channels entirely to a certain genre of music. For instance, New York’s publicly funded radio station WNYC, which primarily offers news, talk
and music programming on its main channel, 93.9 FM, in 2006 began HD-broadcasting an all-classical music station on WNYC2, at 93.9-2 FM.
HD Radio is not subscription-based like satellite radio, so programming comes free. HD Radio is based on the same advertising-based business
model as traditional AM-FM (analog) radio. The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a consortium of the traditional major terrestrial radio broadcast
companies, persuaded members to initially offer commercial-free programming on the extra digital-only “HD2” channels they enable, to entice
listeners to purchase HD receivers. This commercial-free programming will eventually cease, though, some say, at the end of this year.
At press time, iBiquity Digital Corp., the creator of HD Radio technology, said there are more than 1,205 radio stations in the United States
currently broadcasting in HD, with more than 600 carrying HD2 multicast programming. According to the alliance, HD2 multicasts have launched
in 85 of the nation’s top 100 markets.
Interestingly, the “HD” in HD Radio actually has no meaning. It has come to stand for “High-Definition” in common usage, with an easy reference
to High-Definition Television, or HDTV. Although HD Radio uses “Hybrid Digital” technology, according to iBiquity, it does not stand for Hybrid
Digital, either.
How to hear HD — the gear
Automakers have been slow to commit to providing factory-installed in-car HD receivers. BMW was the first to officially announce an offering. The
Munich-based automaker announced in January it would offer factory-installed HD digital radio receivers as an option ($500) across all its 2007
models. Jaguar recently announced it would offer HD technology in its 2008 XJ Sedan, which will go on sale this fall. And Hyundai announced that
its new-for-2008 premium sedan, currently called the Concept Genesis, will offer the technology as well.
The number of manufacturers offering an HD option is expected to grow. “Nine manufacturers and 51 models of cars have committed to — but not
announced — implementing HD Radio over the next 18 to 24 months. HD will be in every vehicle in a fairly short period of time,” says Peter
Ferrara, president and CEO of HD Digital Radio Alliance.
In the meantime, several off-the-shelf options exist for those who desire to listen to an HD signal in their current car. Receivers range in price from
about $199 to $329.
Visteon is selling the plug-and-play HD Jump, which it calls the “only transportable HD Radio receiver available,” that can be used both in the car
and at home. HD Jump uses the vehicle’s existing radio antenna and connects either through an auxiliary input on the head unit or through an FM-
modulating wire. A car cradle mounts to the dash and front window; a home dock is also available with cradle, power adapter, remote control,
antennae and required cables. The Jump is expected to list between $249 and $299 (installed).
Dice Electronics is currently offering HD Dice, an external HD Radio modulator that can be connected to certain auto manufacturers’ factory-
HD Radio hits the automotive
airwaves
As satellite radio fights for listeners, new player enters market
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