And they said it would never happen.

[Savage]

Mike, I'm sorry - I thought I had made it clear my post was about the availability of HD in Ford vehicles, which is priced at $279 plus an "estimated" $50 installation fee. I'm aware that HD radios IN GENERAL (not General Motors) have been available under $100, although none that I'd want to listen to for a prolonged period of time. If the basic pro-HD argument is superiority of sound over analog, listening to it on a plastic box with 4-inch speakers hardly seems logical.

I would agree that consolidation in the industry has led to fewer choices and much blander, boring programming, and you and I agree about whether programming drives the radio-listening bus (and I would add, as you might not, NOT technology.) But HD2 and HD3 only offer TWO more channels while sat-radio offers far more choice, commercial-free. Yes, I know the subchannels don't have spots (yet) but the public's perception, like it or not, is terrestrial radio = commercials, satcasters = no commercials. Which is why they pay a relatively modest sum for the services.

The blend may be "transparent" on FM, but it sure as hell ain't on AM, which was what I was referring to.

 

[Mike Walker]

Ya' know what, Savage? Everybody here thinks I'm an HD Radio "fanboy". But given a choice between the programming and ownership diversity we had before consolidation IN ANALOG, and HD radio's "new diversity" in pristine digital, I'd take the old programming AND ANALOG AUDIO any day. I'm in favor of program diversity offered on HD2 and HD3 streams. But ironically the people responaislb for giving us this new "diversity", the mega-group owners, are the ones who made it necessary in the first place, by removing so many choices, and so much valuable content! (Heard any local news on FM lately, even in drivetime?)

The ideal situation is compelling programming, AND better sound quality (plus additional "niche" formats).

Know what I think is the "Catch 22" of starting up a SUCCESSFUL "station" on an HD2 or HD3 stream? Without compelling programming, from the best talent, nobody's going to listen. Without an audience, the best programers and air-personalities/hosts won't want to touch multicast channels. THAT must be overcome!

 

[rbrucecarter5]

A nearly $300 option that buyers have to specifically ask for? Given the lack of awareness or buzz about HD right now, this is a non-starter. Maybe (you should pardon the pun) down the road a bit, but this isn't going to work here and now.

Well, I retract my original optimism for this development. I thought it would be built into Ford car radio - the same as you can get XM and Sirius AM/FM built in now. An add-on adapter? It is one more piece of electronics to clutter up the dash / seat and attract thieves -like GPS units, iPods, DVD players, radar detectors and the like. Not that I expect any thieves would break in to steal an HD adapter, pawn shops would laugh at them when they tried to fence it. People want it built in, 90% of the people will buy the car as it sits in the showroom because add-ins just drive the price up further and delay delivery. Built-in DVD players are the hottest item, followed by XM and Sirius according to a dealer I know. HD? If the HD cartel can get a MAJOR auto maker to commit to building it in, then I will think they have accomplished something. But Ford's offering is lukewarm at best - if it sells big they MIGHT commit to building it into radios. But if it doesn't sell big - then ALL the major auto makers will back off. So the pro-HD crowd has a lot riding on this Ford offering, they better promote the heck out of it if there is any hope of getting committments from any auto maker.

My gut feeling? It will flop, Ford will pull the promotion in three months and you will NEVER see the big automakers offer a built in HD radio. Just XM and Sirius with free trial periods.

 

[Mike Walker]

You may be right, rbrucecarter5. But I don't think so. My gut feeling is that, after fits and starts (more of the fomer than the latter) the technology will s-l-o-w-l-y take off. Think HDTV, not Ipod. TV is supposedly "sexier" than radio (I don't believe that for a second, but lots of others do), and HDTV has been an extremely slow starter. Of the 40 percent who have the tvs after a decade, only a third of those have their sets configured to receive HDTV (no proper antenna, or HD service from cable or satellite). People are too used to the speed things move in computers/the internet/etc. Broadcasting is s-l-o-w to change.

 

[Play Freebird]

Well, I retract my original optimism for this development. I thought it would be built into Ford car radio - the same as you can get XM and Sirius AM/FM built in now. An add-on adapter? It is one more piece of electronics to clutter up the dash / seat and attract thieves -like GPS units, iPods, DVD players, radar detectors and the like.

My opinion is very similar.

A couple of days ago, I got a "press release" email from my local Harris Broadcast rep, who wanted all of his customers to know about this exciting new HD Radio development. However, the words "dealer installed" had been omitted from the Harris copy. Instead, by calling it "an option in Ford vehicles", they implied it was something installed at the factory. I could sense that the Harris marketing people are desperate for any positive news that might help to restore lagging HD transmitter sales.

I suppose the timing of this announcement was intended to create a "big buzz" at the NAB Radio Show, but after reading the facts, I really don't see that Ford has made a strong commitment to the technology quite yet. They simply found a low-risk way to help some dealers to make a few extra bucks and take advantage of a free ad campaign.

 

[FightingIrish]

I checked the Ford site (http://www.fordvehicles.com) and chose the option to 'build' my own car. I tried a mid-level V6 Fusion, since I'm sure that's one of their highest profile vehicles. Satellite radio is a $195 option. I've seen it for more with other manufacturers in the past - GM and others used to have it as a $400 option. An Audiophile 6 disc MP3 system with 8 speakers is available in the Fusion as part of an $800 "Moon and Tune" package (I would assume with a moonroof).

HD Radio is not yet listed as an option in the 'build a Ford' feature. They do claim it to be dealer-installed. Can also be installed on 2005-07 Fords. Perhaps this is coming in future '08 vehicles, since I'm sure quite a few '08s have already rolled off the assembly line and are now on dealer lots. September is the big rollout month for new model year vehicles.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

An add-on adapter? It is one more piece of electronics to clutter up the dash / seat and attract thieves -like GPS units, iPods, DVD players, radar detectors and the like.

I don't think I would assume that the HD radio/adapter will be visible. The built-in sat radios in most cars are a "black box" hidden in a body panel, with cables connecting them to the dashboard head unit. A few of the after-market HD radios I've seen for cars don't have to be visible, either...they're controlled by the head unit.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Perhaps you missed this part of Fords news release

Why do you constantly assume that the rest of us can't read?

 

[arnoldevns]

This is good news for the HD radio folks. However, it is not the savior that some think. This just gets the option in front of people. Will they go for it? Who knows. Certainly anything that gets the technology in front of a lot of people will help sell HD radio. However, I'm not sure you're going to see a ton of folks take the option. It'll be more than all the other HD radio sales combined I'm sure, but really - twice nothing is still nothing.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Congrats to the Anti HD crowd. I wouldn't have believed it, but it's become true.

HD availability in Ford vehicles is a losing idea.

You heard it here first.

Clouseau

Yes, Inspector, it's a loser. If you want to get a new tech in front of new car owners as quickly and cheaply as possible, you don't make people ask for it and then make them pay for it. You take a page from the playbook of the sat-radio crowd. Make it STANDARD, not optional. Put it in every new car as soon as it's practical. If, as David Eduardo says (and is right on the money about IMO), it adds an infinitesimal amount to a monthly car payment, now's the time. Get it out in front of the new car buyers. Sat-radio did it. Why can't the HD cartel...er, Alliance? XM and Sirius, between them, are "partnered" with just about every major auto manufacturer. The HD folks need to play that game. There's nothing that sells new car features like word-of-mouth, and "wow, you won't believe how good my radio sounds!" is what the HD crowd needs.

 

[Mike Walker]

You're right, Dumber. It should be standard equipment. Still satellite has been an option for a long time (then standard, with the "free trial"), and after all this time only 15 million people subscribe, and the satellite companies have yet to make a red cent (they're still losing money fast enough to make the federal government blush).

 

[Chuck]

HD Radio is not yet listed as an option in the 'build a Ford' feature. They do claim it to be dealer-installed. Can also be installed on 2005-07 Fords. Perhaps this is coming in future '08 vehicles, since I'm sure quite a few '08s have already rolled off the assembly line and are now on dealer lots. September is the big rollout month for new model year vehicles.

Yes, and they can also install it in your 1931 Model A Ford as well, if the car has been updated to a 12 volt electrical system. "Dealer Installed" is just what it sounds like.

I'd have to say the press releases are misleading at best. You could get your Ford dealer to install the same add-on tuner several months ago. The only big news is the ad campaign, which I suspect is more or less a "freebie" for Ford.

 

[BRUSSTAR]

Two pages of posts later and still it seems no one from the pro-"HD" crowd has been able to say, "Sure Brusstar, all those Ford spots mentioning HD Radio are airing at rate-card price. How dare you suggest this is just a lopsided trade!"

 

[clouseau]

Two pages of posts later and still it seems no one from the pro-"HD" crowd has been able to say, "Sure Brusstar, all those Ford spots mentioning HD Radio are airing at rate-card price. How dare you suggest this is just a lopsided trade!"

George, I'm surprised. Of course it's a trade. You know it's a trade. I know it's a trade. (OK I don't have personal knowledge, but we all "Know" ir's a trade).

"We" all work in radio. We know things like this are trade. Why does Continental Airlines advertise with the Astros? Trade. Ever notice hom most sports teams have a medical facility on their advertising roster? Do they have players needing medical attention? TRADE.

Do you think they made the Mercury SUV commercials with the animated little Sirius Dog in them because he's cute? Or because a 3 year subscription to Sirius will motivte a $30K+ purchase? I'm putting my money on some type of trade.

Perhaps a better assertion would be... "Two pages later and I'm impressed. No one on the HD side is dumb enough to suggest this isn't a lopsided trade."

I am just amazed by the myopic drum march of the anti bunch here. As little as a few weeks ago there were the pontifications that "The Big Three has no interest in HD", no one cares about availability in a BMW" or even better" "Ford will never make this available in their financial shape". Now Ford has it available and it's "BAD NEWS".

Look it's obvious it would be nice to have it be standard or "free". Might happen some day. Heck, I'd like to see them give the cars with HD installed for free. Probably not some day.

In fairness many of those who are on the "Don't like it" side of the fence have posted clearly here in this thread that this is good news for HD. I would agree. Others see it as a half full vs half empty glass. And still others are pitching the "Drinking out of a glass causes cancer" angle.

I just don't get it.

Clouseau

 

[calstymes]

R.F. Burns did hereby suggest:

Perhaps you missed this part of Fords news release

To which dumber than a box of hair asked poignantly:

Why do you constantly assume that the rest of us can't read?

The rest of us, in fact, can't read don't'chya know? I do believe that working in the #1 broadcast market teaches reading comprehension more efficaciously than does working in any of the other markets. I am hoping to take a wonderful reading course using a New York HD2 signal soon.

 

[R.F. Burns]

R.F. Burns did hereby suggest:

Perhaps you missed this part of Fords news release

To which dumber than a box of hair asked poignantly:

Why do you constantly assume that the rest of us can't read?

The rest of us, in fact, can't read don't'chya know? I do believe that working in the #1 broadcast market teaches reading comprehension more efficaciously than does working in any of the other markets. I am hoping to take a wonderful reading course using a New York HD2 signal soon.

Well my cynical board mate, I can't guess where you drew these conclusions. The point was brought up that

" A nearly $300 option that buyers have to specifically ask for? Given the lack of awareness or buzz about HD right now, this is a non-starter. Maybe (you should pardon the pun) down the road a bit, but this isn't going to work here and now."

And I responded with the following excerpt from the news release


"Ford will support the HD Radio launch with a 13-week, multimillion-dollar radio campaign in partnership with the HD Radio Digital Alliance. The commercials are set to start airing September 26 on about 700 radio stations in 100 markets."


I believe this paragraph shows that there will be a concerted effort to enhance public awareness of HD radio. No, I don't believe its reading that's the issue. Maybe comprehension is a better word to use. By the way Cal, where do you work so I can bring it up in every post I make where you are concerned?

 

[dbdigital]

Isn't Ford an investor in iBiquity, in fact, the only American car maker who is? I'm surprised it took them this long to roll out an HD Radio option.

db

 

[Chuck]

Isn't Ford an investor in iBiquity, in fact, the only American car maker who is? I'm surprised it took them this long to roll out an HD Radio option.

db

Your're right.

From the Ibiquity web site listng investors: "Leading Manufacturers include Ford Motor Company, Harris Corporation, Texas Instruments and Visteon Corporation."

The full list is at : http://www.ibiquity.com/about_us/investor_information

 

[davideduardo]

Isn't Ford an investor in iBiquity, in fact, the only American car maker who is? I'm surprised it took them this long to roll out an HD Radio option.

Like most everyone else, they were waiting for the FCC to give permanent approval to HD.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Well my cynical board mate, I can't guess where you drew these conclusions. The point was brought up that

" A nearly $300 option that buyers have to specifically ask for? Given the lack of awareness or buzz about HD right now, this is a non-starter. Maybe (you should pardon the pun) down the road a bit, but this isn't going to work here and now."

And I responded with the following excerpt from the news release


"Ford will support the HD Radio launch with a 13-week, multimillion-dollar radio campaign in partnership with the HD Radio Digital Alliance. The commercials are set to start airing September 26 on about 700 radio stations in 100 markets."

Thanks ever so much for proving my point. The excerpt you threw in my face was part of something you linked to previously. I read it. I didn't have to have it repeated because you assumed I hadn't read it. If you're going to assume anything, assume that we have enough intelligence to read what you and others link to.

While we're on this subject: I contacted a friend (since grade school) who also happens to run a Ford dealership in my hometown. It has been in his family for almost 60 years. I asked him about this dealer-installed option, and he nearly laughed in my face. He's been the GM (yes, I know...bad pun) of this dealership for almost 20 years, and according to him dealer-installed options are a joke these days. He has received a display setup from Ford's marketing folks that shows the HD option, to be placed with their radio "kiosk" in the showroom, but he said that display traditionally moves little or no product at all. I guess we'll see if the HD radio option proves to be the exception to the rule.