And they said it would never happen.

[clouseau]

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.

Yeah, after reading your post, I can't see how allowing new car buyers to actually install HD radio in their cars could actually be a benefit.

And it seemed like such a good idea when I first read about it.

Sheesh, I'm such an idiot.

Clouseau

 

[hipporadio]

Quoting a close friend and Indiana financial planner [with broker credentials] where TWO massive Visteon plant closings threaten to devastate the local economies of their local communities: “They both [Visteon and Ford] are on tip-toes at the edge of a cliff.” ...And both are funneling their precious financial assets into iBiquity ??? I’m getting dizzy from all this drama!

A bit ‘o history: Visteon was born by an independent effort to buy-out former Ford manufacturing subsidiaries which supplied parts to their master. These included climate and engine cooling; engine air induction/emissions control; fuel delivery; and electronics. Motorola was a former OEM supplier, but somewhere along the time-line Visteon appeared to claim credit for the vehicular audio head-ends... I’m not certain about the details, but in an era immediately-preceding the creation of present-day Visteon, Motorola exited the radio business – favoring the exploding cell phone and semi-conductor market.

Central to the Visteon buy-out was its pre-arranged status with Ford as an “exclusive” or “preferred” parts supplier. Visteon radios appeared in Ford dashboards. The Visteon-Ford “relationship” was symbiotic in much the same way iBiquity’s is with mega-sized corporate radio. Is not the former Delco [now Delphi] similar with General Motors? What appears to differ is Visteon’s “HD Radio path” versus Delphi’s “relationship” with XM. While I was aware of GM’s stake in sat-radio AND sat-television [DirecTV/Hughes] – Visteon’s stake in iBiquity is interesting, but understandable, news to me – Ford’s is even-bigger news! This might explain Visteon’s canny and above-typical interest in “HD Radio”. Here’s a company with THREE “HD” product lines: “HD Solution/Mach” for the dash; “HD Jump”—the mobile/home hybrid; and now, “HD Pulse”—strictly aimed at the home aftermarket. Dephi has NO such “path” and shows little-interest in pursuing one – that speculation comes to me courtesy of a longtime-friendship with a Delphi product engineer at their Kokomo, IN HQ.

Now before one performs a campfire dance over the alleged fortunes for “HD Radio” in regards to Visteon; understand that the contractual [and preferential] treatment by Ford to its former subsidiary [Visteon] is changing. As time moves forward, “Son” is expected to make his own way in the world with less-assistance from “Father”. This is the primary reason for Visteon’s currently-challenged financial position... Their Ford orders are shrinking, and they’re desperately-seeking new markets [“HD” ? ], but Father Ford IS NOT an automatic consumer! Consider Fords decision to include THE OPTION for “HD” as “dealer-marketed and installed” as testimony to this.

On the positive side [for “HD”] – Visteon’s contribution to the current stable of “HD” consumer hardware appears to be “above the norm” in performance; and their commitment to that technology well-exceeds the lukewarm efforts of the larger consumer electronics franchises. Their “HD Pulse” home table/clock radio [IMHO] is THE FIRST non-component “HD box” that “GETS IT!” – the BA HD Receptor and other form-factor imitations DIDN’T]. You’ll recall its position on QVC’s “HD” segment earlier this week. Sources report that sales were dismal, but QVC’s over-$225 price [with S&H and no mention of a rebate] was NO BARGIN... An Amazon seller offers it for under $150 [with no-charge delivery and a $40 rebate!] so little can be left to the marketer’s imagination here. The Visteon-HD/Ford-option “adventure” is worthy of watching, but unfortunately “the ball” rests in the court of that all-too-stereotyped “car salesman” who holds a long and creative list of last-minute “add-ons” for the weary [and leery] customer to consider.

 

[calstymes]

R.F. Burns asked:

By the way Cal, where do you work so I can bring it up in every post I make where you are concerned?

I don't bring up where you work in every post. In fact, I never divulged where you work at all. I have only commented on information that you have publicly made available yourself which is to remind us of your credentials, and even then, only when I feel it is warranted based upon some remark you have made which I consider to be deprecating to others. Perhaps my analysis of this is incorrect? Am I the only one who thinks that you do this?

That notwithstanding, while you often remind us in what market you are employed, I have never done so myself because I could never hope to compete with the level of your knowledge, success and talent. In fact, I don't believe I've ever even mentioned what business I am in and if I never divulge anything of that nature, then I don't leave myself open to be accused of trying to impress based on "standing".

 

[Savage]

Cal, I am in accord. I have detected personal animus which has little to do with the subject matter, in several of RF's exchanges, at least with me. It's my opinion that he has a low frustration threshold with anyone who doesn't agree that IBOC is the only thing that will save radio, especially AM.

 

[R.F. Burns]

Cal, I am in accord. I have detected personal animus which has little to do with the subject matter, in several of RF's exchanges, at least with me. It's my opinion that he has a low frustration threshold with anyone who doesn't agree that IBOC is the only thing that will save radio, especially AM.

Maybe it's time you look in a mirror Bob

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Maybe it's time you look in a mirror Bob

The type of comments which say a whole lot more about you than they do about your intended targets...and the type of comments which are perfect proof of what Savage, Cal and others have said about your replies.

 

[Mike Walker]

If I were God (and I should be!), we'd let FM continue to progress, but go back to square one for AM. I'm not, and it ain't likely to happen. Can what we have be made to work? I have no freakin' idea, but I sure have doubts.

The most bothersome thing about all of this, as a someone who LOVES "the little guy", the "Mom 'n Pop" operators that have kept small-market radio "live and local" all these years, is will anything happen to make HD an affordable way for small stations to improve audio quality, and (more important, especially in small markets where choices are limited) and increase available programming choices.

 

[R.F. Burns]

Maybe it's time you look in a mirror Bob

The type of comments which say a whole lot more about you than they do about your intended targets...and the type of comments which are perfect proof of what Savage, Cal and others have said about your replies.

Your kidding right? I mean did I bring up Mr Savages name and imply that he was intolerant? Who was it that made the first accusation backed up by Mr Savage? It's this kind of childishness that has caused me to leave this board before and I guess it is time for another break. Have fun discussing this topic amongst the 12 or so people who hang out here. I ahve a life and intend to enjoy it and ignore the foolishness and childish behavoir and intolerance employed by a chosen few. To me you are a pathetic lot.

 

[Radioman100]

Your kidding right? I mean did I bring up Mr Savages name and imply that he was intolerant? Who was it that made the first accusation backed up by Mr Savage? It's this kind of childishness that has caused me to leave this board before and I guess it is time for another break. Have fun discussing this topic amongst the 12 or so people who hang out here. I ahve a life and intend to enjoy it and ignore the foolishness and childish behavoir and intolerance employed by a chosen few. To me you are a pathetic lot.

It's pretty funny isn't it? The anti-HD side constantly hurls insults and uses grade school-esque quips that don't belong in any type of credible, intelligent technical discussion and when anyone calls them on it, they stick out their lip and pout.

Not only that, they can't stay on topic. The forum is frequented on the anti-side not by radio pros, but by low power broadcasters and webcasters who apparently have an axe to grind and think we just don't get it because we don't see things quite their way. They're always quick to point out how the industry is "doomed" because we lack what their unique vision and worldview. Whatever.

I'll keep doing what I do, you'll keep doing what you do and I'd be willing to bet the sun will rise tomorrow.

 

[calstymes]

Radioman100 confronted:

The anti-HD side constantly hurls insults and uses grade school-esque quips that don't belong in any type of credible, intelligent technical discussion and when anyone calls them on it, they stick out their lip and pout.

I don't think I've personally done either (stick out my lip or pout). I will call a spade a spade, however. If somebody denigrates and insults other people on this here message board due to a high handed and superior attitude based on birthright or where somebody works, then I will poke fun at them. It's as plain and simple as that. A word to the wise: You never know who might be reading and participating in this here message board.

The forum is frequented on the anti-side not by radio pros,

I think you might be very surprised at just who might be on this here message board using pseudonyms and what their opinions are. I will tell you who isn't here, though. Aside from Tom Ray who was very gracious in discussing the AM IBOC implementation at WOR, there isn't a single AM radio engineering professional here who would be willing to be identified who will come out and tell us that AM HD is a wonderful thing and that we should all run out, spend some money and jump on the bandwagon. Where are these people?

So far, I've had two bad BA receivers given to me as gifts (admittedly over a year ago) and they left a very bad taste in my mouth. I would be happy to have any excuse to go out and actually spend money on this technology if some AM radio engineering professional would come on here and tell me that they think this is the greatest thing ever for AM radio and broadcasting's future. But I just don't see this happening.

What is wrong with this picture?

 

[Play Freebird]

The most bothersome thing about all of this, as a someone who LOVES "the little guy", the "Mom 'n Pop" operators that have kept small-market radio "live and local" all these years, is will anything happen to make HD an affordable way for small stations to improve audio quality, and (more important, especially in small markets where choices are limited) and increase available programming choices.

The most affordable way for the locally-operated AM "Mom and Pops" to improve audio quality (and add or improve night service) is not HD, but FM translators. The initial equipment investment is less than $9,000, the receivers are already in the hands and dashboards of listeners, data can be displayed through RDS, and the sound quality is true stereo FM, not an artificial imitation.

In areas where the FM band is congested, note that there's 12 MHz of spectrum already allocated to broadcasting (from 76 to 88 MHz) which could be offered to translators on a secondary basis. For those who still can't accept the idea of FM stations operating on a TV channel, note that there are many bands being shared successfully; one example is the 70 cm amateur band, which is also used by government radar stations.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

The forum is frequented on the anti-side not by radio pros, but by low power broadcasters and webcasters who apparently have an axe to grind and think we just don't get it because we don't see things quite their way.

Well, this is one 38-year "anti-side" radio pro (engineering and IT) who says you're wrong.