Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

[KB1OKL]

Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

Great Article. At least from the perspective of a website that openly promotes unlicensed FM broadcasting in the US. The usual "More people are better served by a broadcasting 'collective'" stuff. It's actually amusing to see how this is now the type of source we're seeing cited more and more as the "Anti-crowd" gets closer and closer to what they perceive as "Victory".

As most rational people suspected, HD has been here a while and the sky has not fallen. Despite earlier predictions from loonies like http://digitaldisaster.org , Richmond VA has not "lost 20 radio stations". Most of these original kooks have moved on to another cause, just like the protestors in the lobby of WKRP.

And HD in other countries isn't really news. Brasil has been using Ibiquity for a year or so IIFC. BUt maybe if the "Anti-gang" shout loud enough, it will still sound like a lot of people. Or maybe not...

Clouseau

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

Great Article. At least from the perspective of a website that openly promotes unlicensed FM broadcasting in the US. The usual "More people are better served by a broadcasting 'collective'" stuff. It's actually amusing to see how this is now the type of source we're seeing cited more and more as the "Anti-crowd" gets closer and closer to what they perceive as "Victory".

As most rational people suspected, HD has been here a while and the sky has not fallen. Despite earlier predictions from loonies like http://digitaldisaster.org , Richmond VA has not "lost 20 radio stations". Most of these original kooks have moved on to another cause, just like the protestors in the lobby of WKRP.

And HD in other countries isn't really news. Brasil has been using Ibiquity for a year or so IIFC. BUt maybe if the "Anti-gang" shout loud enough, it will still sound like a lot of people. Or maybe not...

Clouseau

Lots of words but no rebuttal and no facts as usual. The "anti-gang" as you put it is probably smaller than the "pro-gang" but the "apathetic-gang" is immense and these are the people who have caused HD to be the "big-bust" it has become. (big-bust only to us though as the vast majority of listeners have absolutely no idea it even exists.

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

...The "anti-gang" as you put it is probably smaller than the "pro-gang"

Wow, we agree. It's nice to see reality rear it's head on this board from time to time.

but the "apathetic-gang" is immense

We agree AGAIN. This must be some kind of record.

and these are the people who have caused HD to be the "big-bust" it has become.

OK, I knew it was too good to be true. Bob. the "Anti-Group" has shouted how HD was going to destroy conventional radio reception USA-wide. The degree of that destruction is up for debate, but even you would have to say that the negative effect of HD on the average listener has been minimal. NOW the new claim of "certain failure" comes from a new front. "No one cares about HD". Fair enough. I would remind you, however, that the "Anti-group" has basically already been shown to be wrong on the interference front. Now we move on to "NO ONE" cares. As HD begins to appear in more cars and radios, what'll it be in five years, more people listen to analog than digital so HD is failing?

You're old enough to recall the roll out of Cable TV. When it started it offered 12 channels. Probably your 3 locals, A few OTA imports a local channel and a camera that panned weather guages.

As satellite developed, we got HBO (7PM to 11PM and 6PM-2AM on Friday and Saturday)and Atlanta's WTCG. You know the rest of the story...

When cable started, it offered good reception of local TV in well popuilated areas. Period. Places where honestly, often they HAD good reception of Local TV. It didin't really "EXPLODE". In fact I recall some saying it didin't really make much sense to pay for something you can get for free. There weren't a lot people who could envision a 24 hour weather channel, 3 major 24 hour news channels, 8 - 24 hour sports channels and the like. It was local channels for a monthly fee with weather dials. Who knew?

(big-bust only to us though as the vast majority of listeners have absolutely no idea it even exists.

Exactly, Bob. Big bust "ONLY TO YOU". The bitching about the CATV extra wires on the poles is basically over. The tower on the hill with all those TV antennas on it has been there a while. The technology is getting better. The programming will get better. The listener base is undoubtedly larger than it has ever been for HD (Ain't big, but larger).

This forum is one of the last bastions of real controversy about HD. (And I use the term "real", loosly)

Enjoy it. Remember, the louder you shout, the noisier it seems.

Clouseau

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

and these are the people who have caused HD to be the "big-bust" it has become.

OK, I knew it was too good to be true. Bob. the "Anti-Group" has shouted how HD was going to destroy conventional radio reception USA-wide. The degree of that destruction is up for debate, but even you would have to say that the negative effect of HD on the average listener has been minimal. NOW the new claim of "certain failure" comes from a new front. "No one cares about HD". Fair enough. I would remind you, however, that the "Anti-group" has basically already been shown to be wrong on the interference front. Now we move on to "NO ONE" cares. As HD begins to appear in more cars and radios, what'll it be in five years, more people listen to analog than digital so HD is failing?

Clouseau

HD is a big bust, after all how many people care enough to buy one? Hobbyists and professionals, that's about it. The same people, the vast majority of people out there no matter how extensive or insulting the ads have become still either don't know it exists or don't care, either way it adds up to a big collective O for HD radio. Who's buying them besides people like us? How many are moving? Why does the Alliance fudge their numbers from year to year making it look like their is a big jump every year?
I have never seen an HD radio in a car or a home and I have seen exactly one in a store and have looked around. I have seen more old 8 track players in my travels than HD radios and we all know how wonderfully those worked.
I don't think anyone ever claimed there were a lot of anti folks around just as there aren't a lot of pro owners around either, we really don't matter, what matters is that the great masses aren't buying them period. In the overall scheme of things I don't really think that me or you matter all that much. It's the consumers who do and they just ain't buying no matter what anyone does to try and get their attention. What's the latest figure thrown around by the Alliance which I don't buy at all, 36% have heard of IBOC radio? (if true it's even worse news for IBOC than if no one knew about it) If these supposed 36% had bought an IBOC radio it would be a smashing success now wouldn't it? Even if 18% had bought one it would still be very successful wouldn't it? If that figure is accurate then IBOC is really a smashing failure isn't it? What was that latest figure from the Alliance, 400,000 units sold so far? Let's see that's out of approx 300,000,000 people here in the US, hmmm. that works out to about 1/100 of 1% So that's 1 out of every 10,000 people own an IBOC receiver, I wonder who the 1 and a half people who own them in my town are? Let's be magnanimous and just say there are a LOT of potential customers out there. But then again the biggest ad campaign last year did nothing to budge these recalcitrant customers, I thought for sure the "radio with a boob job" campaign would have pushed it over the top too. ;D
I think the fact that IBOC interferes with adjacent channels on both AM and FM has been documented very well and doesn't need a rehash here right now.

 

[LinoNYC]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

Wow! I was going to recover from my trip another day but you present too juicy a-target.

How, exactly do you as an amateur musician sporting a Ham call feel qualified to counsel any industry person (if any attended) on a mode of transmission? How?

I attended RCA School and got a First class at 17 but would not think to advise working professionals on this subject. Obviously I have an opinion but that is voiced socially, not as some faux expert.

Gotta admit, you got a pair.

Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

That doesn't sound like a sophisticated assemblage -but does explain your presence.

Sorry to administer such a cold shower but most European and all Asian countries are developing/adopting in-band DAB. Eureka=dead.

You quipped in another post that I might be going to Siam to sell IBOC to the King, don't have to, they already have adopted it for FM and a friend at GMM Grammy's Attime radio wing tells me that AM (which suffers from the same demo-erosion as here) will "soon" be experimenting.

In-band is the trend, but don't worry, Ham is safe at least until the last practitioners croak.

Aside from the general unattractiveness of people back here (compared to Thailand) it's good to be back home.


(tired) Lino

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

Wow! I was going to recover from my trip another day but you present too juicy a-target.

How, exactly do you as an amateur musician sporting a Ham call feel qualified to counsel any industry person (if any attended) on a mode of transmission? How?

I attended RCA School and got a First class at 17 but would not think to advise working professionals on this subject. Obviously I have an opinion but that is voiced socially, not as some faux expert.

Gotta admit, you got a pair.

Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

That doesn't sound like a sophisticated assemblage -but does explain your presence.

Sorry to administer such a cold shower but most European and all Asian countries are developing/adopting in-band DAB. Eureka=dead.

You quipped in another post that I might be going to Siam to sell IBOC to the King, don't have to, they already have adopted it for FM and a friend at GMM Grammy's Attime radio wing tells me that AM (which suffers from the same demo-erosion as here) will "soon" be experimenting.

In-band is the trend, but don't worry, Ham is safe at least until the last practitioners croak.

Aside from the general unattractiveness of people back here (compared to Thailand) it's good to be back home.


(tired) Lino

Lino, you must be tired, I'm flattered that you would think it was me that hosted that conference but alas it wasn't I. I generally know my limitations especially after reading the stuff the engineers here and other places write. How's the King doing anyway besides ruining his country's radio bands? ;D

 

[Carmine5]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Last month, I attended an exploratory workshop hosted by the European Science Foundation about the prospects of community media in a digitally-convergent communications environment. Not surprisingly, when one thinks "community media," radio first comes to mind, and we represented in full: most of the 30 invitees to this workshop were either involved in radio activism and/or regulation in their respective home countries.

My personal mission was to warn as many other countries away from casting their fates with iBiquity's HD Radio platform, as it not only carries a plethora of technical risks, but it may decimate community radio stations as we know them (draft, not for publication). Fortunately, this was an easy job: the Europeans can see through the snake-oil that is HD Radio, and the general consensus of the workshop was that HD should be opposed at every step.

However, this is not stopping iBiquity from trying to break into international markets:

read more at:

http://diymedia.net/archive/0608.htm#062308

Mr. Anderson's point about Ibiquity imposing a "Microsoft-style" monopoly on HD-Radio is what makes this technology particularly odious for me.

As he says in his conclusion:

"...the wholly proprietary nature of iBiquity’s HD Radio system trumps public authority. Whereas all radio stations will still require licenses from government authority to access the spectrum on which to broadcast, the ultimate control over the act of broadcasting itself will be a private function, governed by the licensing agreement between iBiquity and individual stations. Therefore, a situation might arise in the future where although a station may have no interference with respect to government licensure, a conflict with iBiquity could mean the station’s effective silencing. This is especially important for noncommercial and community radio stations, many of whom operate on shoestring budgets already and are not prepared for... the notion of having to pay potentially residual fees to a private corporation in order to remain on the air."

While manufacturers will pay a license fee to cover the patents on FM stereo or C-Quam, it is a one time fee which is built into the price of the transmitter or encoder. After the initial purchase, a broadcaster is free to transmit with no additional fees incurred. But, as we know, this is not the case with HD-Radio in which the broadcaster must pay indefinitely even if the station is barely generating income or is operating at a loss.

Actually what Ibiquity is doing (and which the FCC has given its papal blessing to) is worse then a Microsoft monopoly. At least there are other operating systems to choose from. But if a broadcaster wants to broadcast digitally they have no choice but to remain in perpetual servitude to Ibiquity, no other DAB systems allowed.

I can see this situation eventually being challenged in court, particularly if the FCC adopts a digital only policy for radio.

C5

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

I can see this situation eventually being challenged in court, particularly if the FCC adopts a digital only policy for radio.

Don't wait up for that to occur. Even iBiquity will admit that such an edict is decades away, if it ever occurs. Broadcasters would, as one, rise up and revolt if the FCC forced digital down their throats with the present infinitesimal number of receivers in the hands of their listeners, and given that many smaller stations cannot or will not pay iBiquity's licensing fees.

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

HD is a big bust, ...

Just keep shouting, Bob. We all can hear how noisy it is in here. HD is evolving. Again I will state a piece of information I consider a fact that no one seems to want to refute.

THERE ARE MORE HD RADIO LISTENERS TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE IN HISTORY.

THERE ARE MORE HD RADIOS OUT THERE THAN EVER BEFORE .

You have assigned a plateau (Which you conveniently haven't defined) which YOU classify as "FAILED". First off, again I will point out there are more HD radios out there TODAY than when this thread started YESTERDAY. I would assume people are listening to them SOME and therefore there are more LISTENERS of HD then there were yesterday. Not like your beloved AM stereo (Which in your fantasy world sounds as good as FM.) No quantity of Neon "Palm Reader" signs in front of your house makes what you are posting anything more than your PREDICTION. You can scream it. Preach it. Beg others to believe it and find a few who will yell "Yeah baby, Go Bob Go!" You PROCLAIMING it as a fact doesn't make it so any more than "Richmond Radio will be wiped out by HD" was. It's you acting all knowing. Nothing more.

Note the constant dynamic here.

1) You scream HD Sucks/ is dead/ will destroy radio around the world.

2) Someone on the other side says "Well it does have some good points"

3) You say, NO NO NO it's dead. It's horrible, It has no redeeming qualities.

Where is this constant "Cheerleading" you accuse others of? I have read every message posted on this board for over 2 years. I don't ever recall reading HD was the greatest thing ever. But I have heard it death pronounced for over 2 years starting out with th "It'll never get final approval" _ "It'll never get approved for use at night". "It'll wipe out 20 radio statins in Richmond and all over the country...". HD IS DEAD is just more hysteria.

Remember, though.. Shouting louder just makes it seem noisier.

Clouseau

 

[Seattleradiodude]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Hmm, the U.K.s DIdital Radio seems to be movin along pretty good

Considering they are pulling a all digital conversion for radio!

"The plan is to have all AM and FM stations move to the digital audio band by 2020, reports the Financial Times Limited. The paper says the country's culture secretary Andy Burnham has endorsed the timetable, which recommends "that signal strengths should be improved so the process of 'migration' could begin in about 2015, lasting five years."

-Radio-Info Homepage 6-24

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

That is in contrast with many other articles I've read about the UK in which listeners and sales are down and all sorts of gimmicks were being tried to pump up sales, (sound familiar?) I think that is wishful thinking on some politician's part.

"In 2005, GCap became the largest radio company in the United Kingdom – the outcome of a merger between GWR Group and Capital Radio.

GCap’s pulling the plug on two more of its digital stations, Planet Rock and the Jazz. This adds to the three other digital channels they’d already silenced.

The only GCap digital-broadcast stations remaining are those simulcating their terrestrial stations, which include hit radio CapitalFM, classical Classic FM, alternative XFM, and Hip-Hop/R&B Choice FM.

GCap says that digital radio is not economically viable. They’re also selling its piece of Digital One, a national broadcasting platform for digital stations. They just want o-u-t.

Digital radio listening accounts for nine percent of total radio listening in the U.K. – but digital-only stations make up less than four and a half percent of total listening."

read more at:

http://gormanmediablog.blogspot.com/2008/03/radio-uks-digital-death-notice.html

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

That is in contrast with many other articles I've read about the UK in which listeners and sales are down and all sorts of gimmicks were being tried to pump up sales, (sound familiar?) I think that is wishful thinking on some politician's part.

"In 2005, GCap became the largest radio company in the United Kingdom – the outcome of a merger between GWR Group and Capital Radio.

GCap’s pulling the plug on two more of its digital stations, Planet Rock and the Jazz. This adds to the three other digital channels they’d already silenced.

The only GCap digital-broadcast stations remaining are those simulcating their terrestrial stations, which include hit radio CapitalFM, classical Classic FM, alternative XFM, and Hip-Hop/R&B Choice FM.

GCap says that digital radio is not economically viable. They’re also selling its piece of Digital One, a national broadcasting platform for digital stations. They just want o-u-t.

Digital radio listening accounts for nine percent of total radio listening in the U.K. – but digital-only stations make up less than four and a half percent of total listening."

read more at:

http://gormanmediablog.blogspot.com/2008/03/radio-uks-digital-death-notice.html

or you could Google "gcap digital radio".

#1 would be this...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7238444.stm

In THIS article is clearly shows there is a competition for the stations./ BBC and the like are all after them. A quote is...

Altium Securities analyst Roddy Davidson said: "We believe a further offer from Global Radio is likely and that other parties could also enter the fray."

Meanwhile, BBC Radio and the 4 Digital Group confirmed their commitment to develop digital radio in the UK.

You can post any kind of garbage here you like. Clearly some have gone beyond that "Integrity line".

Clouseau

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

That is in contrast with many other articles I've read about the UK in which listeners and sales are down and all sorts of gimmicks were being tried to pump up sales, (sound familiar?) I think that is wishful thinking on some politician's part.

"In 2005, GCap became the largest radio company in the United Kingdom – the outcome of a merger between GWR Group and Capital Radio.

GCap’s pulling the plug on two more of its digital stations, Planet Rock and the Jazz. This adds to the three other digital channels they’d already silenced.

The only GCap digital-broadcast stations remaining are those simulcating their terrestrial stations, which include hit radio CapitalFM, classical Classic FM, alternative XFM, and Hip-Hop/R&B Choice FM.

GCap says that digital radio is not economically viable. They’re also selling its piece of Digital One, a national broadcasting platform for digital stations. They just want o-u-t.

Digital radio listening accounts for nine percent of total radio listening in the U.K. – but digital-only stations make up less than four and a half percent of total listening."

read more at:

http://gormanmediablog.blogspot.com/2008/03/radio-uks-digital-death-notice.html

or you could Google "gcap digital radio".

#1 would be this...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7238444.stm

In THIS article is clearly shows there is a competition for the stations./ BBC and the like are all after them. A quote is...

Altium Securities analyst Roddy Davidson said: "We believe a further offer from Global Radio is likely and that other parties could also enter the fray."

Meanwhile, BBC Radio and the 4 Digital Group confirmed their commitment to develop digital radio in the UK.

You can post any kind of garbage here you like. Clearly some have gone beyond that "Integrity line".

Clouseau

Yes we can post any kind of garbage here we want, in fact we could go to the iBiquity website and post the rosy picture they keep trying to paint about how great HD is doing despite the obvious fact that it is dead as a door nail and that they are so desperate they will be going to the Congo pretty soon (or Thailand) to try to pawn off their jamming un-receivable junk on unsuspecting broadcasters who will pay and pay and pay once they sign the dotted line..
And if I remember my netiquette or what ever you call it, typing in all capitals is shouting, I never do that, you did a few posts ago, what's with that? Why do you guys get all PO'ed and revert to primitive emotional levels when confronted with the truth?
So, You think Gorman writes garbage and goes beyond the "integrity line?

Only an unapologetic iBOC cheerleader could read an article like the following and think it is a positive article about digital radio, read it again with your rose colored glasses off, you might get a different meaning from it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7238444.stm

 

[Carmine5]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

I can see this situation eventually being challenged in court, particularly if the FCC adopts a digital only policy for radio.

Don't wait up for that to occur. Even iBiquity will admit that such an edict is decades away, if it ever occurs. Broadcasters would, as one, rise up and revolt if the FCC forced digital down their throats with the present infinitesimal number of receivers in the hands of their listeners, and given that many smaller stations cannot or will not pay iBiquity's licensing fees.

I tend to be a 'never say never' kinda guy. If Britain is considering all digital, it could happen here one day.

Like Mr. Savage, I think the FCC will give rubber stamp approval to the power increase for HD-Radio and work with stations on a case-by-case basis in terms of how much power is permissible. In time, the FM band will get "grunged" with self interference, making analog listening unbearable.

At that point, the usual suspects (powerful media companies, the NAB and Ibiquity [which I assume will still be around]) might call for a sunset to analog broadcasting.

The real puzzler is HD-AM. I don't see Ibiquity tackling any of the problems associated with it other than to deny that there are problems.

C5

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Only an unapologetic iBOC cheerleader could read an article like the following and think it is a positive article about digital radio, read it again with your rose colored glasses off, you might get a different meaning from it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7238444.stm

C'mon, Bob. This is not even close to the indictment of DAB you are so feverishly hoping for. Two media companies merged. They have a revenue program. They've been through a manager and ad revenues are lagging. They've decided to concentrate on their core assets. Clear Channel did that recently over here. IIRC they sold over HALF theri stations. If you'd like to brand me unapologetic about HD, I accept. I do not apologize. I think it's a good idea.

Your opinion obviously is different. So be it.

Clouseau

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

Only an unapologetic iBOC cheerleader could read an article like the following and think it is a positive article about digital radio, read it again with your rose colored glasses off, you might get a different meaning from it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7238444.stm

C'mon, Bob. This is not even close to the indictment of DAB you are so feverishly hoping for. Two media companies merged. They have a revenue program. They've been through a manager and ad revenues are lagging. They've decided to concentrate on their core assets. Clear Channel did that recently over here. IIRC they sold over HALF theri stations. If you'd like to brand me unapologetic about HD, I accept. I do not apologize. I think it's a good idea.

Your opinion obviously is different. So be it.

Clouseau

I accept that but you have to admit this article is not a positive picture of dab, which is the way it was portrayed by you as a rebuttal to my earlier post which rebutted the first post which said all was wonderful with Dab in the UK when everyone knows it is teetering over there also. There is no way the UK is going all digital, that is government baloney and fantasizing. In fact the article is downright negatively toned except for the end where the BBC says that they are firmly behind it. Of course they're going to say that, how much money do they have tied up in DAB? They know it's failing and they are out to soothe the people who have money invested in it, it's politics just like over here. ibquity keeps pumping out the propaganda for the faithful minority who still believe in it here, just like the BBC pumps out the propaganda for their faithful. And yes CC is another one, they're lucky they didn't go under, guess that's what knowing the right people can do for you here in the good ol' US of A.

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

I can see this situation eventually being challenged in court, particularly if the FCC adopts a digital only policy for radio.

Don't wait up for that to occur. Even iBiquity will admit that such an edict is decades away, if it ever occurs. Broadcasters would, as one, rise up and revolt if the FCC forced digital down their throats with the present infinitesimal number of receivers in the hands of their listeners, and given that many smaller stations cannot or will not pay iBiquity's licensing fees.

I tend to be a 'never say never' kinda guy. If Britain is considering all digital, it could happen here one day.

Like Mr. Savage, I think the FCC will give rubber stamp approval to the power increase for HD-Radio and work with stations on a case-by-case basis in terms of how much power is permissible. In time, the FM band will get "grunged" with self interference, making analog listening unbearable.

At that point, the usual suspects (powerful media companies, the NAB and Ibiquity [which I assume will still be around]) might call for a sunset to analog broadcasting.


C5

Yes that is exactly the way it will happen if it does, it will sneak in in the middle of the night like a thief as HD has and it will happen slowly: See, we told you radio should have been be all digital years ago, see we were right. This is your inevitable digital future speaking!

 

[clouseau]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

I accept that but you have to admit this article is not a positive picture of dab, which is the way it was portrayed by you as a rebuttal to my earlier post which rebutted the first post which said all was wonderful with Dab in the UK when everyone knows it is teetering over there also. There is no way the UK is going all digital, that is government baloney and fantasizing. In fact the article is downright negatively toned except for the end where the BBC says that they are firmly behind it. Of course they're going to say that, how much money do they have tied up in DAB? They know it's failing and they are out to soothe the people who have money invested in it, it's politics just like over here. ibquity keeps pumping out the propaganda for the faithful minority who still believe in it here, just like the BBC pumps out the propaganda for their faithful. And yes CC is another one, they're lucky they didn't go under, guess that's what knowing the right people can do for you here in the good ol' US of A.

I'll give you that this article does not speak particularly well of DAB, but it's not an article ABOUT DAB. It's about a radio company closing a couple of stations because they aren't making enough money and trying to spin it to their stockholders. What do you expect the company to say, "We've been having problems selling advertising, so we're ditching the stations we are all going to migrate to in favor of a broadcast format the government has already decided to turn off?"

I'll bet not. You talk about propaganda... And 10% of listening in the UK is with DAB? Is that a bad thing? They are actually doing the Digital thing right over there, unlike here. (Yes I'm a Eureka 147 fan)

Over there the Gov't has actually committed to a conversion date, I believe. Over here, it looks like we might actually meet our DTV date. I'm amazed there hasn't been more of an outcry to extend, but if there is one, I haven't seen it. Radio is another story.

I understand you believe the UK is not going all digital. Their government says differently. I'll respect your opinion, but that's what it is... YOUR OPINION.

I would think Ibiquity would be pretty happy with 10% digital listening at this point. I'm guessing it's a good deal lower.

Clouseau

 

[Savage]

Re: Digital Radio Wobbles Around the World

I would say you're guessing right. And by a massively wide margin.

I don't understand the obsession with "digital." And I don't buy the "we must go digital or die!" shibboleth.

When we go to live concerts - whatever your tastes are - you hear analog performances. We all have analog eyes, ears and heads. Most of us watch analog movies when we go to the megaplex. And the VAST majority of recorded material heard on the radio - from the Beatles to Elvis to Sinatra to Barbara Mandrell - is ANALOG source material. It may have been saved and stored in new digital form, but the actual recording is an analog one, in the overwhelming majority of cases.

I think the public doesn't care beyond convenient forms of storage and use and sound which is reasonably pleasing. Consider the iPod - hardly a hi-fi device. And the sound from digital cellphones frankly sucks, sucks, sucks.