GM Factory HD Radio

[ElCheapo]

I was just reading a marketing piece for the 2007 CES show. I noticed some manufacturers I hadn't seen before will be demoing HD Radio products at CES this year.

One of the manufacturers listed was Delphi... Hmmm... Could that be the same Delphi that manufactures all GM radios?

Could be!

And what have we here?

http://www.delphi.com/manufacturers/auto/audio/ans/hd/

It's just a matter of time folks! ;D

 

[700WLW]

I was just reading a marketing piece for the 2007 CES show. I noticed some manufacturers I hadn't seen before will be demoing HD Radio products at CES this year.

One of the manufacturers listed was Delphi... Hmmm... Could that be the same Delphi that manufactures all GM radios?

Could be!

And what have we here?

http://www.delphi.com/manufacturers/auto/audio/ans/hd/

It's just a matter of time folks! ;D

Keep dreaming, with the new in-dash Sync, and next-generation Satellite Radio coming out !

 

[tankedsecondchance]

funny stuff, i just got another email today... from one of the "management fellows" at cambridge consutants and it now sounds like both satellite radio companys are holding talks with them...

the new microsoft sync platform, will also run apples drm protected content,based on what i read today.

in the end none of the devices, fix the perception of programing failure. that the listeners have across all platforms.

im not so sure we see very many new devices, that are feature rich and comply with the wish list of the riaa and others

I hope im wrong.

 

[Chuck]

in the end none of the devices, fix the perception of programing failure. that the listeners have across all platforms.
<SNIP>
im not so sure we see very many new devices, that are feature rich and comply with the wish list of the riaa and others

I hope im wrong.

Never underestimate the power of RIAA to put a damper on the party. They have HD, Internet streaming and satellite radio in their gun sites right now. The good news is they have lost before. Back in the early 80's (If I recall correctly) they tried to put a tax on blank audio cassettes to compensate for people copying their vinyl collections to tape. Eventually clearer minds came into focus, and noted that people did this mostly to play their favorite music in cars or in portable players where a 12" phonograph record wasn't very practical.

As a result, it was a temporary glitch on the technical highway. I'm not sure that the current situation will play out the same way, since CD's are fairly portable.

I'm all for artists being compensated for their works, but somewhere there is a point of absurdity. Bottom line is the RIAA smells money in this, and they would like some of it.

 

[ElCheapo]

Never underestimate the power of RIAA to put a damper on the party. They have HD, Internet streaming and satellite radio in their gun sites right now. The good news is they have lost before. Back in the early 80's (If I recall correctly) they tried to put a tax on blank audio cassettes to compensate for people copying their vinyl collections to tape. Eventually clearer minds came into focus, and noted that people did this mostly to play their favorite music in cars or in portable players where a 12" phonograph record wasn't very practical.

As a result, it was a temporary glitch on the technical highway. I'm not sure that the current situation will play out the same way, since CD's are fairly portable.

I'm all for artists being compensated for their works, but somewhere there is a point of absurdity. Bottom line is the RIAA smells money in this, and they would like some of it.

Radio as an industry is used to paying the RIAA huge sums. I'm sure nobody really thought they would sign on additional programming choices without paying additional royalties. Of course, radio will lobby for more reasonable royalties which is something internet streaming as an "industry" really can't get together and do. Poor guys... They don't have an established, powerful Washington lobby like ours.

 

[ElCheapo]

funny stuff, i just got another email today... from one of the "management fellows" at cambridge consutants and it now sounds like both satellite radio companys are holding talks with them...

the new microsoft sync platform, will also run apples drm protected content,based on what i read today.

in the end none of the devices, fix the perception of programing failure. that the listeners have across all platforms.

im not so sure we see very many new devices, that are feature rich and comply with the wish list of the riaa and others

I hope im wrong.

Delphi drops an in-dash HD Radio obviously designed for GM vehicles and the crowd here immediately starts talking internet streaming. Too funny!

The poor anti-HD crowd realizes this is really happening and just can't deal with it.

But I can see the excuse being formulated right now - the RIAA. The RIAA is going to be why HD Radio succeeds and streaming fails - at least in this forum.

Oh well. I really don't care. At this point the OEMs for Ford and GM both have in-dash HD radios, and they're both demoing other HD Radio devices at CES. They obviously believe in the platform.

It's just a matter of time until they're in new cars.

 

[Chuck]

Radio as an industry is used to paying the RIAA huge sums. I'm sure nobody really thought they would sign on additional programming choices without paying additional royalties. Of course, radio will lobby for more reasonable royalties which is something internet streaming as an "industry" really can't get together and do. Poor guys... They don't have an established, powerful Washington lobby like ours.

Actually, radio doesn't pay RIAA anything directly, unless the station is streaming audio on the Internet. They do pay ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for the privilege of playing music on the air. RIAA is also known as Sound Exchange, and they would like additional fees for sending digital content, regardless of how it is delivered. That includes HD. On this issue, traditional radio and Internet streamers have a lot in common although they may be too egotistical to recognize it.

It is very true that NAB is a huge and very effective lobbying organization. So is RIAA. In fact, they might have deeper pockets than NAB. It could be an interesting battle. One thing is for certain, when there are two parties willing to make an amicable deal, you can usually count on a bunch of lawyers intervening to screw the whole thing up.

 

[700WLW]

funny stuff, i just got another email today... from one of the "management fellows" at cambridge consutants and it now sounds like both satellite radio companys are holding talks with them...

the new microsoft sync platform, will also run apples drm protected content,based on what i read today.

in the end none of the devices, fix the perception of programing failure. that the listeners have across all platforms.

im not so sure we see very many new devices, that are feature rich and comply with the wish list of the riaa and others

I hope im wrong.

Delphi drops an in-dash HD Radio obviously designed for GM vehicles and the crowd here immediately starts talking internet streaming. Too funny!

The poor anti-HD crowd realizes this is really happening and just can't deal with it.

But I can see the excuse being formulated right now - the RIAA. The RIAA is going to be why HD Radio succeeds and streaming fails - at least in this forum.

Oh well. I really don't care. At this point the OEMs for Ford and GM both have in-dash HD radios, and they're both demoing other HD Radio devices at CES. They obviously believe in the platform.

It's just a matter of time until they're in new cars.

And, the HD Radio Cartel folks, are going to be waiting at the door, trying to push this defective technology. With demos for the next-generation Satellite Radio and Sync platforms, folks will obvioulsy skip the HD Radio booths !

 

[ElCheapo]

Actually, radio doesn't pay RIAA anything directly, unless the station is streaming audio on the Internet. They do pay ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for the privilege of playing music on the air. RIAA is also known as Sound Exchange, and they would like additional fees for sending digital content, regardless of how it is delivered. That includes HD. On this issue, traditional radio and Internet streamers have a lot in common although they may be too egotistical to recognize it.

It is very true that NAB is a huge and very effective lobbying organization. So is RIAA. In fact, they might have deeper pockets than NAB. It could be an interesting battle. One thing is for certain, when there are two parties willing to make an amicable deal, you can usually count on a bunch of lawyers intervening to screw the whole thing up.

Ahhh... Good point Chuck! ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are the organizations that radio pays. Their money is distributed to songwriters - that's primarily how songwriters make their living.

One thing I considered - but almost hesitate to share - is that the RIAA may be more interested in control of content than collecting royalties from HD Radio. Heck, they might even be willing to help us maintain our near monopoly status for over the air entertainment if we're willing to play ball with them when it comes to promoting new artists and new music.

Take country as a format. For years, the RIAA has been lamenting the fact that country radio is becoming very gold based. For the most part, country radio is ignoring most of the new artists that the recording industry is churning out. It's hard to sell records that way.

Perhaps the RIAA has its sights set on controlling content more than collecting royalties. For example, they could build a requirement for new artist content into their licensing for HD Radio of say 20% or offer some financial incentive for playing new artists - for every new artist track you play, we'll knock $1 off your royalty payments. Something like that. Or they might establish some sort of tier system for royalties - a George Strait song like Amarillo By Morning might cost you $X every time you spin it, where a new George Strait song would cost you 1/2 of X and a new song from an unknown artist would be free.

I can see that...

Worse, I can actually see it happening. That would of course be much better than the old system of paying PDs off with hookers and cocaine. Right?

I can see the RIAA wanting to play ball with radio, and even satellite radio, but I can't see them wanting to work with streamers. They would be much more difficult to control, and I have to think that's really what this will be all about.

 

[Chuck]

Ahhh... Good point Chuck! ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are the organizations that radio pays. Their money is distributed to songwriters - that's primarily how songwriters make their living.

They'd like you to believe that, but the artists rarely see much money from the licensing organizations.

One thing I considered - but almost hesitate to share - is that the RIAA may be more interested in control of content than collecting royalties from HD Radio. Heck, they might even be willing to help us maintain our near monopoly status for over the air entertainment if we're willing to play ball with them when it comes to promoting new artists and new music.

Do you really think they are that far sighted?

Perhaps the RIAA has its sights set on controlling content more than collecting royalties. For example, they could build a requirement for new artist content into their licensing for HD Radio of say 20% or offer some financial incentive for playing new artists - for every new artist track you play, we'll knock $1 off your royalty payments. Something like that. Or they might establish some sort of tier system for royalties - a George Strait song like Amarillo By Morning might cost you $X every time you spin it, where a new George Strait song would cost you 1/2 of X and a new song from an unknown artist would be free.

I can see that...

Quick cash usually wins out over long term gains.

Worse, I can actually see it happening. That would of course be much better than the old system of paying PDs off with hookers and cocaine. Right?

The old way was obviously a lot more fun....

I can see the RIAA wanting to play ball with radio, and even satellite radio, but I can't see them wanting to work with streamers. They would be much more difficult to control, and I have to think that's really what this will be all about.

I think they will be fairly "equal opportunity" in their ability to suck some money out of whatever and whomever they can.

 

[ElCheapo]

All good points Chuck - and no, I don't think the RIAA is very far sighted at all - but, they have to know radio has always been their biggest ally in promoting and marketing new music.

They also have to know that streaming operations will be far more likely than radio to dilute their power by playing unsigned or independent artists.

 

[Chuck]

All good points Chuck - and no, I don't think the RIAA is very far sighted at all - but, they have to know radio has always been their biggest ally in promoting and marketing new music.

They also have to know that streaming operations will be far more likely than radio to dilute their power by playing unsigned or independent artists.

RIAA is far different from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade group that represents the recording industry in the United States. That's Sony BMG, etc. That is not the artists. Its members consist of a large number of corporate entities such as record labels and distributors, who create and distribute about 90% of recorded music sold in the US. That's Sony BMG, etc.

If an unsigned artist gives a web streamer or radio station (let's call them all "broadcasters") permission to air their performance, there is little RIAA can do about it, and no money is due them or Sound Exchange. That's why you find that lots of independent artists, and some that were formerly represented by a label, have opted out of the system and sell their CD's and downloads on their own web sites. Naturally, they aren't going to get as much in the way of record sales this way, but in the grand scheme of things, sometimes they can actually make more money than they did when going through a recognized record company. Why? Usually because their "deal" with the record company has so many management levels that by the time everything filters down to the artist, there is very little (if anything) left.

RIAA has quite a track record in regard to their opposition to any digital form of media that they can't control with some kind of flag or anti-piracy device. Any 15 year old kid can figure out how to get around that, and they do. In the mean time, they can make life miserable for everyone. And they do have HD in their sites, as well as Internet streamers.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

ElCheapo said:

They don't have an established, powerful Washington lobby like ours.

Thanks for revealing who you are here representing, and your motivations and strong allegiance to the cartel. You just confirmed most of what others have been saying about HD Radio, and the cartel.
So much for your false claim of bringing an "independent voice" to this forum.
You blew your cover.
HD opponents have no lobbyists or cartel to get marching orders from, so they are the "independent voices" here, not you.

 

[ElCheapo]

ElCheapo said:

They don't have an established, powerful Washington lobby like ours.

Thanks for revealing who you are here representing, and your motivations and strong allegiance to the cartel. You just confirmed most of what others have been saying about HD Radio, and the cartel.
So much for your false claim of bringing an "independent voice" to this forum.
You blew your cover.
HD opponents have no lobbyists or cartel to get marching orders from, so they are the "independent voices" here, not you.

Dude, I'm just a guy who works in radio. There are no marching orders - especially related to this forum.

I honestly think the company I work for could care less what you, or 700WLW or audiophile or any of the others here have to say here.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

ElCheapo said:

They don't have an established, powerful Washington lobby like ours.

Thanks for revealing who you are here representing, and your motivations and strong allegiance to the cartel. You just confirmed most of what others have been saying about HD Radio, and the cartel.
So much for your false claim of bringing an "independent voice" to this forum.
You blew your cover.
HD opponents have no lobbyists or cartel to get marching orders from, so they are the "independent voices" here, not you.

Dude, I'm just a guy who works in radio. There are no marching orders - especially related to this forum.

I honestly think the company I work for could care less what you, or 700WLW or audiophile or any of the others here have to say here.

Good. So much the better.
If someone is that intent on shooting themselves in the foot, and won't listen to others who are concerned, then go ahead.
Do you have enough bullets to get both feet?

 

[ElCheapo]

Good. So much the better.
If someone is that intent on shooting themselves in the foot, and won't listen to others who are concerned, then go ahead.
Do you have enough bullets to get both feet?

Here's a thought... I'm a real radio guy who is programming a few major market HD stations.

Instead of simply being hostile all the time, why not try to learn a little about what I do and then make some judgements?

I could tell you a few things about my stations that would probably surprise you.

For example: I'm the only decision maker in what gets played or when. I was given the format for each station and then told to have at it. Those are the only "marching orders" I've ever received. I have total control over adds, drops, imaging, scheduling, etc.

Since you're convinced I'm simply a corporate radio drone, I'm sure there are other aspects of my HD stations that would really surprise you.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Good. So much the better.
If someone is that intent on shooting themselves in the foot, and won't listen to others who are concerned, then go ahead.
Do you have enough bullets to get both feet?

Here's a thought... I'm a real radio guy who is programming a few major market HD stations.

Instead of simply being hostile all the time, why not try to learn a little about what I do and then make some judgements?

I could tell you a few things about my stations that would probably surprise you.

For example: I'm the only decision maker in what gets played or when. I was given the format for each station and then told to have at it. Those are the only "marching orders" I've ever received. I have total control over adds, drops, imaging, scheduling, etc.

Since you're convinced I'm simply a corporate radio drone, I'm sure there are other aspects of my HD stations that would really surprise you.

As I have said, you have a vested interest, business ties, and financial motivation to see HD Radio become popular. I'm glad you agree.

The only thing I want to hear or care about from you or your stations is a definite HD Radio "buzz off" date, when my radios will again be clear of HD Radio's interference.

Or.....

Pick a system other then iBiquity's HD Radio, that does not spread crap all over the dial.

Such as FMeXtra www.dreinc.com

 

[ElCheapo]

As I have said, you have a vested interest, business ties, and financial motivation to see HD Radio become popular. I'm glad you agree.

The only thing I want to hear or care about from you or your stations is a definite HD Radio "buzz off" date, when my radios will again be clear of HD Radio's interference.

Alright - how does never sound?

 

[SUPERCASTER]

As I have said, you have a vested interest, business ties, and financial motivation to see HD Radio become popular. I'm glad you agree.

The only thing I want to hear or care about from you or your stations is a definite HD Radio "buzz off" date, when my radios will again be clear of HD Radio's interference.

Alright - how does never sound?

Unlikely.

 

[ElCheapo]

Unlikely.

You clearly don't work in radio.

The system is in place at over 1,000 stations.

In the unlikely event that HD Radio doesn't prosper further, stations will still be transmitting it for years to come.