HD Radio - Can Hardware be Updated ?

[700WLW]

To quote, concerning the RS Accurian HD:

"I'm really thinking about getting that radio from Radioshack. I got a outdoor antenna that I can hook onto it so I can DX more HD channels . But the only thing, can you update the hardware in it, if HD ever updates? I'm hoping to get that radio by Christmas time. I want to buy it for myself for christmas."

Is this an issue, with current HD radios ?

 

[hipporadio]

To quote, concerning the RS Accurian HD:

"I'm really thinking about getting that radio from Radioshack. I got a outdoor antenna that I can hook onto it so I can DX more HD channels . But the only thing, can you update the hardware in it, if HD ever updates? I'm hoping to get that radio by Christmas time. I want to buy it for myself for christmas."

I just ordered a BA Recptor MONO (Not HD) radio for yet another Christmas gift. I'm sure the folks that receive it will be thrilled to listen to the adult standards station along the SC coast (which doesn't broadcast in destructive IBOC)... They will continue to be loyal radio listeners--even though the "corporate crowd" seems to be losing interest in them. They like "Frank"--but so do I at a much lower age! And I actually like A LOT of STUFF the "corporates" have decided to do away with on T-radio... 'Guess I'm geting closer to "S-radio".

IBOC--NOT required for this group of "seasoned citizens" who own their million-plus home on the island... INTERESTING--those current young corporate wannabes and their take on the market they think is fleeing them! Should you REALLY look a "gift horse" in the face?

 

[700WLW]

I believe the Radiosophy HD has a USB port, allowing software updates off the Internet...

 

[SaynotoIB0C]

it would be nice to see these things with "web servers" built in for remote operation and upgrades.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

I believe the Radiosophy HD has a USB port, allowing software updates off the Internet...

But not upgradeable to the new prototype, standardized, HD Radio circuit board. So it is obsolete out of the box, as are all the first generation HD radios.

 

[700WLW]

I believe the Radiosophy HD has a USB port, allowing software updates off the Internet...

But not upgradeable to the new prototype, standardized, HD Radio circuit board. So it is obsolete out of the box, as are all the first generation HD radios.

That's good news !

 

[w9wi]

To quote, concerning the RS Accurian HD:

"I'm really thinking about getting that radio from Radioshack. I got a outdoor antenna that I can hook onto it so I can DX more HD channels . But the only thing, can you update the hardware in it, if HD ever updates? I'm hoping to get that radio by Christmas time. I want to buy it for myself for christmas."

Is this an issue, with current HD radios ?

The BA Receptor HD has a six-pin DIN "Service Only" port. Presumably one could update the firmware that way. The radio obviously uses digital signal processing, (even on analog stations) so one would think a meaningful upgrade could be done over this port.

I don't think hardware updates are economically practical. Even if there was a removable plug-in daughter board inside the set, a technician would have to open the radio and swap the board. I don't see any way it could be done for less than $50 and probably a fair bit more than that. The vast majority of consumers would simply buy a new radio.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

To quote, concerning the RS Accurian HD:

"I'm really thinking about getting that radio from Radioshack. I got a outdoor antenna that I can hook onto it so I can DX more HD channels . But the only thing, can you update the hardware in it, if HD ever updates? I'm hoping to get that radio by Christmas time. I want to buy it for myself for christmas."

Is this an issue, with current HD radios ?

The BA Receptor HD has a six-pin DIN "Service Only" port. Presumably one could update the firmware that way. The radio obviously uses digital signal processing, (even on analog stations) so one would think a meaningful upgrade could be done over this port.

I don't think hardware updates are economically practical. Even if there was a removable plug-in daughter board inside the set, a technician would have to open the radio and swap the board. I don't see any way it could be done for less than $50 and probably a fair bit more than that. The vast majority of consumers would simply buy a new radio.

Another 300 bucks!
Who said HD Radio was FREE?

 

[SaynotoIB0C]

Kenwood upgraded mine for the cost of shipping.

 

[700WLW]

Kenwood upgraded mine for the cost of shipping.

Why, do you continue to masquerade as, SayNoToIBOC - don't you think it is time to stop this nonsense ?

"Sometimes, I'm an idiot..."

"To make a long story short, three hours and two trips to Wal-Mart later, the unit was installed. As with most car stereo installation projects, it wasn't particularly straightforward. So I go to try and test it, but I can't get my head unit to recognize it. We puzzled over it for a little bit and then I decided to consult the manuals and the Internet for some help. It was then that I came to the depressing (and late) realization that this HD Radio add-on is not actually compatible with my head unit."

http://brianho.livejournal.com/128165.html

 

[w9wi]

Kenwood upgraded mine for the cost of shipping.

I STRONGLY suspect that upgrade was subsidized by Kenwood - that they spent more money upgrading the radio than they made in profit by selling it.

With a product that's being sold in relatively small quantity, presumably they could afford to do that. The relatively high price at this point helps. If they were selling it at a price competitive with analog and satellite radios for the average consumer, I would be just about *certain* that upgrade would cost Kenwood more than the profit on the sale.