HD Radio hot at CES, and in new cars from major manufacturers

[SirRoxalot]

If HD radio is on the verge of taking off, why are so many formerly HD stations killing the HD stream? Four years in, and there's virtually no installed user base. Internet radio devices have drawn more interest. And, do we really need MORE radio stations? The ones we have are having a hard enough time competing for ad dollars.

 

[Play Freebird]

If HD radio is on the verge of taking off, why are so many formerly HD stations killing the HD stream? Four years in, and there's virtually no installed user base. Internet radio devices have drawn more interest. And, do we really need MORE radio stations? The ones we have are having a hard enough time competing for ad dollars.

One reason for killing FM HD is to save on the electric bill; linear amplification is inefficient, especially when high-level combining is used.
If the station can't derive any income from the HD signal, then that money is going to waste.

 

[RadeoEngineer]

If HD radio is on the verge of taking off, why are so many formerly HD stations killing the HD stream? Four years in, and there's virtually no installed user base. Internet radio devices have drawn more interest. And, do we really need MORE radio stations? The ones we have are having a hard enough time competing for ad dollars.

One reason for killing FM HD is to save on the electric bill; linear amplification is inefficient, especially when high-level combining is used.
If the station can't derive any income from the HD signal, then that money is going to waste.

You can add to that the licensing fees you have to pay to iBiquity for the privilege of using their proprietary system.

 

[Ken Tucky]

"...and it is hot."

Actually, truer words we're never spoken! They run so damned hot you can't hold 'em for long!

You've never used one of the Insignia portables, have you? I get about six hours of battery life on mine, completely cold to the touch.

Let's at least try to be somewhat factual here. The power-consumption and heat issue, while a very real problem in early generations of radios, is not an issue with the latest chipsets.

Scott - That might very well be true, but remember what they say about first impressions! By the way - I love your websites - keep up the good work!