More HD AM comments

[rbrucecarter5]

If you AM purists had made a stink 40 years ago when this started happening, we might not be in these desperate straits.

If AM iboc fails, it's over.

You sparked my interest with the "40 year ago" comment. 1968 - top-40 AM was in its Zenith. The greats like WABC, WLS, KHJ ruled the airwaves. Regional top-40's like KLIF became legendary in their own right. Little did anybody know that within 5 years, FM would be making serious inroads and a decade later, most top-40 AMs were in trouble or already news talk. What happened?

I think AMs were a victim of the changing music business. You had tremendous upheavals in society, young people who had made up the top-40 audience were discovering album rock, and top-40 stations didn't follow the trend. If they owned an FM outlet, they probably gave the album rock fans their music on a little used, unpopular band that was usually associated with "beautiful music". That was the case with KLIF AM and KNUS FM in Dallas. The kids discovered FM and it was over. In my case, it was a struggle to received KLIF at 330 miles as it was. The moment I discovered that FM could also go 330 miles (with the proper equipment and antennas), I made the switch. Sound quality was secondary - it was content. Because certainly any advantage FM had in sound quality was masked by frequent and deep fades from that distance.

What is the trend today? Where are the coveted audiences of young people going? Hip-hop for one. Want some listeners? Program that format no matter what you think of the music. AM or FM. It has the same underground appeal album rock had in the late 60's.

HD AM has already failed. I've got an HD radio, a darn good one. Hundreds of miles daytime reception, but I can't get HD lock on some LOCAL stations - and that is WITH a deep fringe AM box loop, the best I can make. It can bring in 50 kW stations from 1000 miles in the daytime, but I can't get a lock on a local HD station like KAAM. More power isn't the answer, I bring in plenty of signal strength with the loop. The system just doesn't work - at least not very well. And nighttime HD stations that sound like locals - not even a flicker of the HD indicator. HD AM is DONE - I don't regret buying the tuner, it is the most selective FM tuner I own. Pretty good sensitivity, I've gotten 300 mile reception on it. But HD AM? Cut the losses, go back to C-Quam, and concentrate on content people want. I can get at least two dozen country stations on AM. Yawn. At least a dozen Spanish. Yawn. A dozen talk / sports. Yawn. I never listen to the band, except for Radio Disney and local standards KAAM, which sounds like cr@p because there is no HD lock. So I've got limited bandwidth mono on KAAM. KLIF sounded really good in the late 60's, even at 300 miles. C-Quam worked for over 300 miles on Radio Disney and KAAM. And it didn't make their analog signal sound bad like HD does. Sure, I can get Radio Disney music, but as good as Hannah Montana and High School Musical are - they are played in the ground so listener fatigue sets in. And the signal switches back to mono - often. I'm less than ten miles from the towers. Using a really good loop, too. I can't even get stereo dependably, and the station has a half million square mile footprint, it is a blowtorch. Lets see - C-Quam goes 300 miles, HD goes ten miles. Metroplex is 100 miles wide, as much as 60 miles N/S. Which stereo system should a station use to cover the metroplex? HD - 10 miles. C-Quam - 300 miles. Seems like a no brainer to me - C-Quam.

 

[hipporadio]

Bulletin: There are NO-LONGER “Three Stooges” supporting “HD Radio” on this worthy site – attrition has taken is marketplace-directed toll! ‘Seems the ranks have been reduced to TWO in this unproductive “sand-box”. The ultimate corporate radio apologist seems busy - and his "back-up" is amusing at best! Is the ONLY argument left that I live on a key in Florida and am assuming a new identity? Search my prior posts [NON-HD-related] and that assumption bombs INSTANTLY! ...HOW utterly PATHETIC! Hey, “Mr. NYC Boulevard low-oxygen-cable-stocking overnight employee at an infamous NYC audio salon”... ‘Have the “marketing professionals” at iBiquity privately-contacted you and encouraged you to find a muzzle? Seriously, I renew my request to the mods here that you follow the fate of your favorite “Pocket” and enter the immortal “ball-basket”... You have offered NOTHING here but malicious and unimformed personal affront. I can’t find a post where you have offered “an idea” – instead you sink to the root and seize the instantly-gratifying moment so famous in your now Penny-Stock industry to assault anyone that doesn’t mirror your unsubstantiated narrow self-interest. 'Kinda like the fine folks loose-with-the-truth at the HD Emporium in Maryland!

Aside from the preceding paragraph of “REALITY” – I’m “DONE” with your anti-social behavior! I will NOT RESPOND to another of your pathetic key-strokes here!

As for “HD Radio” [an obvious oxymoron]... LET THE MARKETPLACE DECIDE... We don’t need “Lino” or even “Hippo” to conjure that equation!

 

[rbrucecarter5]

As for “HD Radio” [an obvious oxymoron]... LET THE MARKETPLACE DECIDE... We don’t need “Lino” or even “Hippo” to conjure that equation!

How can the marketplace for AM HD decide when people can't even hear AM HD when they buy and HD radio? I'm an experienced RF engineer and DX'er, and I can barely make local AM HD work - then not on all stations. The only thing its got going for it is FM HD, and newsflash - that's not robust either! I get 6 to 8 more HD signals with a Godar antenna than I do a dipole. How many people are even going to use a dipole correctly - much less plunk down money for the only indoor antenna with directionality and gain - the Godar? HD-2 isn't going to be a selling point if people don't hear it - receivers back to the store as defective, end of the line. The only hope for HD is captive audiences in cars, but I can tell you - at the dealer if I have the choice of HD, Satellite, or streaming (in a couple of years), I'll go streaming, satellite, and HD in that order, and it all has to do with the number of stations I can hear.

 

[R.F. Burns]

As for “HD Radio” [an obvious oxymoron]... LET THE MARKETPLACE DECIDE... We don’t need “Lino” or even “Hippo” to conjure that equation!

How can the marketplace for AM HD decide when people can't even hear AM HD when they buy and HD radio? I'm an experienced RF engineer and DX'er, and I can barely make local AM HD work - then not on all stations. The only thing its got going for it is FM HD, and newsflash - that's not robust either! I get 6 to 8 more HD signals with a Godar antenna than I do a dipole. How many people are even going to use a dipole correctly - much less plunk down money for the only indoor antenna with directionality and gain - the Godar? HD-2 isn't going to be a selling point if people don't hear it - receivers back to the store as defective, end of the line. The only hope for HD is captive audiences in cars, but I can tell you - at the dealer if I have the choice of HD, Satellite, or streaming (in a couple of years), I'll go streaming, satellite, and HD in that order, and it all has to do with the number of stations I can hear.

Where are you located? In a major city like NYC we get over a dozen HD stations on FM using a dipole at 25 miles and 7 AM HD stations during the day using a loop. This is where the people live and if I can receive these stations at my house, no reason others can't.

 

[hipporadio]

I understand, R.F. ...I live the “small town” of Charleston, South Carolina – actually, one of the finest places to be... ‘Wanna compare recipes requiring fresh shrimp? LOL! Well man – we have your availability beat in Manhattan... But I guess you folks can afford to import the ingredients! ...There are NO HD AM stations in this exploding market... The locals continue to tolerate 1250 WTMA in ‘ole-fashioned analog mono! There are SEVEN FMs with HD capability [out of nearly 20 when you count the rimshots]. HD awareness in this “Little NOLA” equals ZERO – even with CCU and Citidel’s recent addition of that feature on FM. NO ads in the Sunday paper declaring the revolutionary virtutes of “High-Def Radio” in a market that invented the concept of a revolution [the Civil War started in nearby Beaufort, SC], and NO mention on ANY of the “cluster giants” about the niceties of digital reception.

Here’s a retail FACT, R.F. ...If in 2008 the “awesome qualities” of the EIGHT-TRACK tape player *observe cynicism please* were brought back – there would be more interest in this market than there currently is with the expensive HD-FM transmissions that are home to “America’s Greatest City”... You’re no-doubt laughing, but you’d be better-off crying when you consider this area’s unprecedented growth in sheer numbers AND resident income. “Where’s the beef” – or must I ask – The HD? It’s here as a corporate token – but FEW are listening... FEW are selling... And even-FEWER care!

Many FMs here are Class C – up 770-1150 feet with 39-100kw. One would expect ALL the misfortunes related to HD reception to disappear due to that FCC blessing known as “100kw at a high elevation”... NOT SO! FORTY-MILES across ruler-flat seawater and tidal marsh, HD-capable radios DON’T LOCK on costal Fripp Island in the elevated 2-million-dollar homes of those wishing to seize a digital transmission of classic oldies and adult standard offered on HD-2 services. Remember, these are not 6kw facilities beamed from atop the Empire State building... They are offered by a coverage class you have NO option to enjoy in your beloved Manhattan – yet, they are every-bit as impudent – especially when you consider the originating ERP!

Is there anything else you’d like to know? I'll be happy to answer your questions!

 

[TheRover]

I HATE the "sound" of AM HD on the News/Talk/Sports stations that I listen to.

I would prefer a radio setting to automatically lock out AM HD, except for KAAM in the daytime, and if I'm listening at home.

 

[LinoNYC]

Here’s a retail FACT, R.F. ...If in 2008 the “awesome qualities” of the EIGHT-TRACK tape player *observe cynicism please* were brought back – there would be more interest in this market than there currently is with the expensive HD-FM transmissions that are home to “America’s Greatest City”

"Fact" comes with proof. Any?

HD awareness in this “Little NOLA” equals ZERO – even with CCU and Citidel’s recent addition of that feature on FM. NO ads in the Sunday paper declaring the revolutionary virtutes of “High-Def Radio”

By this "logic" iboc is a failure before anyone even knows about it?

Many FMs here are Class C – up 770-1150 feet with 39-100kw. One would expect ALL the misfortunes related to HD reception to disappear due to that FCC blessing known as “100kw at a high elevation”... NOT SO!

(Yet) again, care to provide proof cite something credible, not a blog, please.

Remember, these are not 6kw facilities beamed from atop the Empire State building... They are offered by a coverage class you have NO option to enjoy in your beloved Manhattan – yet, they are every-bit as impudent

Well considering my misfortune to live in market #1 I know you'll thrill to the fact that I receive (and have posted aircheck proof) all of the iboc FM carriers and their subchannels.

I'll be happy to post an updated bandscan.

Lino

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Lino.
Every time you brag about being in market #1, NYC most people are more inclined to feel sorry for you, not envy you. Most consider NYC perhaps a "nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live (or work) there". That includes those leaving NYC to live in the suburbs and rural areas (in droves) to move to north Jersey, Pennsylvania, CT, upper NY state, etc.
In short, to most, living or working in NYC is nothing to brag about.

Regarding steady, reliable AM/FM HD radio reception in and around NYC, several on this board have reported little or no HD radio reception (AM or FM) even within a few miles of the Empire State building. You report that your results differ. OK. But it is hard to believe that anyone would bother buying an HD radio just to say (on this board) they can't get HD reliably. That makes less sense then your claims that NYC is the center of the universe, and everything that is wonderful, (or even good).

Think about it. Your credibility is at stake. You offer few solutions (rational or otherwise) for disappointed HD radio owners and you are way over obsessed with where you live and work.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Perhaps parts of the above post applies to R. F. Burns as well.

 

[Play Freebird]

Here’s a retail FACT, R.F. ...If in 2008 the “awesome qualities” of the EIGHT-TRACK tape player *observe cynicism please* were brought back – there would be more interest in this market than there currently is with the expensive HD-FM transmissions that are home to “America’s Greatest City”...

You make a good point about those Eight-Tracks.

For some historical perspective, I suggest we all go back and review THE 8 NOBLE TRUTHS OF THE 8-TRACK MIND, found at the bottom of this page. Not an exact "parallel" to HD Radio, but I think this is on the right "track":

http://www.8trackheaven.com/sub.html

Pay particular attention to number 4) Progress is too often promises, promises to get you to buy, buy and 5) “New” and “improved” don’t necessarily mean the same thing.

And if you're in the business of selling AM IBOC: 6) “Naïve” is not a dirty word.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

Where are you located? In a major city like NYC we get over a dozen HD stations on FM using a dipole at 25 miles and 7 AM HD stations during the day using a loop. This is where the people live and if I can receive these stations at my house, no reason others can't.

A Dallas / Ft. Worth suburb 35 miles from the FM towers. A couple of FM stations 50 miles, one HD. I can get most of them, including the one at 50 miles, with a dipole. All of the local HD with a Godar antenna, which surprised me - it is the ONLY indoor antenna with gain that doesn't add to the noise floor because it is passive. There are about 18 HD signals on FM. But our situation here is flat terrain, 1600 to 1800 foot towers, full class C 100 kW stations. The analog signals from those stations go 120 to 140 miles.

We probably have 7 or 8 HD AM signals. Only one works with the supplied 4 inch loop, Radio Shack loop nets 3 or 4 others - it takes a large AM DX loop to get all but that elusive KAAM. Nothing brings it in, and I am not that far from its towers.

My concern is that my dipole is stretched out horizontally, broadside to the stations, at the roof line. Frankly, it is an eyesore. Anything less than that, stations start disappearing in HD. I don't know too many consumers that will use their dipole properly, so they won't get HD. Given the signal strength indicator and how it changes, not even at 25 miles with a dipole crumpled up on the floor amidst power wires, interconnect cables, and speaker wires. AM HD would be a definite no-go, because I don't know too many DX'ers capable of making a large loop. Definitely not an average consumer. The AM section of the tuner is sensitive, with the same loop I can hear a 50 kW station 1000 miles away in the daytime. The analog signal of it. So the radio isn't defective, neither are the stations. KMKI, WBAP, and KLIF have half million square mile daytime footprints. When they were C-Quam, I could get reliable decode 300 miles to the West. So they aren't weak. The problem is HD-AM - it just doesn't work very well.

Incidentally - I think I would call the DFW metroplex a major city - 5.6 million people. People here live up to 60 miles from the towers, and that is the affluent suburbs "where people live".

 

[R.F. Burns]

Where are you located? In a major city like NYC we get over a dozen HD stations on FM using a dipole at 25 miles and 7 AM HD stations during the day using a loop. This is where the people live and if I can receive these stations at my house, no reason others can't.

A Dallas / Ft. Worth suburb 35 miles from the FM towers. A couple of FM stations 50 miles, one HD. I can get most of them, including the one at 50 miles, with a dipole. All of the local HD with a Godar antenna, which surprised me - it is the ONLY indoor antenna with gain that doesn't add to the noise floor because it is passive. There are about 18 HD signals on FM. But our situation here is flat terrain, 1600 to 1800 foot towers, full class C 100 kW stations. The analog signals from those stations go 120 to 140 miles.

We probably have 7 or 8 HD AM signals. Only one works with the supplied 4 inch loop, Radio Shack loop nets 3 or 4 others - it takes a large AM DX loop to get all but that elusive KAAM. Nothing brings it in, and I am not that far from its towers.

My concern is that my dipole is stretched out horizontally, broadside to the stations, at the roof line. Frankly, it is an eyesore. Anything less than that, stations start disappearing in HD. I don't know too many consumers that will use their dipole properly, so they won't get HD. Given the signal strength indicator and how it changes, not even at 25 miles with a dipole crumpled up on the floor amidst power wires, interconnect cables, and speaker wires. AM HD would be a definite no-go, because I don't know too many DX'ers capable of making a large loop. Definitely not an average consumer. The AM section of the tuner is sensitive, with the same loop I can hear a 50 kW station 1000 miles away in the daytime. The analog signal of it. So the radio isn't defective, neither are the stations. KMKI, WBAP, and KLIF have half million square mile daytime footprints. When they were C-Quam, I could get reliable decode 300 miles to the West. So they aren't weak. The problem is HD-AM - it just doesn't work very well.

Incidentally - I think I would call the DFW metroplex a major city - 5.6 million people. People here live up to 60 miles from the towers, and that is the affluent suburbs "where people live".

Yes Dallas-Ft Worth is a major market but everything is relative. Here in NYC we have well over 15 million potential listeners. LA has nearly 11 Million & Chicago, is nearly 8 milion people. I looked at the real audience numbers comparing Dallas with my market, NY there are well over 10 million more people living here than in the combined cities of Dallas & Ft Worth.

 

[LinoNYC]

Every time you brag about being in market #1, NYC most people are more inclined to feel sorry for you, not envy you. Most consider NYC perhaps a "nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live (or work) there". That includes those leaving NYC to live in the suburbs and rural areas (in droves) to move to north Jersey, Pennsylvania, CT, upper NY state, etc.
In short, to most, living or working in NYC is nothing to brag about.

Pharses such as "oh how can you live there.." "isn't it dangerous?" "...all those black people....."

If I had a buck for every scared idiot that has uttered those comments to me, I would retire to Bangkok.

I go to those sleepy 'burbs several times a month, I'll be in Bergen Co. NJ tonight, The closer they are to NYC the less obnoxious they are but the places still roll up at 9 or 10 0'clock and woe to thee who doesn't "fit in" or get along with his neighbors. The building I live in has approx 163 apartments, I don't have to put up with nosey neighbors's gossip nor comments about my "lawn" or car. There are people I'll share an elevator with perhaps once in the entire time they live here, we don't have to care about each other, although we do look out for the older people.

Fact is, the "best and brightest" from those areas get out asap and move to New York or Los Angeles. I live amongst these people and they all have the same stories to tell. Around here a two bedroom apt rents for 4.5 to 5K/mo none are ever vacant for more than a week. The young victims bunch-up often 5 to an apt just to live here and get away from the "dead 'burbs".

Regarding steady, reliable AM/FM HD radio reception in and around NYC, several on this board have reported little or no HD radio reception (AM or FM) even within a few miles of the Empire State building.

This I find hard to believe. The cheap Acurian I have will lock on most FM's and decode them with nothing more than my finger on the co-ax FM jack. With the supplied dipole all the city FM's decode.

AM is another matter, six of the seven am iboc signals are reliable, only WCBS-am is not. Too bad as this is the only commercial station that I listen to.

You report that your results differ. OK. But it is hard to believe that anyone would bother buying an HD radio just to say (on this board) they can't get HD reliably.

Anyone who can't get good iboc, atleast on FM here in town is either living in a Faraday cage, or, being creative with the truth.

That makes less sense then your claims that NYC is the center of the universe, and everything that is wonderful, (or even good).

Don't recall saying that, but it is market number one. We don't have outdoor plumbing nor utility poles either, although in certain parts of town they do use the window.....

Think about it. Your credibility is at stake. You offer few solutions (rational or otherwise) for disappointed HD radio owners and you are way over obsessed with where you live and work.

My credibility is not at stake here guy, I post recorded proof of my reception reports.

You and the other dwindling number of hecklers have only theories of conspiracies and laughable "reports" and "facts" that you either don''t back-up or use the posts and blogs of other like-minded souls as "proof". As long as you try these gimmicks you'll end up on the wrong side of someone.

Lino

 

[R.F. Burns]

"Every time you brag about being in market #1, NYC most people are more inclined to feel sorry for you, not envy you. Most consider NYC perhaps a "nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live (or work) there". That includes those leaving NYC to live in the suburbs and rural areas (in droves) to move to north Jersey, Pennsylvania, CT, upper NY state, etc.
In short, to most, living or working in NYC is nothing to brag about."



Brag? I'd call it statement of fact. C'mon, location is very important because there are obvious differences between IBOC's ability to penetrate a market due to geography and other factors. Its more informative to know where a person trying to receive a specific station is located. Having lived here all of my life I've been numbed to the anti NY sentiment which many Americans have. Many people only seem to like NYC when its been suffered an attack or some other major setback, such as 9/11. Y'know there's a reason that more people live here by far than in any other city in the entire country. There's a reason the United Nations is located in NYC. There's a reason the economic center of this country (Wall street) is located in NYC and not Ashtebula. That's not bragging, all I've done is state facts. Oh, another note for you. NYC is the safest large city in the country by far.



"Regarding steady, reliable AM/FM HD radio reception in and around NYC, several on this board have reported little or no HD radio reception (AM or FM) even within a few miles of the Empire State building. You report that your results differ. OK. But it is hard to believe that anyone would bother buying an HD radio just to say (on this board) they can't get HD reliably. That makes less sense then your claims that NYC is the center of the universe, and everything that is wonderful, (or even good)."




This is all well and good but where are the demos posted. Those of us from NY who appear to have similar experiences with HD have posted demos as received at our various locations.

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

NYC is the safest large city in the country by far.

According the FBI's 2006 stats, of cities with over half a million population, Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Portland (OR), San Jose, El Paso and Honolulu had lower murder rates than NYC. NYC is, however, pretty far down the list.

 

[R.F. Burns]

NYC is the safest large city in the country by far.

According the FBI's 2006 stats, of cities with over half a million population, Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Portland (OR), San Jose, El Paso and Honolulu had lower murder rates than NYC. NYC is, however, pretty far down the list.

Ok not to get too far off track, lets look at numbers to see who is actually safer. I don't have murder numbers for the following cities but that shouldn't be too difficult to obtain.


12+ Population numbers;
Portland -2,049,600
Austin - 1,309,500
San Jose - 1,465,400
El Paso - 592,700
Honolulu - 771,400

Now lets add them all up and we get 5,188,600 people in all five markets.

Now lets look at NYC 12+;

15,244,600


There are over 10 million more people in this market than there is in those five markets combined. NY is considered one of the safest large cities in the country. You're comparing life in a few relatively small cities with one of the worlds mega cities. You really can't fairly compare NY with any city in the US, outside of LA and Chicago and if you've ever been to the east coast you'd know that the corridor between DC & Boston is like one very large city.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

Lino.
Every time you brag about being in market #1, NYC most people are more inclined to feel sorry for you, not envy you. Most consider NYC perhaps a "nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live (or work) there". That includes those leaving NYC to live in the suburbs and rural areas (in droves) to move to north Jersey, Pennsylvania, CT, upper NY state, etc.
In short, to most, living or working in NYC is nothing to brag about.

Well put. If there are 15 million people in NYC and 300 million people in the US, then radio affairs in New York City are only relevant to 5% of the US population. Your statistics of reception in that metro area are just one scenario for your location in your market. I'm sure New York is a great city to live in and all, and I visit regularly - but I'm very very glad to live in the DFW area, there is plenty to do, and my standard of living is much higher than if I had to afford New York City prices. So your city is a great place for you to live, mine is a great place for me to live - same with the folks in Chicago, LA, or wherever they live. Its a great country, and it doesn't revolve around New York City. Most people just don't care about NYC on a day to day basis. It is irrelevant, its not their home.

 

[R.F. Burns]

Lino.
Every time you brag about being in market #1, NYC most people are more inclined to feel sorry for you, not envy you. Most consider NYC perhaps a "nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live (or work) there". That includes those leaving NYC to live in the suburbs and rural areas (in droves) to move to north Jersey, Pennsylvania, CT, upper NY state, etc.
In short, to most, living or working in NYC is nothing to brag about.

Well put. If there are 15 million people in NYC and 300 million people in the US, then radio affairs in New York City are only relevant to 5% of the US population. Your statistics of reception in that metro area are just one scenario for your location in your market. I'm sure New York is a great city to live in and all, and I visit regularly - but I'm very very glad to live in the DFW area, there is plenty to do, and my standard of living is much higher than if I had to afford New York City prices. So your city is a great place for you to live, mine is a great place for me to live - same with the folks in Chicago, LA, or wherever they live. Its a great country, and it doesn't revolve around New York City. Most people just don't care about NYC on a day to day basis. It is irrelevant, its not their home.

Nevertheless we are talking radio broadcasting and by far the relatively few stations which constitute the NY market serve by far a larger audience with more on the line than most of the non NY stations outside of Los Angeles. By the way, if you live and work in NY your salery reflects the cost of living.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Since the USA is a free country, anyone can go to NYC, or choose not to. NYC has no exclusivity at all. NYC is not some exclusive membership private country club. The (formerly) wide open doors of Ellis Island are nearby.
What a great country!


As Bruce said:

Its a great country, and it doesn't revolve around New York City. Most people just don't care about NYC on a day to day basis. It is irrelevant, its not their home.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

Since the USA is a free country, anyone can go to NYC, or choose not to. NYC has no exclusivity at all. NYC is not some exclusive membership private country club. The (formerly) wide open doors of Ellis Island are nearby.
What a great country!


As Bruce said:

Its a great country, and it doesn't revolve around New York City. Most people just don't care about NYC on a day to day basis. It is irrelevant, its not their home.

The last time I had any reason to be excited about New York City radio was when WABC was playing music: http://www.musicradio77.com/ Ever since they surrendered to the mundacity that is talk radio, I've had no reason to listen on visits or DX. New York City radio sucks no more or less than radio in any market including DFW. Everywhere - I'm listening to satellite, MP3, and streaming more and more - and can't wait until I can stream in my car. I doubt HD radio will work with the microscopic or non-existant antennas car makers put on cars. I guess whip antennas didn't look "cool" and have been eliminated, just in time for HD radio reception problems to be manifest in the dash.

If DX'ing is dead, and if HD radio fails - the problem is content not technology. WABC is a great example of how great radio becomes suckish over the years. So is WLS and KHJ - or KLIF in my hometown.