"More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math"

[700WLW]

"More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math"

http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments

What a waste !

 

[ElCheapo]

"More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math"

http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments

What a waste !

Is your real name Brian?

I don't know why any HD supporter would be lamenting this. The dollar amount placed on the ad campaign is just a bogus number - probably pulled out of thin air. Every year, radio contributes "millions" in public service announcements - you know this because the industry runs promos patting itself on the back for the contribution.

What we don't tell you is many of those PSAs run as filler on stations that aren't sold out - in fact, I'd say the majority fit into that category.

Sure, radio does a lot of good for the community, and public service is important - but the dollar amount we put on it HAS to be bogus. In many cases, the PSAs that run aren't even tracked - they're inserted automatically by automation systems when a break is short on time.

I can guarantee no radio station is turning away potential advertising dollars to run HD promos. They are either being run out of promotional inventory, as filler on satellite stations or unit counts have been expanded to accomodate them.

Radio may be contributing "millions" to the cause, but it's very similar to the "millions" radio contributes to PSAs.

 

[700WLW]

"More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math"

http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments

What a waste !

Is your real name Brian?

I don't know why any HD supporter would be lamenting this. The dollar amount placed on the ad campaign is just a bogus number - probably pulled out of thin air. Every year, radio contributes "millions" in public service announcements - you know this because the industry runs promos patting itself on the back for the contribution.

What we don't tell you is many of those PSAs run as filler on stations that aren't sold out - in fact, I'd say the majority fit into that category.

Sure, radio does a lot of good for the community, and public service is important - but the dollar amount we put on it HAS to be bogus. In many cases, the PSAs that run aren't even tracked - they're inserted automatically by automation systems when a break is short on time.

I can guarantee no radio station is turning away potential advertising dollars to run HD promos. They are either being run out of promotional inventory, as filler on satellite stations or unit counts have been expanded to accomodate them.

Radio may be contributing "millions" to the cause, but it's very similar to the "millions" radio contributes to PSAs.

Mark is just confirming HD Radio's failure to generate public interest - the whole HD Radio concept is an obvious waste of money, that could be spent improving programming content. I am sure, that the number of HD radios sold in no more than 50,000, so the real dollar cost is $4,000/HD radio. Mark is just trying to be somewhat nice, because he consults to broadcast corporations (e.g., CBS Radio). Did you catch this statement from Mark:

"I hear a remarkable amount of skepticism about HD radio and concern from broadcasters nationwide - all of whom are also consumers."

 

[ElCheapo]

Mark is just confirming HD Radio's failure to generate public interest - the whole HD Radio concept is an obvious waste of money, that could be spent improving programming content. I am sure, that the number of HD radios sold in no more than 50,000, so the real dollar cost is $4,000/HD radio. Mark is just trying to be somewhat nice, because he consults to broadcast corporations (e.g., CBS Radio). Did you catch this statement from Mark:

"I hear a remarkable amount of skepticism about HD radio and concern from broadcasters nationwide - all of whom are also consumers."

In my experience, most broadcasters still have no idea what it even is. The reason isn't that there is anything wrong with the technology - it's that radio has done a piss poor job of marketing it.

 

[700WLW]

Mark is just confirming HD Radio's failure to generate public interest - the whole HD Radio concept is an obvious waste of money, that could be spent improving programming content. I am sure, that the number of HD radios sold in no more than 50,000, so the real dollar cost is $4,000/HD radio. Mark is just trying to be somewhat nice, because he consults to broadcast corporations (e.g., CBS Radio). Did you catch this statement from Mark:

"I hear a remarkable amount of skepticism about HD radio and concern from broadcasters nationwide - all of whom are also consumers."

In my experience, most broadcasters still have no idea what it even is. The reason isn't that there is anything wrong with the technology - it's that radio has done a piss poor job of marketing it.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

"More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math"

http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments

What a waste !

Is your real name Brian?

I don't know why any HD supporter would be lamenting this. The dollar amount placed on the ad campaign is just a bogus number - probably pulled out of thin air. Every year, radio contributes "millions" in public service announcements - you know this because the industry runs promos patting itself on the back for the contribution.

What we don't tell you is many of those PSAs run as filler on stations that aren't sold out - in fact, I'd say the majority fit into that category.

Sure, radio does a lot of good for the community, and public service is important - but the dollar amount we put on it HAS to be bogus. In many cases, the PSAs that run aren't even tracked - they're inserted automatically by automation systems when a break is short on time.

I can guarantee no radio station is turning away potential advertising dollars to run HD promos. They are either being run out of promotional inventory, as filler on satellite stations or unit counts have been expanded to accomodate them.

Radio may be contributing "millions" to the cause, but it's very similar to the "millions" radio contributes to PSAs.

Certainly the dollar amount is bogus. Why do you think the article is called:

More unfortunate fun with HD Radio math

Besides, advertising, promotions, and "losses" are detectable, so the taxpayers get to pick up the tab for this HD Radio fiasco.

But my guess is that 200,000 [in HD Radio sales] is a generous estimate.

If you buy this estimate and do the math, it means the industry is essentially spending [at least] $1,000 to sell every $300 HD radio.

One would think we could do better by giving away the radios and writing consumers a check for the balance.

Now there is a business model to envy and emulate!
Let the taxpayers pick up the tab for this scheme.
That does not include the hundreds of millions of dollars of government CPB money and tax deductible donations the public broadcasters have wasted on defective HD Radio.
Something for you to think about, as you pay this years taxes.

Here is the link to the full article and comments:
http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments

 

[SUPERCASTER]

To digitaldawg:

We can't know how many HD radios will be out there for sure in large part due to the fact that the HD establishment has decided not to report unit sales (which, by the way, never happens when you're selling tons of units).

Link to the article and comments:
http://www.hear2.com/2006/11/more_unfortunat.html#comments
The most realistic estimate of HD Radios actually sold, (not in the pipeline or being manufactured, etc.) is tens of thousands, minus plenty of returns.

 

[700WLW]

For the Receptor HD:

Let's see, my review has been on Circuit City for 5 weeks and has received a grand total of 110 votes. HippoRadio's review has been on Amazon for 12 weeks and has received a grand total of 70 votes. Conservatively, if only one-in-five vote, the total number of views would be:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 = 5,500/year/Circuit City
(52 / 12) X 70 X 5 = 1,575/year/Amazon

Let's say, because of the potential for increased interest, due to aggressive advertising, the number of views increases by a multiple of 5, for the next year:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 x 5 = 27,500/year/Circuit City
(52 / 12) X 70 X 5 x 5 = 8,000/year/Amazon

Let's say, Tweeter, Crutchfield, etc. receive the same number of views as Circuit City, for a total of 10 sites:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 x 5 x 10 = 275,000/year/non-Amazon

Total views: 283,000/year

Let's say, that 50% end up purchasing a radio, so the total number of radios purchased on-line is about 192,000. Let's say, 25% end up returning the radios, so the actual finalized number is about 144,000.

Now, the only store that carries HD radios in-store is Radio Shack, sales from which, would have to be added to the 144,000. This is probably a very optimistic number. Comments welcome !

 

[SUPERCASTER]

For the Receptor HD:

Let's see, my review has been on Circuit City for 5 weeks and has received a grand total of 110 votes. HippoRadio's review has been on Amazon for 12 weeks and has received a grand total of 70 votes. Conservatively, if only one-in-five vote, the total number of views would be:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 = 5,500/year/Circuit City
(52 / 12) X 70 X 5 = 1,575/year/Amazon

Let's say, because of the potential for increased interest, due to aggressive advertising, the number of views increases by a multiple of 5, for the next year:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 x 5 = 27,500/year/Circuit City
(52 / 12) X 70 X 5 x 5 = 8,000/year/Amazon

Let's say, Tweeter, Crutchfield, etc. receive the same number of views as Circuit City, for a total of 10 sites:

(52 / 5) x 110 X 5 x 5 x 10 = 275,000/year/non-Amazon

Total views: 283,000/year

Let's say, that 50% end up purchasing a radio, so the total number of radios purchased on-line is about 192,000. Let's say, 25% end up returning the radios, so the actual finalized number is about 144,000.

Now, the only store that carries HD radios in-store is Radio Shack, sales from which, would have to be added to the 144,000. This is probably a very optimistic number. Comments welcome !

Your stab in the dark at HD Radio sales is wildly optimistic.
To think that 50% of the people who looked at something fairly expensive ($300.00) on the internet, bought it, is totally incredible. Most mass merchandisers would be absolutely delighted to get a 2% purchase response to page views on a $300.00 item.
Even most of the HD supporters admit the HD Radio 5 year marketing campaign, after hundreds of millions spent, has been a dismal failure. The HD clan admits, no one knows what HD is. I would not expect any better in coming years, as other newer technologies further outshine HD.
With all the reception, antenna, quality, defects, performance problems and making the wildest false claims for HD benefits, I expect the return rate would be much higher.
Hardly any Radio Shacks have HD radios, and with 2 inch speakers it would be all but impossible to hear any difference between a good quality FM stereo signal and HD. No sale!

 

[Tom Wells]

I remember trying to find AM stereo receivers, and HD seems to be even less available in stores.
I bet actual numbers are still below 100,000.
I travel for work, and get to ask many people in different places about this issue.
It is very much off-the-map for the majority. "Huh?" is the most common response.

 

[ricoontheradio]

It is very much off-the-map for the majority. "Huh?" is the most common response.

This is very true. I've gone into about half a dozen stores (Circuit City and Radio Shack) asking about HD Radio. People are so lost on this thing. You can check out my site where I note my experiences - quite entertaining.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

The worst thing about HD radio is not that no one knows about it, but that no one cares.

 

[Tom Wells]

The worst thing about HD radio is not that no one knows about it, but that no one cares.

This reminds me of a statement from an American to a Canadian, who had accused the US of being canada ignorant.
about 1987...
The American said, " It's not that we don't know what's happening in Canada, We don't care!"

Let us hope the present situation finds america similarly disinterested.

 

[hipporadio]

I remember trying to find AM stereo receivers, and HD seems to be even less available in stores.

It is very much off-the-map for the majority. "Huh?" is the most common response.

I remember in 1986 Radio Shack offering a nice C-QUAM AM stereo tuner that fit their "mini component" series for about $40 (there was a matching amp and AM/FM-stereo tuner for about $60). I was anxious to get one and thought it to be a very fair value. Our lone local C-QUAM AM-stereo music station in town sounded good--definately an immediate perceived improvement over the "typical" AM radio. It performed well on AM and was worth the money. The same cannot be said about the current crop of expensive under-performing HD Radios.

Despite a lack of industry push or advertising at the time for AM-stereo, the public did seem to at least know about it and were many times humorously inquisitive. I continued to see that $40 AM-stereo tuner at most Radio Shack outlets I wandered into for several years in the late '80s. According to RS managers--it was selling at an expected pace. They reported a very low return rate and general customer satisfaction. Their chief concern was the low number of local AM stations broadcasting in stereo. I believe is was the migration by AM radio over to talk formats in the late 80s that caused AM stereo interest to subside and finally end.

Despite the $200-mil kick-off, HD Radio possibly fares even worse than 80's AM-stereo. Near-complete apathy aside, the "digitally enlightened" in the general marketplace look at HD Radio with a cynical skepticism associated with the feeling: “XM is kicking your tail and you want me to spend $300 to hear way too many of your commercials in CD quality... HA HA!” AM stereo never had it that bad... It started its race several rows back in a befuddled field with modest claims and expectations... And while not pristine--it was not destructive and defective! HD Radio is not only embarrassing to technology... It’s a bruise on broadcasting’s self-proclaimed marketing pedigree.

Given the current HD Radio "situation" and Radio Shack's ever-progressing drift away from consumer audio... I'm wondering how long that $200 Accurian that doesn't have a competitive prayer in the compact radio market against several better-sounding contenders; like the Sangean "Wooden", Tivoli "Kloss", and BA Receptor-mono at up to $100 less--can last on the shelves at "The Shack"? Only time will tell... And RS doesn't look kindly on returns.