"New HD Radio Chips from STMicroelectronics (in 2008)"

[700WLW]

"New HD Radio Chips from STMicroelectronics (in 2008)"

http://digital-am-fm.com/2006/12/new_hd_radio_chips_from_stmicr.html#comments

Considering the site, is this a fluff-piece ?

 

[clouseau]

"New HD Radio Chips from STMicroelectronics (in 2008)"

http://digital-am-fm.com/2006/12/new_hd_radio_chips_from_stmicr.html#comments

Considering the site, is this a fluff-piece ?

A moderate percentage of "Chip releases" are, but seriously, It's not like you can't get this technology onto a low power chip. Satellite is working HARD on the portable receiver and they're trying to do a lot more than HD ever will. (Since I don't think you loccal HD station is going to cut you off for non payment.)

Clouseau

 

[tankedsecondchance]

iona internet radio device sounds like it could be a step in the correct direction going forward for the consumer...and they have started talks with one of the two satellite radio companys. based on this email

We are in discussions with at least one of the major satellite radio
providers. In principle there is no problem with a paid service, it is just
a question of setting up the appropriate licensing and agreements. Watch
this space!

Best regards,

http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/news_pr181.shtml

Quick Heads up it looks like mark ramseys blog is gone......?

 

[700WLW]

"Quick Heads up it looks like mark ramseys blog is gone......?"

I've seen it happen before, but no way would I pay to see his site (he has too much of an agenda).

Update: It's back.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

iona internet radio device sounds like it could be a step in the correct direction going forward for the consumer...and they have started talks with one of the two satellite radio companys. based on this email

We are in discussions with at least one of the major satellite radio
providers. In principle there is no problem with a paid service, it is just
a question of setting up the appropriate licensing and agreements. Watch
this space!

Best regards,

http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/news_pr181.shtml

Quick Heads up it looks like mark ramseys blog is gone......?

Even more interesting is that these chips are apparently software upgradeable from short range WI-FI to long range WI-MAX. Might it be we will all be getting worldwide HD Radio coverage by the internet and WI-MAX? No defective HD AM-FM radios needed?
Here is the WI-MAX link:
http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/news_pr161.shtml

 

[vsa]

SUPERCASTER WROTE: "Even more interesting is that these chips are apparently software upgradeable from short range WI-FI to long range WI-MAX."

Thank you for posting this story and a link to it. This development is a very significant one.

May HD Radio rest in peace.

 

 

[dbdigital]

iona internet radio device sounds like it could be a step in the correct direction going forward for the consumer...and they have started talks with one of the two satellite radio companys. based on this email

We are in discussions with at least one of the major satellite radio
providers. In principle there is no problem with a paid service, it is just
a question of setting up the appropriate licensing and agreements. Watch
this space!

Best regards,

http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/news_pr181.shtml

Quick Heads up it looks like mark ramseys blog is gone......?

Even more interesting is that these chips are apparently software upgradeable from short range WI-FI to long range WI-MAX. Might it be we will all be getting worldwide HD Radio coverage by the internet and WI-MAX? No defective HD AM-FM radios needed?
Here is the WI-MAX link:
http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/news_pr161.shtml

...and along with the great innovations that Cambridge has been introducing is this tidbit from Marketwatch regarding Torian:

"Additionally, Torian Wireless of Melbourne said it has both an existing product and a design for adding Net radio capability to other products. The company is taking orders for the inFusion on its Web site for $229. The device includes an FM tuner, has 16 presets, and can be used as a recorder."

"Torian also has developed a design specification to embed Net radio into other products, and it, too, will be on display at CES. "The Internet Radio Module allows manufacturers to add Internet radio functionality to products including home stereo systems, amplifiers, and portable boom box units," Parthimos said."

So in addition to being extensible and re-programmable WiFi/WiMAX chips are going to be ubiquitous, appearing in almost everything electronic.

db

 

[vsa]

dbdigital wrote: "Torian also has developed a design specification to embed Net radio into other products..."

And here's a link to the "module" story:
http://blogs.marketwatch.com/barnako/2006/12/fcc_oks_wifi_ne.html

With a photo of the Wi=Fi "module":
http://blogs.marketwatch.com/photos/uncategorized/pic_torian

I find it interesting that all of this is happening without any need for an HD Radio type of alliance/cartel. And without a $200 million or $250 million a year advertising campaign. That says a lot.

 

[dbdigital]

dbdigital wrote: "Torian also has developed a design specification to embed Net radio into other products..."

And here's a link to the "module" story:
http://blogs.marketwatch.com/barnako/2006/12/fcc_oks_wifi_ne.html

With a photo of the Wi=Fi "module":
http://blogs.marketwatch.com/photos/uncategorized/pic_torian

I find it interesting that all of this is happening without any need for an HD Radio type of alliance/cartel. And without a $200 million or $250 million a year advertising campaign. That says a lot.

That's true. As we know, the WiMAX spec has never been formally approved and is still evolving but the excitement for it is so strong that it has taken on a life and growth pattern of its own.

Unlike HD Radio in which the FCC and a whole cadre of shady characters (along with a dubious 250 milllion war chest of unsold inventory) have been collectively putting the paddles to it, hoping to jump start it to life.

db

 

[SUPERCASTER]

"New HD Radio Chips from STMicroelectronics (in 2008)"

http://digital-am-fm.com/2006/12/new_hd_radio_chips_from_stmicr.html#comments

Considering the site, is this a fluff-piece ?

A moderate percentage of "Chip releases" are, but seriously, It's not like you can't get this technology onto a low power chip. Satellite is working HARD on the portable receiver and they're trying to do a lot more than HD ever will. (Since I don't think you loccal HD station is going to cut you off for non payment.)
Clouseau

Don't be so sure, several members of the HD cartel are talking about monotizing HD Radio by making it a subscription service. That way they would not develop competition for their overabundant main channel unsold advertising inventory.

 

[Chuck]

Satellite is working HARD on the portable receiver and they're trying to do a lot more than HD Don't be so sure, several members of the HD cartel are talking about monotizing HD Radio by making it a subscription service. That way they would not develop competition for their overabundant main channel unsold advertising inventory.

Although the HD Cheerleaders tout the fact that their service is free, being able to make the digital channels a subscription service has always been a part of the design architecture. I suspect the “free” aspect is just a timely jab at satellite radio, more than anything else.

In my never so humble opinion, subscription sub-channels are just about the only way I see HD being a financial success. Adding more free channels that compete with your existing bread and butter product just doesn't make a lot of sense, unless you are a public broadcaster. In that case, you operate under an entirely different business plan than your commercial compatriots. Right now, it’s OK to have free channels, since there are not enough receivers out there to make any difference. At least for a while, “free radio” will continue to be the party line.

The only way adding free channels would be a good business model in the long term would be if there was an insatiable desire on the part of the public to do nothing but listen to the radio. Let's face it: There are a lot of other distractions out there which compete with radio for your time. Just look at the sales of video gaming devices. It is astounding how much time people devote to these devices. It's pretty hard to listen to your favorite voice tracked radio station while playing video games. As we all know there are many other competitors for your time. Radio does have one advantage though. It does fit in with today's tendency to multitask. Usually, you can listen to the radio and do something else at the same time.

Radio as we know it is not going away in the foreseeable future. It can be a very good business but it is fairly obvious that it is probably not going to continue to be much of a huge growth industry. It certainly will be nothing like it was just a few years ago. If HD succeeds, using these new-found data streams for some type of subscription service would be a logical way to generate revenue for the radio station at little expense. They may end up being leased for brokered programming, or possibly for ethnic or nontraditional broadcasting that is outside of the mainstream that shows up in Arbitron books. You want something that appeals to people who usually never listen to radio. You most certainly do not want to do anything that competes with your core business. For the majority of independent broadcasters outside of the top 50 markets, it is very hard to come up with a compelling business reason to convert to HD. It is also fair to point out that subscription sub channels are also possible using FMExtra, which is lower cost and quite possibly a better way of doing things. The dance is not over.

As for the interest in Wi-Fi, that should come as no surprise. Even the most technology ignorant person can see the excitement in that technology once they are exposed to it. Like many things that you didn't know you needed until you got one, Wi-Fi has some steak to go along with the sizzle. It has a lot to offer, and you do not have to be a member of an exclusive club to participate

 

[clouseau]

Even more interesting is that these chips are apparently software upgradeable from short range WI-FI to long range WI-MAX. Might it be we will all be getting worldwide HD Radio coverage by the internet and WI-MAX? No defective HD AM-FM radios needed?
......

So in addition to being extensible and re-programmable WiFi/WiMAX chips are going to be ubiquitous, appearing in almost everything electronic.

Now I'm not an expert, but HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM says...

WiFi-style access will be limited to a 4-to-6 mile radius (perhaps 25 square miles or 65 square km of coverage, which is similar in range to a cell-phone zone). Through the stronger line-of-sight antennas, the WiMAX transmitting station would send data to WiMAX-enabled computers or routers set up within the transmitter's 30-mile radius

Well that's impressive. 4-6 miles on Wimax without an external antenna. When it gets developed all the way. Yeah, heck. That HD signal is almost gone by 4-6 miles.

Mobile internet radio isn't practical today and it's off topic. Take it to the Webcasting board.

Clouseau

 

[SUPERCASTER]

You are right, Chuck, and WI-FI and WI-MAX HD radio is something almost anyone can produce.
The broadcast congolomerates must be having a fit over the "great unwashed masses" gaining admittance to their private club.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Happy Holidays, everyone!
Perhaps the HD buzz will disappear by New Year.

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Even more interesting is that these chips are apparently software upgradeable from short range WI-FI to long range WI-MAX. Might it be we will all be getting worldwide HD Radio coverage by the internet and WI-MAX? No defective HD AM-FM radios needed?
......

So in addition to being extensible and re-programmable WiFi/WiMAX chips are going to be ubiquitous, appearing in almost everything electronic.

Now I'm not an expert, but HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM says...

WiFi-style access will be limited to a 4-to-6 mile radius (perhaps 25 square miles or 65 square km of coverage, which is similar in range to a cell-phone zone). Through the stronger line-of-sight antennas, the WiMAX transmitting station would send data to WiMAX-enabled computers or routers set up within the transmitter's 30-mile radius

Well that's impressive. 4-6 miles on Wimax without an external antenna. When it gets developed all the way. Yeah, heck. That HD signal is almost gone by 4-6 miles.

Mobile internet radio isn't practical today and it's off topic. Take it to the Webcasting board.

Clouseau

WI-Fi is short range. WI-MAX broadcasting can cover 30+ miles. They are 2 different, but similar things, and both are digital broadcasting competition to HD Radio. All are digital HD radio systems just not iBiquity/OutOfBandAdjacentChannel.
Webcasting is confined to wires and the web, while WI-FI and WI-MAX broadcasts are digital HD radio, just a different method.

 

[700WLW]

WiFi-style access will be limited to a 4-to-6 mile radius (perhaps 25 square miles or 65 square km of coverage, which is similar in range to a cell-phone zone). Through the stronger line-of-sight antennas, the WiMAX transmitting station would send data to WiMAX-enabled computers or routers set up within the transmitter's 30-mile radius. Well that's impressive. 4-6 miles on Wimax without an external antenna. When it gets developed all the way. Yeah, heck. That HD signal is almost gone by 4-6 miles. Mobile internet radio isn't practical today and it's off topic. Take it to the Webcasting board.

Clouseau

SUPERCASTER is correct - These are both just transport services/protocols, as WiFi has just local "hot spots, while WiMax will tie togther all the "hot spots" for reception everywhere. My boys just got the Cingular BlackJack cell phones, and it uses the new G3 network, so they have Internet Acccess everywhere (they can even watch football games on it free). So to think, with this type of technology, and more to come with the expansion of WiMax, and new portable Internet Radio, that HD Radio will be successfuly is just foolishness !

 

[SUPERCASTER]

clouseau said:

Well that's impressive. 4-6 miles on Wimax without an external antenna. When it gets developed all the way. Yeah, heck. That HD signal is almost gone by 4-6 miles.

So is iBiquity HD limited to a similar short range. The difference is that WI-FI (and soon WI-MAX at 30+ miles) digital HD radio is broadcast over millions of radio transmitters worldwide and offers listeners a choice of millions of program sources. Something iBiquity can never top.

 

[700WLW]

clouseau said:

Well that's impressive. 4-6 miles on Wimax without an external antenna. When it gets developed all the way. Yeah, heck. That HD signal is almost gone by 4-6 miles.

So is iBiquity HD limited to a similar short range. The difference is that WI-FI (and soon WI-MAX at 30+ miles) digital HD radio is broadcast over millions of radio transmitters worldwide and offers listeners a choice of about 100,000 program sources. Something iBiquity can never top.

As with the G3 network, I believe that WiMax will be implemented over existing cell phone infrastructures, so as long as one has cell phone service, one will have access to applications through WiMax.