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The Problem with HD Radio

Mike Sheridan

Mike Sheridan

I know HD radio is in it's early stages but here is the problem that might prevent interest and wide spread use.

When I first got an HD radio I enjoyed the Country Classics "Foggy Mountain" on WKKT 96.9 HD2, there was also Comedy on WEND 106.5 HD2. Both were unique formats not heard in the area. Quite awhile ago WEND-HD2 changed to...well more hard rock, not very unique and just the other day tuning to WKKT-HD2 I heard some teen rock format. So anyone who invested in a radio to hear either one of the previously unique formats, well you're out of luck.

Thankfully Beasley hasn't changed WKQC-HD2 K-Hits and WBAV-HD2 Smooth Jazz. I wonder is just a matter of time?

Before anyone says it, yes I know these stations can program whatever they want and deem sellable as far as potential advertising. I'd just like to see more variety and some unique programming. At least there's always Sirius XM, as long as my cash holds out!
 
You realize this isn't actually a problem with HD Radio. It's more a problem with local format choice and your personal taste.

There might be different HD formats available in other areas.
 
Mike Sheridan said:
Before anyone says it, yes I know these stations can program whatever they want and deem sellable as far as potential advertising. I'd just like to see more variety and some unique programming. At least there's always Sirius XM, as long as my cash holds out!
Click to expand...

You can't count on SiriusXM keeping your favorite musical niches around either. Some channels are regularly pre-empted for a month or more of Christmas music every year. Some genres, among them folk and the various regional Mexican styles, are now internet-only, as is the unique AAA mix that was The Loft. Others -- Latin jazz, novelty songs, deep progressive rock and jazz/rock -- were completely eliminated when the more musically conservative Sirius bought out the more adventurous XM. So don't be so sure smooth jazz or classic country -- at least in the forms you know them today -- are guaranteed anything by SXM.
 
CTListener said:
You can't count on SiriusXM keeping your favorite musical niches around either.
Click to expand...

The thing to know is that the copyright royalty board just increased digital royalty fees, and Sirius will have some choices to make. Do they increase the subscription cost and anger their subscribers, or shut down some of the more fringe channels to hold down costs? Or both?
 
I agree with all of the above (imagine that!). If Sirius XM fails to deliver what I want, I'll leave and probably retreat into my iPhone full of great tunes. Growing up with radio I still crave the communal experience.
 
Mike Sheridan said:
I agree with all of the above (imagine that!). If Sirius XM fails to deliver what I want, I'll leave and probably retreat into my iPhone full of great tunes. Growing up with radio I still crave the communal experience.
Click to expand...

I like the concept of HD Radio. Your complaint seems to be local programming choices, which can vary from station to station and market to market.

I really appreciate WLNK and their HD channels, which allow me to listen to Bob and Sheri on the main 107.9 channel, as well as WBT on 107.9-HD2. And for sports fans, there is WFNZ on 107.9-HD3. They make very good use of their HD Radio channels, and they have a very strong HD signal. I have a Sangean HDR-18 table radio in the kitchen, and the internal antenna locks on to WLNK-HD. No external rabbit ears needed, which is nice for the kitchen counter. And I am 75 miles away in GVL, SC. Unfortunately, car reception now deteriorates because of a LPFM station on the same channel which has illegally boosted power, causing interference.

I can also get WBT on 99.3 in the house, but no longer in the car due to the Georgia station increasing power on the same channel. I cannot get 11.10-AM in the house to to electrical noise and interference, and after daylight they block the signal. So 107.9-HD2 is a great simulcast west of Charlotte for WBT.
 
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