Things I've never heard before

[700WLW]

The number of stations grows every month. And the number of radios/tuners/receivers has increased tremendously in...

So, what is your point - no one is listening, so it doesn't matter. Hard to respond, with anything of substance, when the lack of consumer interest, is staring you in the face:

1) http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+radio"

2) http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+...,+xm,+sirius,+podcast&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

 

[SUPERCASTER]

My car reception with my JVC KD-HDR1 in dash player/receiver gets great reception here in the Dallas-Ft.Worth Metroplex !

I'd like to say that I've heard a lot new things on songs that I've heard before, but, I don't listen to FM Classic Rock Radio, becasue I disdain their narrow, overplayed "AM" Style Playlists.... But, I have heard on an HD-2 stations that plays NOTHING but The Beatles, a Paul McCartney song that has new life to me beacause of HD Radio.
That song is "Goonihgt Tonight". The bass riff that Paul lays down on that song is just awesome in HD! The fulness I never heard before on regular FM is remarkable!

HD Radio can be fine tuned with each station. And some do it better than others.
But it's a learning curve, and those stations that strive for excellence will get there. Those other stations that accept less, accept...less.

No system is without it's faults, .... but I do appreciate all of the "UP" sides to HD Radio ! ! ! I will not concentrate on the negatives, as others here have taken up that baton with great enthusiasm!

I can only hope as HD spreads, and it's spreading.... that someone, somewhere, will get the balls to do something in Rock, other than the tired, old Classic Rock Routine. ;D

If all HD plays is music from CD's, then what is the advantage over my CD/MP3/iPod type player that plays all my favorite tunes, anywhere, anytime, my way, and without all the annoying buzz, and jamming of other stations?
What is the point, or benefit to listeners of HD radio?
I know the stations feel there is a benefit to them, but the consumer, obviously, does not feel that way. Otherwise HD would have taken off like a rocket, years ago.

 

[tankedsecondchance]

again its very sad to see ,when a company and investor like Ford shows off three new models (taurus/sable) and mentions the new sync feature along with satellite radio as must have items......

But not a word about radio am/fm/hd...sad

[[url]http://es.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/confirmed-taurus-taurus-x-and-sable-return-for-2008//url]

Must-have features include an available voice activated DVD-based navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio. For entertainment, rear seat passengers can enjoy an available DVD player with a large, eight-inch screen and a clearer, brighter picture. Taurus X is also one of 12 new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products to offer Ford Sync™ – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this Ford-exclusive system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.

 

[Mike Walker]

700, have you asked anyone at an HD station is anyone is listening? Ask them about the response they get from listeners. I have, and it's considerable.

 

[700WLW]

700, have you asked anyone at an HD station is anyone is listening? Ask them about the response they get from listeners. I have, and it's considerable.

I don't need to ask, nor care to - but, I can prove that there is very little consumer interest in HD radio, versus competing technologies:

1) http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+radio"

2) http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+...,+xm,+sirius,+podcast&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

3) http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+radio",+"internet+radio",+xm,+ipod,+mp3&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

 

[hipporadio]

“Things” media consumers have heard before... Comparing HD radio to several other media program options:

“Days of our Lives” (the iconic TV “soap” on NBC... PLENTY of 25-49 ladies following this:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=days+of+our+lives,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

ESPN Radio—no shortage of “prime meat” for radio here (and little reason to "search" for it):
http://www.google.com/trends?q=espn+radio,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

“The Real World” MTV’s now-pathetic “daddy of reality TV” for Gen-X (and fading fast with Gen-Y)... Ready and waiting to be “put out of its misery”:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=the+real+world,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

NPR (of particular interest to Mike Walker):
http://www.google.com/trends?q=npr,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Oldies... A format corporate radio believes to be “over” and no longer marketable:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=oldies,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Air America... Now in bankruptcy and fading fast:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=air+america,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Could iBiquity be next?

“Swing LOOOOW, Sweet Chariot... Comin’ forth to carry me home” :'(

 

[700WLW]

“Things” media consumers have heard before... Comparing HD radio to several other media program options:

“Days of our Lives” (the iconic TV “soap” on NBC... PLENTY of 25-49 ladies following this:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=days+of+our+lives,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

ESPN Radio—no shortage of “prime meat” for radio here (and little reason to "search" for it):
http://www.google.com/trends?q=espn+radio,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

“The Real World” MTV’s now-pathetic “daddy of reality TV” for Gen-X (and fading fast with Gen-Y)... Ready and waiting to be “put out of its misery”:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=the+real+world,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

NPR (of particular interest to Mike Walker):
http://www.google.com/trends?q=npr,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Oldies... A format corporate radio believes to be “over” and no longer marketable:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=oldies,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Air America... Now in bankruptcy and fading fast:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=air+america,+hd+radio&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Could iBiquity be next?

“Swing LOOOOW, Sweet Chariot... Comin’ forth to carry me home” :'(

Hippo,

Glad to see, you are in the spirit - check this out:

http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+...",+"general+hospital"&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

People would rather be watching soap-operas, than listening to HD Radio ! Sorry, I just saw, that you were running Google Trends !

 

[Mike Walker]

What the hell is that supposed to show, that not as many people searched Google for NPR? Why exactly would they? They'd go to the NPR website, or more likely to the website of their local public radio station. Public radio stations ain't exactly going away! And even if that chart shows SOMETHING (I'll be damned if I know what), it shows relatively flat results overtime. A small peak here, a small dip there, a big peak here, a couple more little dips and peaks. Wouldn't the results for "sex" or "shoe fetish" look similar? I doubt there are astronomically more people interested in either this month than a comparable period last year.

Definition:
Moron: Someone who believes the answer to all of life's questions are found in Google trends. Even Google makes no such claim. In fact, they claim that these trends mean LITTLE, and don't understand why people even care about them.

 

[700WLW]

What the hell is that supposed to show, that not as many people searched Google for NPR? Why exactly would they? They'd go to the NPR website, or more likely to the website of their local public radio station. Public radio stations ain't exactly going away! And even if that chart shows SOMETHING (I'll be damned if I know what), it shows relatively flat results overtime. A small peak here, a small dip there, a big peak here, a couple more little dips and peaks. Wouldn't the results for "sex" or "shoe fetish" look similar? I doubt there are astronomically more people interested in either this month than a comparable period last year.

Definition:
Moron: Someone who believes the answer to all of life's questions are found in Google trends. Even Google makes no such claim. In fact, they claim that these trends mean LITTLE, and don't understand why people even care about them.

 

[hipporadio]

HD Radio FINALLY WINS in Media Program Comparison:

The Three Stooges:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+the+three+stooges&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all
“Quiet numbskulls... ‘Can’t you see I’m Broadcasting in HD!”

Yogi Bear—“he’s better then the average bear”:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+yogi+bear&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all
“Wanna trade an HD radio for your picnic basket?”

The Addams Family:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+the+addams+family&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all
‘Guess Robert Struble’s more handsome than Uncle Fester! [click – click]

Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+gomer+pyle&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all
“G-O-L-L-Y Sergeant Carter... We never had one of those back home in Mayberry!”

Well... Almost...

Mission Impossible:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+mission+impossible&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

“ATTENTION Mr. Phelps... It looks your HD is about to self-destruct”

 

[hipporadio]

What the hell is that supposed to show, that not as many people searched Google for NPR? Why exactly would they? They'd go to the NPR website...

Exactly the point, Mr. Walker...

ESPN Radio—no shortage of “prime meat” for radio (and little reason to "search" for it)[at Google]

NPR (and even ESPN Radio) are UNDER-REPORTED in their impact on internet culture and interest BECAUSE people like yourself or any sports devote ALREADY has a connection to those sites and topics. The Google methodology actually makes “HD radio” look MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANT in interest (than it may really be) relative to the other topics compared.

If you wish to continue to play “know it all” and criticize (this time) the methods of Google—at least TRY to know what you are talking about. Granted, Google Trends are arbitrary, proprietary, and often amusing—they are NOT “rocket science”. If you’re really interested in dissecting “secret science”, why not focus your attention on your beloved iBiquity!

 

[hipporadio]

What the hell is that supposed to show, that not as many people searched Google for NPR?

Not at all... I believe you are naively reading the charts for Google Trends BACKWARDS. They clearly display that MANY MORE make inquiries about NPR then do to explore and show interest in HD Radio! And the results could be weighted upward further in NPR's favor, because (as you pointed out) NPR listeners need NO ASSISTANCE in locating a station site on the internet. Most with an enrty-level interest in HD would require such. Dispite this: NPR—the winner... HD Radio—the loser... And likely more so than the results indicate :'(

The Three Stooges:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=hd+radio,+the+three+stooges&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all

Definition: Moron: Someone who believes the answer to all of life's questions are found in Google trends.

Follow along carefully, Mike... The preceding link clearly indicates that HD radio generates more search engine access (and presumably interest) than do The Three Stooges. Are you prepared to accept that, or will you continue to argue (merely for the sake of arguing) that Google is involved in a conspiracy to assist the adventures of some like 700WLW or “morons” like myself? If so—Curly, Larry, and Moe have just made “stooges” out both YOU and iBiquity!
Try—try again—and maybe you’ll get it right the second time around :

 

[calstymes]

Mike Walker questioned:

have you asked anyone at an HD station is anyone is listening? Ask them about the response they get from listeners. I have, and it's considerable.

Ummm. What do you consider to be "considerable"?

In what market have you had "considerable" response? Are you talking primarily about FM HD?

For the most part, in the New York and surrounding markets, not only do people NOT know what HD in general (and AM HD in particular) is but they DON'T care about nor do they want it (particularly AM HD since it completely ruins the listenability of any of these stations in the fringes where you can't receive the AM HD signal anyway. Duh!).

 

[Mike Walker]

I love ya' Hippo, but OF COURSE MORE PEOPLE GOOGLE "NPR" than "HD Radio". Everybody knows who NPR is, even those who don't listen. It's been around more than three decades, and has 20 million weekly listeners. HD Radio is brand, spankin' new. Most people DON'T know about it yet. A point I've made over and over. One doesn't "google" what one is unaware of.

As for "considerable"...thre to ten calls a day about ANY technical issue at a radio station (tv too, I would imagine) is 'considerable'. Most people don't call a station about anything technical unless they're having reception problems, or something really sounds bad...and is keeping them from enjoying their show. Entertainment media is PROGRAMMING driven. Once the window is "clear enough"...most people don't think about it...unless, of course, someone can make the window a little "clearer"...which is what HD radio does. Even that's important mostly to audio nerds. It's multicasting that's the real selling point, IF stations can put something on that somebody would actually want to hear (lots of public stations DO!)

 

[700WLW]

HD Radio is brand, spankin' new. Most people DON'T know about it yet. A point I've made over and over. One doesn't "google" what one is unaware of.

"In-Stat: Digital Radio Set to Take Off"

"In 2006, 73 percent of respondents to an In-Stat U.S. consumer survey were aware of HD Radio on some level."

http://beradio.com/eyeoniboc/instat-digital-radio-set/

Oh, really - haven't we been through this before ? Consumers are just not interested in HD Radio:

http://www.google.com/trends?q="hd+radio",+"internet+radio",+xm,+sirius,+podcast

 

[hipporadio]

I love ya' Hippo...

Then please don’t call me a “moron” for ONLY TWICE enlisting Google Trends in a “discussion” here. My first use was OBVIOUS “comic relief”... The second was ONLY an even more humorous analogy to your attack in Reply #27. I have NEVER linked Ramsey, anti-HD blogs, or even the esteemed Mr. Del Colliano (a “heritage” well-published professional whose opinions are highly-anticipated). When I (only once in the politest of terms) took our "resident linker” to the woodshed, the response was overwhelming for his continued participation. He has been candid about his background and level of technical expertise (unusual in a radio forum), and has made MANY informative articles easily accessible for those of us lacking the time and patience to study search-engine results.

BTW... This “moron” withdrew the bulk of my savings back in the late 70s to order a C.I.E home-study course for an FCC first ticket—which I earned on my lonesome for no other application than my own interest. I have spent my entire post-college professional life in radio sales, marketing, and ownership. I guess that “first phone” later paid off because EVERY BROADCAST ENGINEER considered this former operator “an answer to their prayers”.

Mike, your sudden and recent appearance here coincides with your acquisition of an RS Accurian HD radio, but is still somewhat of a mystery. You live in western North Carolina; I’m assuming you’re a 50+ former Program Director; and you operate “The Production Studio”—but I have yet to come upon posts from you in your home-state or nearby market forums; any non-current music format forum; or on the “Production” board here at R-I. Are you using a “second account” here for your HD activities, or are my observations lacking and overly-casual?

 

[700WLW]

Moron: Someone who believes the answer to all of life's questions are found in Google trends. Even Google makes no such claim. In fact, they claim that these trends mean LITTLE, and don't understand why people even care about them.

"About Google Trends"

"With Google Trends, you can compare the world's interest in your favorite topics. Enter up to five topics and see how often they've been searched for on Google over time. Google Trends also displays how frequently your topics have appeared in Google News stories, and which geographic regions have searched for them most often... Google Trends analyzes a portion of Google web searches to compute how many searches have been done for the terms you enter relative to the total number of searches done on Google over time. We then show you a graph with the results -- our search-volume graph -- plotted on a linear scale"

http://www.google.com/intl/en/trends/about.html

"Google Trends Launches"

"Google Trends launched today. It’s another analysis tool (and a good one), that allows you to see how often specific search terms are being entered into the Google search engine."

http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/05/10/google-trends-launches/

 

[Mike Walker]

Well Hippo, I DO post in the Greensboro and Charlotte forums. And the station I primarily post for, WKBC AM/FM was chosen by editors of Creative Loafing (a leisure mag in Charlotte) as the Charlotte "Station of the Year". At least the FM station was. The AM, 1kw on 800, doesn't reach Charlotte.

I bought my Accurian on "Black Friday". My posts here predate that. I was initially very skeptical about HD. I put the chances of the Accurian even working in my remote location at less than 50/50. I became an instant fan when stations from 60-80 miles away BOOMED in...stations whose analog signals were either noisy, or receivable cleanly only in mono, or severely blended stereo.

I'm 48 years old...started in radio in 1974 when I was 15. I've worked as an air personality, program director, operations manager, program director, production mgr (at numerous stations), morning man, and in other capacities. I started my production business in the early 90s in my spare time, and have done it fulltime since 1998. From my home studio, I've done air work (as well as production) on WXRC Charlotte, WINQ Winchendon Mass, and WGDN Gladwyn Michigan. I even wrote for Howard Stern (local content that he did) when 'XRC carried his show. I've been heard on most stations around this area. I also wrote a weekly column (accessible at my website) at one station that had it's own newspaper. And that's pretty much my resume'.

Oh, and as an avid shortwave fan, I post in the dx and shortwave forum, as well as production, and I think I've posted in Podcasting as well, since I had a podcast until fairly recently. I cut it off because of concerns about the stupid music licensing rules. Dumbass record companies don't realize that it's to their benefit for their music to be heard! At any rate, I'll probably return to podcasting one of these days.

 

[TheRover]

again its very sad to see ,when a company and investor like Ford shows off three new models (taurus/sable) and mentions the new sync feature along with satellite radio as must have items......

But not a word about radio am/fm/hd...sad

[[url]http://es.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/confirmed-taurus-taurus-x-and-sable-return-for-2008//url]

Yeah Ford has really got it all their ducks in a row as a Car Manufaturer, now don't they !!! :-\

 

[hipporadio]

Well Hippo, I DO post in the Greensboro and Charlotte forums.

Mike... Typically, I have no problem with ‘fessing-up when caught short-sighted, and I will try to acknowledge a “good point” when one smacks me. Indeed, you started a VERY GOOD thread back in November in the Raleigh/Greensboro forum regarding the audio on 94.1 after its flip to Oldies. I recall your opening comment: “I’m sick of FM sounding like crap!” What followed was a predictable assault from all the digital one-box-wonder-loving 20-something minions—at which point, I jumped into the thread at Reply #16 to fully agree with you. Although I could not hear that station, I could easily “hear in my mind” what caused your distress—as I have heard it SO MANY TIMES before.

Over the past decade, “competitive” FM audio has been on a shameful slide into the gutter, and (even worse) programming hasn’t lagged far behind on its cruise to the sewer. I know... This makes for fine fodder in an audio or programming forum, but that state begs EVERY listener to casually dismiss the industry’s outrageous assumption that audiences are “ripe” to pull out the plastic and tote home a new HD radio. FACT IS: The FIRST grungy digital box generally equals the SECOND anchored below it in the rack (pre-emphasis or not) regardless of the transmission mode. The mere topography of IBOC insures that BOTH analog AND digital audio be reasonable facsimiles... That’s iBiquity’s only recourse for a “graceful switch” between reception modes.

So long as this lazy “digital one-box” approach with little incentive for effort and experimentation continues—FM audio will remain PATHETIC. Don’t even get me started on how much BETTER competitively-processed FM radio sounded a dozen years ago before all this arrogantly-marketed CRAP started commanding a ten-grand price tag! I know because I listened then... I know because I signed the checks and took a personal interest in the ANALOG audio quality on two AM and two FM stations.

HOW can this industry deserve several-hundred dollars in “faith” from a public it shows such contempt for, when you consider the current state of analog FM audio and the banal programming that modulates it? Isn’t that industry “several bananas short of a bunch” if they expect the marketplace to believe them just because “IT’S DIGITAL” ???