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Why I would buy an HD radio

A

audioguy

I read a lot of articles expressing the view that HD radio isn't taking off because people won't pay for a new radio. I'm sure there are elements of truth in that, but for me, it comes down to two things, really; 1) the technology actually has to work, and 2) there has to be some compelling programming that I want to hear. I don't think either of these conditions have been met, and that's why I haven't bought one.

It's not that I'm cheap. I am a dollar a day member of our local commercial classical station. Why?

Well, here are a few reasons:
  • Superb audio quality (the technology works!
  • Live, announcer-read copy (including all of the ads)
  • The ads mesh well with the programming, and they are actually worth listening to!
  • A great mix of music, including classical and folk, from the familiar to the fringe (including some I don't like)
  • Frequent broadcasts of live concerts
  • It's "live and local" most of the day
  • Special events programming; for example, composers' birthdays
  • Intelligent talk programming; for example, "Critical Thinking"
  • Sponsorship of important local music and fine arts organizations

I probably haven't come close to covering all of the reasons, but I would listen to and support this station if they broadcast in AM mono! It is that good of a station. Now before you say this kind of thing couldn't work with a different format, let me tell you that classical music is far from being the only type of music that I enjoy.

For the money I give this station every year, I could easily buy a pretty decent radio. But that wouldn't make me any happier.

HD radio is such a flop, I don't know how we will ever make it perform acceptably. AM HD is an interference nightmare. Boosting the power of FM HD is only a band-aid solution that will create a lot of additional interference. But yes, I would pay for it-- if it actually gave me something of value in return.

Just my opinion-- you are entitled to yours!
 
audioguy said:
It's not that I'm cheap. I am a dollar a day member of our local commercial classical station. Why?
Click to expand...

Good for you, NPR has been one of the biggest cheerleaders of iBlock and is a big part of this reason this huge flop is still on life support.
 
Surprise!

This is NOT an NPR station (NPR would not be on a commercial station anyway).

This is WFMT, and I don't think they run HD!
 
Radio has we know works I mean it’s ok. The music is repetitious, the 8 stop set commercial loads are annoying as hell, and voice tracking really just sucks. But I can hack listening to radio for about 15 to 30 minutes. So radio as we know is good enough, it’s a Chevrolet Malibu, it’s a jeep and serves the purpose. So thus far broadcasters have opted for jukebox HD radio. It's more of the same and not sexy. And Steve Jobs already built a better jukebox and radio lost that war years ago. They just don’t know it yet. And for a somewhat improved sound quality I’m not inspired to buy new radios. My collection of 7 radios still work. My AM/FM/CD Magnavox, with Dynamic Bass Boost is the balls. Great Fm tuning and is good for AM dxing too. The sound is really good. My $7.00 clock radio even sounds good for the 10 minutes in the morning while a struggle getting out of bed.

I’ve got 7 radios and don’t want to replace them. If I buy a new car in 7 years and it has HD built in I’m cool with that.

My music haunts on the internet are last.fm and for new music ourstage.com. There’s dozens of sites like that. From any PC I can hear my personal music collection via last Fm. Now, that’s remarkable and sexy. I might be inspired to buy a new iphone or similar device because of last.fm.

Bobble Head here's my advice. Cross your fingers, hope and pray then throw or blow a million dollars or so for TV advertising nationwide. Because what you've done so far hasn't worked. You'll get massive reach and awareness and if the product is what you claim, then sales should spike!
 
audioguy said:
Surprise!

This is NOT an NPR station (NPR would not be on a commercial station anyway).

This is WFMT, and I don't think they run HD!
Click to expand...

That was my point audioguy, perhaps I should have been a little clearer.
 
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