10.2.08 (if you would like to consult the doctor, click here) subscribe
"HD Radio, great idea or just a gimmick?"
Dear Dr. Rhythm,
What is HD radio? I keep hearing about it on satellite radio and my local NPR. Is this just a gimmick or can an HD receiver really improve what I listen to (mostly classical music)? Thanks!
AE
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Dear AE,
HD radio is a digital/analog radio broadcast format. This means radio stations are broadcasting in both digital and analog signals. It is an upgrade to the original analog radio signal providing perceivably better quality, meta-data such as traffic, song titles, and other information provided as text, and up to three alternative FM stations multiplexed within one signal. There seems to be many HD radio stations in many metropolitan areas through the US, though I do not know the extent of this technology in rural areas.
HD radio is an innovation by the iBiquity Digital Corporation which has also done a good job of getting FCC regulations on their side. The "HD" in HD radio does not appear to mean "High Definition" or "Hybrid Digital" though any electronic device with HD in their title is colloquially assumed to mean High-Definition, which according to iBiquity is what they are trying to do with their radio signals. It increases the audio quality of AM, which has always suffered due to small bandwidth options. AM usually can only broadcast up to around 9000hz which is good for speech but not music. So HD has created their own codec allowing for "CD quality" audio. As for FM, HD radio splits apart (or multiplexes) the FM signal to allow for up to four low-power channels, or three full-power channels. Basically, you could listen to 99.6 classic rock, or 99.6 - HD2 all rock talk format, or 99.6 HD1 oldies. This allows a station to expand into different formats, much like TV pay stations like HBO have done in the past several years.
Is this a gimmick? It looks a bit gimmicky. First you have to buy a new receiver. Not so bad, they run between $50-$100 for a basic device. There is a bill in Congress (H.R 7157) proposing all satellite radio receivers also include HD radio access. I am sure satellite radio is not happy with this legislation. Moreover, HD radio is in the bag with Apple Computers with their "iTunes Tagging." This feature allows users to "tag" songs they like on the radio to be later available for purchase and download through iTunes. I am also leery about whether these congressmen have stock in iBiquity, Sirius, or Apple. That would be something worth investigating.
Overall, it does sound like a bad idea. We do not know whether the FCC will turn over radio to the all-digital format like they are with television. If so then HD radio is all we will have. However, what I can imagine happening is that this will give radio greater access to strategic marketing information. They could probably soon put Geo-location devices in these radios and insert pinpointed advertisements depending on where you are located in town. Imagine, "Are you hungry for a juicy Wendy's flame broiled triple-deck bacon, mushroom quadra-cheese burger? Turn right at Elm and go just two blocks north. Enjoy your meal, from Wendys?" add in a little jingle at the end.
The iTunes tagging is what really has me concerned. iTunes is not the only way to access music digitally, moreover their hubris is comical in assuming that consumers even use an iPod. Oh well they are probably right and most likely they paid for the tagging option. But just wait, if this catches on what is to stop the "Buy Now" button circumventing the tagging process all together. A quick trip to the grocery store could turn into a vortex of spontaneous music buying. Thirty albums in five blocks!
If you decide to go HD, then sort your options. Think of the pros and cons. And also keep in mind, we are in no danger of radio going all digital anytime soon. So keep listening, and always consult your doctor.
