HD Radio...anyone listening?

[VR6ofpain]

So I just receive the Sony XDR-F1HD tuner I ordered on Amazon the other day ($80, free shipping). I am amazed by this Hybrid Digital radio technology. My station selection just grew by almost 40%, due to all the "HD2" stations. The greatest part is that these extra stations play some great stuff. My favorite is a dedicated Blues station. This is classic Blues too. Some of the other stuff is really unique, like a Comedy station (playing random stand up comedy routines).

Something else great is all the data visible on the display, song name and artist, in addition to the station call sign and a general station description (the Blues station I like is scrolls "Delta Blues" for instance. This feature I believe is actually RBDS (a variation of RDS or Radio Data System), but the radio brings it all together.

I'm really impressed with this. Oh and the sound is great. Some stations that have a tad bit of static sound drastically better once the HD is locked on, as the his disappears as it switches to the digital signal.


Here is the tuner I just picked up:

 

[mretzloff]

HD radio, unlike XM, does not require a monthly fee to be paid, correct?

 

[ajkimmins]

HD radio, unlike XM, does not require a monthly fee to be paid, correct?

Right. But you also don't get 200 stations.

 

[VR6ofpain]

Right. But you also don't get 200 stations.

I'd hope you get something for paying a monthly subscription.

 

[ajkimmins]

I'd hope you get something for paying a monthly subscription.

I would agree with that!!

 

[dobeedigital]

I really like HD Radio. I just wish in my area there would be more stations (around 6 in my area). It is a drastic change in quality.

 

[Edcculus]

I don't have one, but IMO, they really screwed up by calling it "HD". Its essentially like the digital TV switch, except that they didn't stop broadcasting analog signals. With a digital TV antannae, you pick up a lot more channels than with analog rabbit ears. The same things with "HD".

If I ever bought a new tuner for my car, I'd go ahead and get one that can pick up the digital signal. I don't really have any reason to go out and buy one though.