June 29, 2006
Broadcast Audio Flag Debate Keeps Up
The issue is control over what you record from HD, satellite radio: The digital audio flag would require all digital receivers of audio contact to have embedded policy management controls. Copyright owners would encode usage information into the songs that broadcasters transmit, and that might prevent rewinding, recording, time shifting, or other purposes which are currently allowed with analog media. For HD Radio, it's a particular problem, because this requirement would render obsolete the few currently sold receivers and, in fact, the current generation of receivers that will be released in the next few months.
The recording industry, as has been typical in their negotiations elsewhere, wants total control over every kind of use. They want digital broadcasts to be recast as download services because some broadcasts can be recorded; receivers for XM and Sirius satellite radio can store some programming.
If the RIAA had all its demands met by the industry or by Congress, HD and satellite radio would turn into live-only broadcasts.
June 26, 2006
XM over HD!
XM Radio has applied for a patent that would allow them to broadcast direct to HD: XM has hundreds of terrestrial stations in cities to supplement their satellite signal, which is one of the dirty little secrets of "satellite" broadcasting. Concrete canyons prevent good satellite reception. On the open road, satellites can be "seen" quite easily. FMQB reports that the patent would allow direct digital broadcast to HD Radio without analog conversion through a car adapter that reduces quality.
June 10, 2006
500,000 HD Radio Receivers by Fall
The engine is finally starting to rev up: I've been following and writing about HD Radio for nearly two years, and we're finally about to hit mass adoption. In a Billboard magazine article released today, iBiquity says that 500,000 HD Radio receivers will hit retailer shelves by this holiday season, and the massive $200m (in donated time) advertising campaign on commercial radio will start ramping up to its peak. Radio Shack started its pilot program last month to push HD Radio in its stores with 100 outlets, and talks are underway with Best Buy and Circuit City.
Radiosophy's founder said that high fidelity isn't as important as additional content, which is probably correct. Radiosophy was to ship its sub-$300 receiver module and speakers last summer, then last fall, then in February, and now sometime this summer.
Arbitron found that 43 percent of satellite radio subscribers are "very" or "somewhat" interested in an HD Radio receiver, which is extraordinary given how few of them could possibly have heard the sound or see it demonstrated. There are several million satellite subscribers paying $13 a month or more for service, plus an initial outlay of $100 to $200 for equipment.
June 6, 2006
Traffic Data over HD Broadcasts
Clear Channel will distribute traffic information to HD Radio receivers: The radio giant's head of distribution development said that they would launch this service into 48 markets, a close overlap to their current, much slower system. Initially, 100 stations will broadcast traffic data over HD Radio signals, although this will spread to all Clear Channel stations. An HD Radio traffic module will be necessary to receive the data and integrate it into navigation systems.
The exec expects this service to be built into cars by companies that offer navigation systems to automakers. This will allow automakers to add new information remotely, such as new stores that have opened since the GPS system was primed at the factory. An alternate system called RDS runs about 1/20th the speed of HD Radio, but is better designed for handhelds and after-market products due to price and power use.