Anyone Got an HD Radio?
April 23, 2007 – 9:26 am by Matt Radel
Filed under Audio
Do you have an HD radio, or know someone who does?
Local radio station broadcasts have been littered with ads for HD radios as of late, ranging from where to pick one up to the newest feature on BMWs. So it makes me wonder, is it REALLY worth the hype? Or are they just trying to kill off satellite radio as quickly as they can?
But I’m also very interested in the experience. What’s it like? Easy to use? Is it really CD quality?
If you own an HD radio or know someone who does, I’d love to hear about it. Pretty please comment below, or contact us.
Anyone Got an HD Radio?
April 23, 2007 – 9:26 am by Matt Radel
I own one. I like it. The sound is a bit better. What I really like though is the multi-cast stations and no subscription fee. It doesn’t take away normal radio, it just gives you slightly better quality on some stations and new stations that you can’t get otherwise. Most HD stations broadcast 2 HD streams – one the channel that was there before, but the 2nd is one you can’t get using a regular radio that usually has a different format. For instance in the Phoenix area, one of the country stations uses their “hidden” channel to play “new country”. One of the top hits stations plays “80′s music” on their 2nd channel. The Jazz station plays “adult contemporary” on their 2nd channel. The talk station I think wants to broadcast weather on their 2nd station (thats what the text on the reciever says), but it actually doesn’t broadcast anything but empty air… so some stations still have bugs to work out. So yeah, with prices comming down and rebates available, it’s a pretty nice thing to try out. Also all of those 2nd channels I was talking about have no ads (for a promotional period that is supposed to last until the end of this year at least).
Interesting. I don’t know anyone that has one yet, but the folks I know that have satellite aren’t too happy with it. Getting around a subscription would be great too – I can’t see myself shelling out 10 – 15 bones a month for that.
Good deal – thanks for the commenting Nelson!
Hi Matt, just wondering if you heard if there are any HD radio converters for existing VW OEM radios? I looked online and couldnt find any info on this…
@ Dan: Not that I’m aware of. If you happen to find any, feel free to report back. :)
I just bought a new Tiguan SEL with Navigation. There’s option to enable HD Radio in the Set up menu. When you tune to a station broadcasting in HD the radio automatically changes to HD. However, there’s no way to access the sub channels. Example: in LA I can get to KROQ 106.7, but not KROQ2 (80′s)
Hey Matt. Well, after a few months there is still no HD converter for existing volkswagen models that I’m aware of…. But I just read on hte HD radio website that they will be standard equipment on 2010 models, which is good news.