Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Scion, Toyota
Scion picks a partner for HD Radio
Scion has selected iBiquity Digital to provide HD Radio technology in some of its audio systems. Scion hasn't said how it plans to integrate iBiquity into Scions, or which cars will get the systems first, but the partnership marks another incursion of HD Radio into the mass market -- BMW, Ford and Jaguar already offer it, with Volvo opening the HD spigot next year. HD Radio offers stations the ability to transmit multiple programs over a single FM frequency with crystal clear reception -- and there are more than 1,600 stations across the nation, available to 83-percent of the country. In the future, HD plans to introduce features that will match or better those offered by satellite radio. But unlike satellite radio, HD is free.[Source: Toyota]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
J.Crew 6:39PM (4/18/2008)
free... for now...
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Mal Fuller 7:09PM (4/18/2008)
Another technology no one asked for. It's already terminally ill I hear.
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paul34 1:13AM (4/19/2008)
Why is that? It is the next logical step for radio, and IMHO, long overdue. TV has gone from standard analog to high definition - why not radio as well? It really isn't a great experience to go from CDs or MP3s to regular radio. Such low quality. The programming may not change, but at least the quality will be better.
It also is just more advanced in general, and is more efficient and less prone to communications errors (rather, they can be corrected much more so than with a crappy analog signal).
Mal Fuller 10:54AM (4/19/2008)
Don't get me going on crappy CDs and MP3s, but if you're happy with that digital garbage Paul 34, then I'm happy for you. There is no demand for HD radio.
AZMike 7:10PM (4/18/2008)
...and unlike satellite radio, there will still be LOTS of commercials!!
AZMike
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James Albert 7:52PM (4/18/2008)
Don't forget about the FCC.. So the advantage is... more commercials per station.. but they will be crystal clear. Commercail radio is praying HD will be their savior.. profits are down because no one listens. Gimme my Sirius or an Ipod please.. no commercials on them. By the way quit being Clear channels/CBS's Stooge.."HD is free".... please!!
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Glenn 10:05PM (4/18/2008)
i cant listen to the radio any more. Diamon and divorce commercials back to back drive me insane
Jim 11:36PM (4/18/2008)
er, who else were they going to partner with for HD Radio? Ibiquity is the one behind the tech.
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The Talking Hamburger 3:06AM (4/19/2008)
"HD Radio" isn't high definition at all. It's "Hybrid Digital", meaning it's a digital service that works in tandem with analog radio.
iBiquity's proprietary system is mostly meant to benefit broadcasters. If you can receive the programming you want with a clear analog FM signal, why upgrade? There is the opportunity to receive more diverse programming thanks to multi-casting on the same channel. But HDRadio signals don't travel as far (meaning you have to be closer toward the transmitter to receive them), and they actually cause interference with distant stations near the same frequency.
HD Radio won't solve the problems the medium will face when it is faced with satellite services, or worse--wireless internet.
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Mal Fuller 12:01PM (4/19/2008)
For a hamburger, you're very coherent and well informed.
Dane 6:11PM (4/19/2008)
This sounds more like an advertisement for hd radio than news.
"crystal clear reception"
"more than 1,600 stations across the nation"
"HD plans to introduce features that will match or better those offered by satellite radio"
"unlike satellite radio, HD is free"
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Prhime 8:45AM (4/21/2008)
agreed.
i am pretty sure i heard "unlike satellite radio, HD is free." on several HD commercials.
also, they do tought it as HD= High Def.