What exactly is HD radio and how does it compare to Satellite Radio?
You have probably noticed an increasing amount of advertisements promoting this new thing you've never heard of before: HD Radio. They say you can hear "undiscovered content" and digital quality audio. You probably even heard the best part of the entire advertisement, "No subscription fee!"
Let me help you learn a little bit about HD Radio. I will try to keep it simple so as to giving you all the information you need with as little technical lingo as possible.
HD is NOT High Definition
First off, you probably have heard of HDTV and if you haven't heard of it, I'm guessing you live in a cave. HD Radio is not the same thing as HDTV. The HD in HDTV stands for High Definition. Do not mistake this as the same in HD Radio because HD in this context means Hybrid Digital.
However, it delivers much better radio transmission than standard radio signals. Some HD radio stations transmit 5.1 Surround Sound digital audio signals, allowing you to enjoy true concert-like experience. You can be sure that more stations will opt for this mode of transmission in the future.
Digital and Sub-Channels
HD Radio allows various radio stations to broadcast digital information through the FM or AM frequencies. Additionally, these digital transmissions could be sent on numerous sub-channels, allowing about three stations per frequency. This would triple the amount of stations you could potentially listen to on HD Radio. What would it look like on the display, you ask?
Generally, standard AM/FM radios would display the following: FM 104.7
On HD Radios, it would display as: FM 104.7 HD-1 or 104.7 HD-2 (with each HD-X indicating a sub-channel)
As of 2007, the signal quality is reported to be close to CD-quality audio on the FM channels, which is a huge leap in the radio industry. However, it is highly unlikely for AM frequencies to experience this improvement since the AM operates on a much smaller band. Think of it as a hose. A smaller garden hose could not deliver as much water as the fire department's hose; and unfortunately, AM is that smaller garden hose.
Advancements in Digital Technology
There were reports and complaints in the early stages of HD Radio (2006) of static and interference when tuning in to these HD channels. However, the technology has advanced significantly within the last two years and has improved signal quality and isolation. Don't worry about quality-loss so much unless you're on the AM channels.
You may also have heard that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) begun the process of making obsolete analog radio and television transmissions. What does this mean to you? Well, you can be sure that only improvements will be made. Unfortunately this would mean that most standard AM/FM radios would become obsolete within the next couple of years, possibly forcing you to purchasing a new HD Radio for your vehicle or home.
Comparison to Satellite Radio
Price
Satellite requires a monthly subscription fee ($10-$15/month), activation fee, and cancellation fees if you cancel before your contract is over (if you sign up for the "reduced" contract subscription). To receive Satellite Radio signal (whether Sirius or XM), you would need a special antenna and a satellite-radio that either has a built-in satellite tuner or just plain satellite ready without the built-in tuner (tuner still required and sold separately). Expect to spend anywhere between $150-$300 on equipment alone, depending on what you need (additional tuner or antenna, etc.)*
HD Radio is completely free. You only need to spend money on the receiver itself. Just like Satellite Radio, you could either get a built-in HD Tuner in the in-dash receiver or you could get them separately (in the case where you already own an HD Ready head unit). They're much more affordable, either way, costing you anywhere between $100-$200 total*.
*Note that these are generalizations of the bare minimum and does not take into consideration additional features you may want with your radio (i.e. Bluetooth, USB support, 3.5mm Aux input, navigation, etc.). They also do not take into consideration labor and parts as each vehicle varies.
Quality and Coverage
The advantage of Satellite Radio is the coverage. You could drive from Los Angeles to New York City listening to the same exact station the whole entire length of the trip. Satellite Radio tends to also specialize in their stations more than HD stations. For instance, there are specific channels for comedy or sports. Satellite Radio is also commercial free since you are after all paying for it.
HD Radio is locally-focused. You tune-in on local metropolitan stations and would not have the same coverage as Satellite as exemplified above. Though HD stations are much more like any typical non-specialized radio stations, it is possible that they may do something similar to Satellite Radio in the future.
Both HD and Satellite Radio do broadcast in digital quality audio. At this point, one does not hold a significant advantage over the other because as with radio-type transmission and reception, it is susceptible to interference and static. Don't be fooled with the word 'Satellite' because of this fact.
If you're trying to keep up with the current technology but also want to save money, then upgrading to HD Radio isn't so bad. Most of the well known brands out there like JVC, Eclipse, and Kenwood are producing HD Radio Ready in-dash receivers, forcing you to get additional accessories. Only a handful of companies like Dual and JVC (again) are marketing built-in HD radio tuners.
If you're pickier with your listening selection, and not too concern about the fees associated with the Satellite Radio, then perhaps you should opt for Sirius or XM Radios. Plenty of popular brands such as Sony, Alpine and Pioneer sell both SAT Ready and built-in Satellite tuner receivers, so you shouldn't have a problem looking for these.
The choice is yours to make of course. One thing is for certain, however. Digital technology is rapidly advancing and becoming the standard for both audio and video entertainment. Analog (or non-digital) technology will be obsolete. You will have to upgrade to digital eventually. Find out what you like and test them both out. Sometimes the best in the market may not be the best for you. Good luck on your digital revolution!
For more information about HD Radio, please visit: HD Radio Receiver - HD Car Radio
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Are you interested in purchasing a next generation console, but you're not sure which one you'd like to buy? Are you unsure of the features of each? You've come to the right place. Next generation consoles such as the Xbox 360, Sony PS3, and the Nintendo Wii all have different features and are made to appeal to different audiences. You can read on below to find some of the very important differences and whether they suit your needs or not.
The Wii: The Wii is made by Nintendo. It features WiFi and a different control system which is used by attaching a sensor bar to the top of your TV. This sensor bar uses lasers to determine the position of the Wii-mote in your hand, and in turn, you can perform different actions in games with different movements of the Wii-mote. The Nintendo Wii has been hailed as the console to get gamers moving again, with several fitness minded attachments, including Wii Fit. The games on Wii are usually geared towards children and young adults which offer fun for the whole family, however, more serious games such as Call of Duty and Resident Evil are being produced for use on the Wii. If you're looking for a unique gaming experience you can't obtain from any other gaming system, the Nintendo Wii might be for you.
The 360: The Xbox 360 is made by Microsoft as was the first of the next generation consoles to be released. It features many improvements over the first generation xbox, including a better controller and Xbox LIVE, which is Microsoft's content delivery system. Using Xbox LIVE, you can rent movies, buy additional games, and coming soon, stream movies from Netflix through your Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 includes a detachable hard drive which can hold games, movies, and music, which is a plus over the Wii as its memory blocks are built in. If you're a serious gamer who plays hardcore mature games, you might be interested in the Xbox 360 for titles such as Halo 3, Gears of War, and Assassin's Creed.
The PS3: The Sony Playstation 3 was the last of the consoles released and remains the most expensive. One of the factors which figures in to the price of the Sony PS3 is the ability to play Blu Ray movie disks. These disks are also what most Playstation 3 games use as their format, so given the processing power and the huge capacity of Blu Ray, Sony PS3 games are able to reach an unparalleled quality in visual experience. Gamers that are interested in several of the PS3 exclusive titles like Metal Gear Solid 4 and God of War 3 might want to check out the Playstation 3. It also includes a hard drive of varying capacities, however it is not as easily accessible as the Xbox 360's hard drive. The Playstation Network also offers free game demos and the ability to purchase games online, similar to Microsoft Live service.
As you can see, each of these consoles offers unique features which can only be found with that brand. If you're an adventurous gamer, you might consider owning more than one of these consoles.
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