HD Radio hits the automotive airwaves

By Shane Kite

updated 4:52 p.m. ET May 10, 2007

The air war for in-car listeners is spreading. As the satellite radio stations fight for subscribers, and as more drivers cue up their iPods with slick car-stereo interfaces, a new entrant has entered the drive-time marketplace: HD Radio. As HD Radio promises superior sound quality and subscription-free content, auto manufacturers like BMW and Jaguar are perking their ears. Should you?

In simple terms, HD Radio is a digital technology for traditionally broadcast FM and AM radio. HD receivers basically convert the signal of AM and FM from analog to digital, thereby changing sound quality. Proponents say HD-based AM sounds as good as analog FM stations sound today, and that HD-based FM has near-CD quality fidelity.

Additionally, the compressed digital signal opens up the amount of spectrum available to broadcasters, thus allowing single radio stations to broadcast separate content on multiple channels. Called “multicasting,” this means single stations can offer more dedicated programming on several channels nearby on the dial. An example would be stations dedicating new channels entirely to a certain genre of music. For instance, New York’s publicly funded radio station WNYC, which primarily offers news, talk and music programming on its main channel, 93.9 FM, in 2006 began HD-broadcasting an all-classical music station on WNYC2, at 93.9-2 FM.

HD Radio is not subscription-based like satellite radio, so programming comes free. HD Radio is based on the same advertising-based business model as traditional AM-FM (analog) radio. The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a consortium of the traditional major terrestrial radio broadcast companies, persuaded members to initially offer commercial-free programming on the extra digital-only “HD2” channels they enable, to entice listeners to purchase HD receivers. This commercial-free programming will eventually cease, though, some say, at the end of this year.

More from ForbesAutos.com Jaguar XJ to offer HD radio — see images Satellite radio trends XM comes standard in 2007 Acura models Hot hybrids for 2007 Highlights from the SUV buyer’s guide

At press time, iBiquity Digital Corp., the creator of HD Radio technology, said there are more than 1,205 radio stations in the United States currently broadcasting in HD, with more than 600 carrying HD2 multicast programming. According to the alliance, HD2 multicasts have launched in 85 of the nation’s top 100 markets.

Interestingly, the “HD” in HD Radio actually has no meaning. It has come to stand for “High-Definition” in common usage, with an easy reference to High-Definition Television, or HDTV. Although HD Radio uses “Hybrid Digital” technology, according to iBiquity, it does not stand for Hybrid Digital, either.

How to hear HD — the gear
Automakers have been slow to commit to providing factory-installed in-car HD receivers. BMW was the first to officially announce an offering. The Munich-based automaker announced in January it would offer factory-installed HD digital radio receivers as an option ($500) across all its 2007 models. Jaguar recently announced it would offer HD technology in its 2008 XJ Sedan, which will go on sale this fall. And Hyundai announced that its new-for-2008 premium sedan, currently called the Concept Genesis, will offer the technology as well.

The number of manufacturers offering an HD option is expected to grow. “Nine manufacturers and 51 models of cars have committed to — but not announced — implementing HD Radio over the next 18 to 24 months. HD will be in every vehicle in a fairly short period of time,” says Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of HD Digital Radio Alliance.

In the meantime, several off-the-shelf options exist for those who desire to listen to an HD signal in their current car. Receivers range in price from about $199 to $329.

Visteon is selling the plug-and-play HD Jump, which it calls the “only transportable HD Radio receiver available,” that can be used both in the car and at home. HD Jump uses the vehicle’s existing radio antenna and connects either through an auxiliary input on the head unit or through an FM-modulating wire. A car cradle mounts to the dash and front window; a home dock is also available with cradle, power adapter, remote control, antennae and required cables. The Jump is expected to list between $249 and $299 (installed).

Dice Electronics is currently offering HD Dice, an external HD Radio modulator that can be connected to certain auto manufacturers’ factory-installed radios, similar to how aftermarket satellite radio tuners are connected. HD Dice is shipping now for $199, compatible with factory radios from BMW, Mini Cooper, Toyota, Lexus and Scion models. Later this year, Dice says, the module will offer compatibility with vehicles from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Pontiac as well as Honda and Acura. Dice requires vehicle-specific connectors and a small HD-capable antenna needed to receive the digital AM-FM signals, each of which comes in a package. The main module connects to the vehicle’s available external device connection port. Dice says the HD module offers optional auxiliary device connections, including an available iPod integration cable. Users can select and change HD Radio stations using existing car radio buttons or via steering-wheel controls.

Other aftermarket offerings include the in-dash JVC KD-HDR1 radio, which lists for $329.95. JVC says the 200-watt system has a built-in HD Radio tuner with multicast capability that offers iPod connectivity via an iPod adapter, and one can attach Sirius satellite radio functionality and/or a CD-changer via the system’s “changer bus.” A SIR-JVC1 SiriusConnect tuner for JVC radios lists for $99.99.

MORE FROM AUTOS

Autos Section Front

Detroit needs housing recovery for pickup sales Toyota to replace 3.8 million gas pedals GM selects Canada to build new Buick Nissan hatches plan to boost battery cars Source: GM has no other Saab suitors Saab’s future unclear as GM loses bidder Toyota to recall 110,000 Tundras over rust Leasing again becoming option for auto buyers GM asks Europe for up to $4.9 billion handout Electric car maker Tesla seen going public Autos Section Front   Add Autos headlines to your news reader: