Should I consider getting an HD radio?
Asked by
ben (
9080
)
May 5th, 2010
I’d like to get a new radio for my bedroom, and I’m curious if I should be looking for an HD radio.
Are there more/better stations, or is it just better quality audio? I’m no audiophile, and clear reception on a nice radio has always sounded good to me. Is HD radio just a fad technology?
My apartment in San Francisco (if coverage depends on area), and I mostly listen to KQED.
Reception at my house is not always perfect, so if HD got better reception, that would be interesting.
I’ll also take specific recommendations of radios, if you have them. I might want an iPhone dock, as well.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
7 Answers
It is a play on words, a marketing ploy. Like DVD quality. Digital and HD epically when talking about sound is the same thing.
If you are looking for more stations and constant reception, XM Radio(for example). That is another thing all together.
Digital, unlike Analog, is either all there or not at all. As far as signal goes.
I thought this was a joke…
If you mean digital radio, yes the reception is good, but as @ChazMaz said, if you can’t get it, there will be nothing there.
Living in cali, I’m sure you have tons of OKish analogue stations, so check what digital radio stations are available before buying.
There isn’t much good radio in the UK. BBC is good, but commercial radio generally has tons of adverts and a library of about 12 songs.
I was pleased to find a Jazz station on my digital radio, but then it disappeared one day.
Now I never use it.
I don’t know how much you wanted to spend, this system is pricey, but you might want to try this Bose Radio, cd player and iPod connection, so you can listen to streaming radio on the iPod with your wi-fi. You may be able to find it cheaper somewhere rather than purchasing it directly from Bose, not sure though. There stuff is priced about the same everywhere. Or just get yourself a good set of speakers, an old stereo tuner, plug in the ipod to the tuner and listen to the radio entirely via a wi-fi connected iPod. I plug my iPod into the tuner from a “vintage” 1972 stereo tuner which connects to these awesome Advent speakers from the same era and listen to mp3, listen to streaming radio. It sounds absolutely terrific.
If there’s no subscription fee involved, I’d go for it. I personally don’t listen to enough radio to justify buying a receiver, but if you do, I’d take an HD radio. They’re able to get more stations on the same bandwidth. I like this Sony model. Very unobtrusive.
@aprilsimnel “They’re able to get more stations on the same bandwidth.”
Unless there are less digital stations than analogue in that area, which might be the case.
Just be advised,HD stands for “Hybrid Digital” and is just a brand name ! . There is no connection with high-definition television !! It’s just a marketing ploy !
Response moderated
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
