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When is the last time you bought a radio?

HDRadio adds and takes away from the enjoyment

Radio is everywhere — all around us, entertaining us morning, noon, and night — when was the last time your bought a radio? Most people buy merchandise that include a receiver: cars, alarm clocks, digital players — even computers. Finding a stand alone radio at a big box store is getting — tricky.

There are several web stores devoted, most notable is California based [2] C. Crane. The big box stores in the county have limited shelf space for radios. What is on sale is either expensive or very cheap.

Enter the new standard of HDRadio that most commercial stations in the market are urging you to hear. The mystery stations available on the airwaves that require a new radio. Unless near the transmitter — it may be impossible to tune in with the new fangled device..

If you are in the market, expect to part with many dollars and a head scratching wonder if the investment was worth it. For example, Boston Acoustics Recepter Radio with HD Radio (pictured above) can set you back $300 with shipping. You’ll have HDRadio that may sound nice — but isn’t really portable. While the consumer fair indicated that portable radios would be available, there are not many on the market.

Then there is the car system: self contained units that include CD/MP3 and DVD playback and radio. Some are complete systems like the JVC pictured here, or some radios must have components added on. Not exactly a one-stop buy on deal on the latter. The JVC can be found on-line between $140 to $300. Big box stores have the radio at $200.

A lot of money to spend to hear music, news, sports, and weather. HDRadio promises to be the new saviour in local broadcast radio. Reality is that HDRadio is a great add on to FM and AM stations if you are close to the transmitter. Buying a new and improved radio should be tested prior to purchase so the expectation can be experienced. See what the return policy is prior to the investment. Depending on where the receiver is, it could be a grand experinece or a gran mal headache. As I wrote on [3] Oct. 25 in this column, HDRadio is a great add-on to the spectrum.

As I have written before, HDRadio north of Encinitas and Poway for San Diego based FM stations is iffy at best. Don’t believe the hype that all digital is everywhere — it’s the terrian that can make or break the signal. At my home in Oceanside, I can get KPBS‘ HD2 station of Groove Salad fine in my driveway. Once moving, it’s gone. That’s too bad as the music content is really good. I wouldn’t mind it in the car. It’s not KPBS’ fault — I’m about 50-miles from the transmitter. On the road heading south to America’s Finest City, once past Encinitas, the station locks in solid. North of the that line … not worth the trouble.

I’m not down on HDRadio — I’m optomistic that this new service can add value to the local station. The technology is very new; and remains on the cutting edge. With other mediums trying to grab your ears, radio is moving forward in to the new century. I expect that the troubles with reception will be a moot issue when all the digital dust settles.

I was asked by the Union-Tribune’s Jonathan Sidener about my experience with HDRadio, and his story will be published soon … Stay Tuned.

(For the record: I own a car stereo HDRadio receiver similar to the one that is pictured.)

By request, here are San Diego area televison stations in HD over the air:

KUSI (Ind.) Digital: 18
KSWB (CW) Digital: 19
XHUAA-DT Digital: 20
KGTV (ABC) Digital: 25
XHJK-DT Digital: 28
XETV (FOX) Digital: 23
KPBS (PBS) Digital: 30
XEWT-DT Digital: 32
KFMB (CBS) Digital: 55
KNSD (NBC) Digital: 40

KPBS, KNSD, and KSWB also offer multicast broadcast. All stations are presently in the UHF band. KFMB is expected to move channels to make room for Media-Flo, a cell-phone data Media Distribution System being developed in San Diego.

Candidate Larson: Mark Larson, the high-flying, well traveled mid-day host at KOGO confirms: he is exploring the possibility of running for Duncan Hunter’s spot in the U.S. Congres. Mark writes: “Sure is.. and I’m exploring.. while I love my talkshow on KOGO, of course. Planning on continuing that TFN. But: I always figured Duncan would hang it up ten or 15 years from now, which would be when I’d make a run at the seat. So now he runs for Prez and, well, here we are. So we’ll see. But it’s nice to be considered. I’m consulting with key leaders and influential supporters.

In the meantime, I’ve been tapped to emcee an intimate event with the Governator at a luncheon next Monday in San Diego …with about 50 local movers-n-shakers who (like me) figure the Gov. has lots of “splainin’” to do on many issues, including his health care plan. THAT will be interesting.
Arnold and I disagree on lots of things, but we get along very well. I like his leadership style, and he DOES listen to the masses when they’re engaged and give him heat. So, lots of work to do to make sure he gets the message. He and I hit it off well in the off-year election in 2005 .. and he invited me to emcee four events for him last fall…including after his debate in Sacramento and on election night in Lso Angeles. Should be fun! He’ll be on my show soon, as will Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

I get a kick out of people who claim they “don’t like politics”. Well, let’s face it: everything in life is political. It’s a game at times, it’s a science, it’s reality. Sure makes things interesting. Those who choose not to participate do so at their own peril. They shouldn’t whine if the other side wins while they’re unconsciuous on the couch.”

Thanks Mark. He’s on from noon until 3 p.m. at AM 600.

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today. Please make plans for Tuesday, March 13 for the semi-annual SDRadio pizza lunch. Details coming soon right here.