I think that most consumers don't care about audio quality, but they do care about video quality, perhaps because the latter is more noticeable. For example, consumers love MP3 players and their ilk, even though they usually don't provide the ultimate in fidelity, due to factors such as compression and ear buds. As a result, HD radio is a tough sell. But it's tough for them to overlook the difference between SD and HD TV, especially when they're side-by-side in a retailer showroom, or even when it's just an HD set by itself in a friend's house.
On the audio side, I also think that consumers value selection above everything, even fidelity. They like MP3 players because they choose the playlist, while sat radio subs are attracted by the variety that the can't get from terrestrial radio. Audio quality is a side issue, if they even think about it all. So again, HD radio is a tough sell. My two favorite AM and FM stations are rim shots. I put up with static crashes, ignition noise and picket fencing because their programming is worth the hassle. Sure, I'd prefer to have them in CD-quality sound, but I'll put up with the weak signals rather than listen to a strong local that plays music that doesn't interest me. For me, the decision about whether to buy an HD radio boils down to multicasting, such as a couple of channels of jazz or classic country, both which currently aren't available in this market. _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://arizona.hard-core-dx.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
