HD Radio Tuner, Receivers, Adapters And Converters

Imagine creeping through traffic while listening to the hiss of distortion on the radio, or waking up to a clock radio blasting static, or humming to a favorite tune, only to have it sputter and fade out. These are all common problems associated with listening to regular radio. However, the advent of HD radio has helped alleviate the noise pollution affecting music lovers everywhere.

HD radio differs from traditional radio, in that it not only picks up analog radio signals, but digital signals as well. HD radio receivers reduce distortion and static by sorting through various reflected signals, to create a cleaner, smoother music experience for the listener. HD radio tuners provide the crystal clear sounds often associated with a CD. Also, HD radio tuners display textual information such as album facts, stock quotes and traffic information. HD radio is a free service. However, to take advantage of the benefits of HD radio, an entire HD radio system needs to be purchased.

Best Buy carries a large selection of quality HD radio tuners, ranging from $100 to $200. These HD radio tuners include name brands such as Sony HD radio tuners, JVC HD radio tuners and Kenwood HD radio tuners. These HD radio tuners can be conveniently purchased in store or online. The Alpine HD radio tuners cost approximately $200 dollars each. These HD radio tuners feature multicasting which allows the listener to get several radio programs over a single frequency, high fidelity sound quality, and convenient display showing album information.

An assortment of HD radio receivers can be found online at Ibquity Digital's website. These HD radio receivers range from $200 to $300 dollars depending on features and type. For example, the Sony HD model retails for about $200 and comes with HD digital radio reception, wireless remote control, and FM multicasting.

HD radio adapters are now coming on the market. These adapters plug into a CD port, to display data on the current radio. These HD radio adapters also include a port for an iPod, as well as ports for things such as a DVD player. These adapters are set to be available for use in most cars by the beginning of 2008, and will retail for about $200 dollars.

Another exciting development in HD radio are HD radio converters. HD radio converters are docked, and plug into all radios, including satellite radios. These converters then change any type of radio into an HD digital radio. These converters are to be manufactured by well known audio companies such as Directed, Dice, Metra, AAMP/Peripheral and Visteon, set to be distributed for sale soon.

No longer does anyone need to suffer through annoying distortion, hissing and noise coming from their radios. With the advent of HD digital radio tuners, anyone can listen to crystal clear, CD quality radio at any time. Unlike subscription satellite radio, there is no cost. The user merely has to install an HD radio system. Luckily, HD radio tuners and other components are easily found at various electronics websites, and the advent of adapters and converters will allow anyone with any radio system to take advantage of HD radio. With HD radio, anything being broadcast, even commercials, will be much easier to listen to.


Sources:
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Stimson, Leslie. "HD Radio Reaches Into the Automobile Cabin." RW Online. 1 March 2007. 6 Sept. 2007. http://www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0049/t.2241.html.< br />
"HD Digital Radio Alliance Touts First Big Box Retailer, RadioShack Expansion, Substantial Rebate on Receivers in Latest Round of $200 Million Marketing Campaign." HD Radio. 6 Nov. 2006. 6 Sept. 2006. http://www.hdradio.com/press_room.php?newscontent= 49.