[BC] Another iBiquity goof

[Dan Strassberg]

Sid Schweiger (I think) wrote:

By the time the HD radio was designed for that model, it was already
obsolete
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And therein lies probably the worst flaw of HD Radio as it is currently
conceived. A major (and essential) feature of a digital radio is its high
software content. The software embedded in a properly designed digital radio
can be upgraded periodically to rectify design flaws or to incorporate
improvements developed after the radio was produced. This capability is
essential in consumer products that cost hundreds of dollars and even more
important in such consumer prducts when they are built into other consumer
products that cost upwards of $40,000 (cars, for example). As far as I know,
software upgrades are not envisioned in radios built to iBiquity's HD Radio
standards, however. This is a truly fatal flaw and iBiquity deserves to be
rewarded with bankruptcy for attempting to inflict such a stupid design
concept on the public.

I realize that software upgrades can be implemented in a variety of ways. It
might, for example, be possible to transmit upgrades over the air (over
stations that transmit HD Radio signals), but that approach might be just
too complicated to be manageable. Mandating a USB (or comparable) port might
be a better approach. With Wireless USB on the horizon, the problem of where
to locate the connector may just go away. Yes, any version of USB will add
cost, but the radios are expensive enough that a $15 increment in selling
price should be acceptable to avoid premature obsolescense--or hobbling an
unproven system with characteristics that prove to be unworkable and can't
be changed economically.

--
Dan Strassberg, dan.strassberg at att.net
eFax 707-215-6367