[BC] IBUZ opinion from an outsider

[Ernie Belanger]

Can't agree with you here Phil.

1 There is nothing which says new cars will automatically have IBOC 
receivers. Like satellite radio or AM/FM/ CD's it will be an option for the 
consumer to purchase, not an automatic. Until the analog is gone, the 
standard radio in most car models will remain as AM/FM analog.

It might be a price point thing where all cars over say $25K have them as 
standard but not defacto.

While I do agree that you can't delete the radio, but you can only provide 
the cheap analog  base radio. With everything else being an optional 
upgrade. They may bury the upgrade with some sexy option package like, 
electronic mirrors, or heated seats or something like that... but it will be 
an upgrade from a base radio which is AM/FM Analog.

2 Your comment  ...at some point being "told" to shut off the Analog???? 
Possibly but with the monoply issues surrounding HD Radio it needs to remain 
voluntary implimentation.  Forcing any owner who chooses not to go digital, 
to go digital using the HD standard, is a whole different legal ball of wax 
one which can force the whole thing into court..

3 I have to agree with Bob, what the FCC has agreed to allow happen with 
totally destroy AM which has been hanging by a thread.  Long ago the FCC 
should have heeded the advice of Craig Fox and others who wanted AM moved 
into a different band where they could do audio of the same quality of FM 
and didn't have the night time skywave issues.

With all of the noise on AM most listeners will take the course of least 
resistance which does not cost them anything. That is stop listening to AM. 
The noise most likely will not force them to invest in a more expensive 
radio.  They will simply cease to exist as AM listeners.

OTOH Most of the programming found on AM can also be found on FM in many 
markets. Many may have already switched to the less noisy side of the dial. 
The noise our new technology is causing may further the exodus.

my .02 Ernie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Phil Alexander" <dynotherm at earthlink.net>

>
>
> This assumes new cars are not automatically equipped with IBOC receivers.
>
>
> Consider that if you buy a new car in 2010 (or thereabouts) it WILL have
> an IBOC capable hybrid receiver. Remember that the "radio" has become an
> integral part of the car's electronics system and it is not something you
> can delete. Essentially, it is a part of the automotive computer system.
>
radiolists.net/exodus