[BC] HD Receivers

[Mark Humphrey]

On 2/8/07, Dave Dunsmoor <mrfixit at min.midco.net> wrote:
> When foreground entertainment is wanted, it most likely won't come from
> an over the air radio. That isn't radio's place anymore. There's no sense
> trying to put this genie back in the little bottle. She's been out since
> 1969.

So where's Larry Hagman when we need him?

I'd say radio probably stayed "foreground" into the late '70s, at
least through the progressive rock era of my college days.  A lot of
us were into audio quality; the FM stations tried to out-do one
another, even though the source material was still on vinyl.  They
invested in SP-10 turntables, Grado phono cartridges, and some
newfangled box called the Optimod.  We listened critically.  There was
still a genuine emotional connection between listeners and stations.
But today, you're right, most music formats are just something to play
in the background.

BTW, here's another viewpoint on the Sharper Image deal; see the comments:
http://www.hear2.com/2007/02/inside_the_shar.html

These comments are also interesting:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,72514-0.html

I'll feel more confident about the future of HD when I start hearing
"rave reviews" from real people who have purchased the radio and are
sincerely happy they did.  But unfortunately, all we seem to get from
the HD Alliance are press releases about deals with retailers.

Mark