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Transistor kills the radio star?

5.1.2 HD

O erro da aposta no HD (como meio digital)

«Here’s how it looks to me:
  • (1) The public has shown little interest in HD Radio. HD Radio was the biggest radio advertiser in 2007 and roughly 350,000 units were sold. By comparison, Sirius added over 900,000 in Q4 of 2006 alone, with a far less advertising support. At the rate HD Radio was adopted in 2007, it would take over 15 years to equal the current critical mass of Satellite radio.
  • (2) There is no apparent revenue model for HD Radio. How many HD radios would have been sold if the channels included advertising? Well, certainly not more.
  • (3) The Radio industry is embarrassing itself with its public support for HD Radio. Whether perceived as backing a loser or profoundly ineffective as an advertising vehicle, Radio isn’t representing itself well as a marketing vehicle or partner with its public support for this failing product.»

fonte: by Bob Bellin Guest editorial: Consumers, Wall Street not buying HD RAIN 15/02/08


Rádios dos EUA aderem ao iTunes (HD)

«CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Cumulus, Cox, Entercom and Greater Media formally announced they are in the process of installing iTunes Tagging technology. We had previously reported Clear Channel had begun adapting its automation system in all stations broadcasting in HD-R to prepare for tagging and that other Alliance member groups were discussing licensing agreements with Apple so that they too, could support iTunes tagging. With tagging, consumers who hear a song on their HD Radio stations — and want to preview, buy and download it later on iTunes — will be able to do so by touch a “tagging” button on an enabled HD Radio receiver. Two receiver makers, Polk and JBL, said they would soon have such receivers on the market

fonte: «Groups Implement iTunes Tagging», Radio World, 05/10/07

Um empurrão para a rádio HD (EUA)

«HD Radio is now available nationwide as a dealer-installed option on nearly every 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicle, making Ford Motor Co. the first U.S. automaker to commit to HD Radio. Dealers are also offering HD installation in most used and currently owned 2005, 2006, and 2007 vehicles.
"Drivers have always had a love affair with their car radios," said Kim Irwin, Manager/Vehicle Personalization & Accessories for Ford's Customer Service Division. "HD Radio offers our dealers a triple threat: It differentiates their offerings from other brands, it lets them upgrade customer entertainment systems in a unique way, and it lets buyers of recent pre-owned vehicles, as well as current vehicle owners, share completely in the benefits. This is the kind of program that our dealers love to see."
Ford will support the HD Radio launch with a 13-week, multimillion-dollar radio campaign in partnership with the HD Radio Digital Alliance. The commercials are set to start airing September 26 on about 700 radio stations in 100 markets.
BMW in 2005 began offering HD Radio as a factory-installed option with its 2006 model-year vehicles

fonte: «Ford Now Offering HD Radio», Radio Ink, 26/9/07

HD3: conteúdos próprios para os canais multicasting

«The HD3 channel will have public radio news programming not found on the main channel. The station’s partnership with Towson University station AAA-formatted WTMD(FM), will continue on weekday overnights as well as early evenings and weekend overnights.

The station announced the changes on-air Monday. Station GM Caryn Mathes stated it was “time to begin treating HD Radio multicasting as ‘real’ radio. HD Radio is becoming eminently accessible to the general consumer, and we believe it is the future of terrestrial radio.”»

fonte: «WAMU Multicasting Gets ‘Real’ With Planned HD3 Launch, Receiver Giveaways, Leslie Report/Radio World, by Leslie Stimson, 9.05.2007

Transmitir informação de trânsito pelo HD

«Clear Channel Radio has begun transmitting traffic data using HD (high definition) Radio technology in 48 of the largest markets in the United States. "HD Radio is the future for broadcast data delivery, allowing us to not only deliver traffic data, but provide additional services as well," says Jeff Littlejohn, Clear Channel Radio executive vice president of distribution development. In addition, Clear Channel Radio has extended the reach of its real-time traffic data service -- RDS-TMC (Radio Data System Traffic Message Channel) -- to 19 new markets, including Albuquerque, N.M.; Birmingham, Ala.; and Montreal, Canada. Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network is now available in 68 cities, and the company plans to add more markets throughout 2007. "With the addition of these 19 markets, we cover over 160 million people with our traffic service for consumer devices," Littlejohn says. Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network currently provides real-time traffic information to devices made by Garmin, TomTom, Mio-Mitac, Delphi, Kenwood, Clarion, Navigon, Cobra Electronics and Siemens VDO and supplies traffic content to several media outlets -- including Citadel Broadcasting, Univision, Fox Interactive Media, and others.»

fonte: «Clear Channel Radio expanding traffic data services», San Antonio Business Journal, July 9, 2007

O HD não descola

diz a Business Week:

«Five years after winning FCC approval, HD (hybrid digital) Radio is still a mystery to most consumers. Pricey HD receivers, most of which cost upward of $200, have caused many potential listeners to tune out—despite the support of major broadcasters including Clear Channel Communications (CCU), who have boosted the quality of existing stations by using analog-digital transmitters and created hundreds of HD subchannels. In a survey released May 23, radio researcher Bridge Data estimates there are only 450,000 weekly listeners of HD Radio—compared with 15 million satellite subscribers and 57 million Internet radio listeners. (About 93.5% of all Americans tune into traditional radio every week.) "A majority of Americans are now aware of the term HD Radio. But fewer than 5% of them understand what it is, what is the benefit," says Dave Van Dyke, CEO of Bridge Data. Still, 40% of respondents expect to listen to HD Radio more frequently in a year.» (fonte: «Trying to Figure Out HD Radio», Douglas Macmillan, 29/5/07, Business Week)

Canais HD2 chegam aos 100 mercados

Um numero importante nos EUA:

«The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate consumer adoption of HD Digital Radio, today celebrated a major milestone in the rollout of HD2 multicast formats with the addition of 15 new markets, completing the rollout in the top 100 markets. The achievement of such a significant number of markets underscores the vision and dedication that it took for HD Digital Radio to reach the nation's top 100 markets in less than 18 months.

The momentum of the rollout has been unprecedented, making the achievement of the top 100 markets all the more significant. The top U.S. radio broadcasters came together in December 2005 to form the HD Digital Radio Alliance in part to oversee the market-by-market HD2 format selections in the top 100 markets. Since that time, radio has morphed into a digital music force propelling a massive infusion of new and eclectic content on local radio stations by Alliance-member broadcasters - all in crystal-clear digital sound with no subscription fee. The result has been a lifestyle transformation for consumers and a powerful spur to retailers, device manufacturers and automakers to catch the consumer phenom that is HD Digital Radio. Now, in a development representing no small feat, the milestone of the top 100 markets has been reached. (...)»

fonte: «HD Radio Celebrates Major Milestone: Rollout in Top 100 Markets», PR Newswire, Maio 07

O HD falha em convergir no carro (EUA)

«(...) HD Radio has so far failed to win over U.S. carmakers. Only Hyundai, BMW, and Jaguar plan to offer HD Radio, and officials from GM and Chrysler Group said they were not rushing to commit to the devices, which would cost the struggling Big Three U.S. automakers as much as an estimated $600 million annually to install.  "We're investigating HD radio and we'll probably make a decision in six months. When you add up the cost, it's a lot of money," said Michael Kane, director of technology strategy for Chrysler, told Reuters.  The radios are estimated to cost each of the three carmakers about $150 million to $200 million annually.  HD Radio promises to deliver better sound quality than traditional analog radio and enables stations to broadcast multiple channels. More than a tenth of the estimated 12,000-plus U.S. radio stations have upgraded to the technology, including many in the country's top 100 markets. "I don't think there are too many American carmakers jumping on this. It's a fairly expensive proposition to put that technology in a vehicle and there's no certainty around the revenues associated with it," said Rick Lee, executive director of competeing satellite radio services for GM unit OnStar. (...)»

fonte: «Automakers Still Not Tuned-in To HD Radio» The AutoChannel, 27/04/07

HD vence DAB no México

«La adopción en México del estándar digital estadounidense IBOC (In Band on Channel ), conocido comercialmente como HD Radio, en aquellas emisoras que se ubican en la franja de 100 kilómetros a lo largo de la frontera común con Estados Unidos, puede cumplir esa exigencia. Durante el acto organizado por la Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones (Cofetel) la semana pasada, el comisionado y ex senador priísta Ernesto Gil Elorduy anunció que las transmisiones de IBOC serán, por lo pronto, "voluntarias" y sólo las podrán llevar a cabo las emisoras fronterizas, tanto concesionadas como permisionadas. (...) El anuncio de la Cofetel se hace a más de una década que la Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Radio y Televisión (CIRT) entrara de lleno al tema y se pronunciara, desde entonces, a favor de otro de los estándares: el europeo Eureka 147, un sistema cuya característica más importante es la posibilidad de ofrecer una mayor cantidad de servicios adicionales convergentes, independientemente de transmitir con sonido calidad de disco compacto. No obstante los beneficios del estándar europeo, los radiodifusores de la frontera norte -algunos de ellos ligados estrechamente a los intereses de la radio estadounidense- se opusieron al estándar Eureka 147 porque consideran que con la adopción de una tecnología diferente a la del país vecino se pondría en riesgo la viabilidad económica de sus emisoras, que atienden a la población hispana y al cada vez más creciente número de empresas que dirigen su publicidad hacia ese sector de la población en Estados Unidos. »

fonte: «Refrendos automáticos en la radio », 24/04/07, Etecetera.com

A «nova rádio» é o HD?

«'Welcome to New Radio. It Stinks Just Like Old Radio'».

È só publicidade...

Os problemas do HD

«The problem for the broadcasters, who continue to see their audience become fragmented and struggle to boost ad revenues, is that HD radio "is not a new offering. It's a defensive move," says Ted Schadler, an analyst with Forrester Research (FORR). "It's better radio, but it's not a whole lot better radio." He calls it a replacement product and likens it to the transition from black-and-white to color TVs.»

fonte: Business Week on HD, 29/01/07, Orbicast 

Para ajudar a corrigir o erro da High Definition Radio (HD)

«(...) Do You know what HD or High Definition Radio is or what it does? - this question in syntactically incorrect. The fact is, the "HD" in "HD Radio" doesn't stand for "high-definition" as it's television brethren does. As Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance said, "Quite honestly, it [HD Radio] doesn't stand for anything. The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality"»

fonte: «Study: HD Radio Sales Estimate Reduced», Orbicast, 18/01/07

Mais dúvidas sobre se o HD é o futuro (comparação com o DAB)?

«(...) is this the year that HD Radio will take off in the United States? Because the U.S. radio spectrum is crowded and certain parts of it are reserved for the military, HD Radio piggybacks digital signals onto existing analog AM or FM signals rather than transmitting them over a different part of the spectrum, as is the case in the United Kingdom. But in both countries, digital radio technology delivers better sound quality than analog radio, and offers more variety and a host of special features. And, unlike satellite radio, there are no subscription fees, only the cost of buying a digital receiver. In the United Kingdom, more than 4.7 million digital radios have been sold since 1999. Listeners browse station listings in an electronic program guide, pause and rewind content as it's broadcast, bookmark specific programs or songs, and record them using postage-stamp-size memory cards. And starting in May, they can buy songs as they hear them on the radio, downloading them to computers, digital receivers or cell phones. "Consumers are no longer interested in a box that spits out content on a certain schedule," says Simon Cole, CEO of UBC Media, a U.K. company that provides technology services to radio stations. "Digital radio is delivering features that excite listeners." But in the United States? Not so much. Slightly more than 1,000 U.S. stations now broadcast in HD Radio, according to iBiquity Digital, the company that created the technology behind digital radio in the United States. But none yet offer the features available in the United Kingdom. Instead, they use the additional frequencies HD Radio technology provides to offer new channels of content called "multicasts." Top 40 station WNKS, for example, simulcasts its main analog signal on one of its HD Radio frequencies, and multicasts a Christian format on the other. "Multicasting is HD Radio's initial value proposition, but it's just a first step," says iBiquity CEO Bob Struble. Struble envisions HD Radio eventually delivering scrolling-text news and traffic updates, integrating with car navigation systems, and offering on-demand song downloads. And the new partnership between Clear Channel and Microsoft will create a national data service called MSN Direct HD that delivers localized, personalized content to home and car HD Radio receivers. HD Radio receiver sales reached the "low hundred thousands" in 2006, a significant jump from 2005, but miniscule next to XM's and Sirius' more than 13.5 million satellite radio subscribers. Part of the reason is political. While the U.K. government -- which controls much of the country's broadcasting industry -- was able to influence a national shift to digital, for-profit U.S. broadcasters were hesitant to embrace the unproven and expensive technology until satellite radio emerged as a competitive threat. (IBiquity estimates it costs $80,000 to $100,000 to upgrade a radio station to HD Radio.) (...) Cole has watched digital radio take off in the United Kingdom, and believes it's only a matter of time before the same thing happens in the United States. "Three years ago I walked into (London department store) John Lewis and watched consumers completely ignore the tiny selection of digital radios for sale," he recalls. "This year I walked in, and couldn't find an analog radio. Digital was all they offered."»

fonte: Wired News, «Will Digital Radio Boom in U.S.?», Dave Demerjian, Jan, 18, 2007

Mas os estudos dizem que o interesse cresce:

«In June 2006, Bridge Ratings conducted a study of radio consumers to gauge their awareness of, and interest in. HD Radio. At that time, 62% of the sample were aware of the term "HD Radio." In their just-released study, that number has increased to 72%.
Awareness of the new, HD medium has increased significantly in all quadrants. The overall number is higher when the month of December only is taken into consideration when 80% of those questioned had heard of HD Radio. A positive sign that the industry's marketing efforts to raise awareness have worked. (...) Conclusions: Improved product reviews of HD radio will aid positive brand awareness and interest, while the marketing of HD Radio by the radio industry must greatly improved. While overall awareness of the term "HD Radio" has increased in the last year, there is considerable confusion, misinformation or total lack of understanding as to what HD Radio is or what its benefits are to the consumer. This, they feel, is one of the greatest challenges to the growth of HD Radio.
The complete study results are available at: http://www.bridgeratings.com under “What’s New.”» (fonte: Radio Ink, «Bridge Ratings Updates HD Radio Projections», 18/01/07)
 



Microsoft interessa-se pela rádio (HD)

«Clear Channel Radio and Microsoft Corp. announced on Monday at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2007 that they have partnered to build a nationwide data delivery service using HD Radio technology, providing personalized and localized content to a variety of HD Radio receivers.
This initiative will be branded MSN Direct HD, an extension of Microsoft's existing MSN Direct service, which currently transmits information including traffic, weather, movie times, sports, and stocks to Smart Watches, weather stations, GPS navigation devices and small home appliances. Field tests of the data delivery service will be conducted with the support of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer and licensor of HD Radio Technology.
(...)Clear Channel Radio is currently offering HD digital radio primary broadcasts on more than 340 of its radio stations across the country of which two thirds are supplying additional audio content via HD Radio multicasting.
“Microsoft’s Spot initiative has illustrated their ability to turn personal objects into mobile tools with this impressive platform,” said Jeff Littlejohn, executive vice president, Distribution and Development for Clear Channel Radio. “Combining Microsoft’s existing technology and customer service background with Clear Channel’s unprecedented HD Radio delivery platform will provide customers with a world class data service.” »

fonte: «Clear Channel Partners With MSN For HD Data Application» Radio Ink, 9/01/07

HD chega ao Canadá (em detrimento do DAB)

«The Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission has announced a revision to its policy for digital radio broadcasting, opening the door to the HD Radio In-Channel, On-Band system.

The CRTC commented that it would be prepared to authorize services using IBOC/HD Radio technology for the AM and/or FM bands, if the Canadian department of Industry authorizes services using the technology under the Radiocommunication Act. The commission added that “an expedited process would be adopted for stations that propose to transmit a digital simulcast of their analog service.”

Robert Struble, president and CEO, iBiquity Digital Corporation, said, “The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation began HD Radio testing in September 2006, focusing on transmissions from Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario. Full results have not yet been published by the CBC, but early feedback has been very positive.”»

fonte: «Ruling Opens Door For HD Radio Broadcasting In Canada» Radio Ink, Dezembro 06, 

«The Eureka DAB system, using L-band frequencies, didn't work out as hoped in Canada, so now it looks like our neighbors to the north may embrace the HD Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) system already deployed in the US. (...) even if L-band digital had worked better (the number of repeaters proved to be prohibitively expensive), a considerable Canadian market would have developed for add-on HD Radio receivers for folks who regularly drive across the border. It should be better for both countries for the US to have the same digital radio system as our neighbor, even if they do insist on spelling it "neighbour."» (RBRnews, 28/12/06)  

UM carro com HD de série

«BMW was the first to offer an OEM HD Radio on its 2006 7-series models. They added it to the 6-series in '06, and then announced that HD Radio would appear on the 5-series models in '07. Well, that group will soon include BMW 3-series owners as well. Starting with the Hardtop Convertible, HD will start showing up in 3s in 2007 as well, for around $500. »

fonte: «BMW 3-series to come equipped with HD radio?», Posted Dec 23rd 2006 4:14PM by Frank Filipponio, AUtoblog

Mas primeiro não será necessário isto?

«STMicroelectronics and Ibiquity Digital have an agreement to design an HD Radio ASIC chip compatible with ST’s AM/FM in-dash tuner. The goal is to provide receiver manufacturers a complete HD Radio chipset, with samples expected in late 2007 and volume production in 2008. The companies say the chipset would offer high system integration and low power consumption, and enable extended features, such as multicast capability and extended data services.»

fonte: «STMicroelectronics, Ibiquity Developing In-Car Receiver Chipset», 21/12/06, Rwonline

Os receptores ou os conteúdos

O estratega Mark Ramsey prossegue a sua campanha em defesa dos conteúdos, por oposição à importância das plataformas.

Enquanto muitos defendem que o HD não se desenvolve porque há poucos receptores, porque são caros e porque a tecnologia exige um novo receptor, Ramsey tem uma visão diferente: se os conteúdos oferecidos fizessem a diferença as pessoas pagariam esse preço elevado, comprariam novos receptores e até fariam filas para os adquirirem. Exemplo: a playstation... «For example, if you wanted to be first to own a Sony PlayStation 3 game system, you waited on line for three days for the chance to spend $600 on one of these babies when the doors opened at Best Buy last Friday. And you did it gladly. No discounts required.» («Are you waiting in line for your HD radio?, 20/11/06)

Sobre os canais HD2

(se os canais HD1 retransmitem em muitos casos os conteudos analogicos, FM ou AM, os HD2 são a verdadeira alternativa)

«Greater Media's HD-1 channels air the same thing as the analog channels of its stations. The difference is the HD-1 channels broadcast CD-quality audio. With its HD-2 channels, or "side channels," the company is experimenting with more creative programming, Knight said. One of the company's HD-2 stations in Detroit, for instance, plays music from independent bands that are just getting started on the music scene. (...) With WXKS, or Kiss 108, the company plays top-40 songs on its analog and HD-1 station. With it's HD-2 station, Clear Channel is experimenting with 30 minutes to an hour of songs from one artist and also features interviews with the artists, Littlejohn said. "The most interesting thing about these HD-2 channels is they give us the opportunity to experiment with our content where we wouldn't normally take those risks with our primary channels," he said. "With HD Radio, our primary goal is to retain the listeners we have for a longer period of time." Littlejohn said 94 percent of the American population over the age of 12 listens to the radio for an average 19.5 hours a week. The goal of HD Radio, as satellite radio and other ways to listen to music become increasingly popular, is to increase the listening time to an average 25 hours a week, or more. But the company is looking to provide audio content to listeners, "whatever way they want it," Littlejohn said, whether in MP3 format, podcasts or via traditional or HD Radio. Leading into the holiday season, the consortium's ads will promote HD Radio devices in Circuit City and RadioShack stores as well as other retailers. Nine companies, including Boston Acoustics and Cambridge SoundWorks, sell 16 different models of HD Radio tuner devices that can play multiple HD channels.»

fonte: «HD Digital Radio Alliance readies promos», By Andrew J. Manuse/ Daily News Staff, Metro West Daily News, Sunday, November 12, 2006

Faz sentido salvar a onda média?

Eis algumas reflexões que resultam da digitalização do espectro pelo HD:

- «many are still fearful of serious interference fallout when AM HD is widely deployed full-time»

- «Ibiquity has long maintained that any perceived nighttime HD Radio interference to stations from strong adjacent channels is not going to be a big deal»

- «Many respected engineers have long observed the AM band is already a disaster at night, choked with noise, interference and colliding signal wreckage on most channels. Only a few signals in most markets provide reliable wide-area coverage in most regions of the country. »

- «The sad reality about the AM band is that there are only a few stations in most markets that are truly profitable or that can deliver significant listener support»

- «If it were not for consolidation, many of these stations would have gone dark long ago. Owners keep them alive in hopes HD Radio will increase their value and music formats might again someday be competitive on AM»

fonte: «Let's Save the AM Band», RWOnline, 240505, Guy Wire

O HD para os jovens?

«(...) For 'terrestrial' radio to co-opt this vital audience, it should just give the entire HD 'band' to the kids.

Let's face it, the 'killer ap' for FM radio, 40 years ago, was (what was then known as) Progressive Rock. Programming on FM truly compelled young listeners to demand FM radios in their cars, at home, etc.

Why not give all the HD channels to kids? To people under 30 of every stripe? Imagine if ALL the HD stations in every market were geared to young people. Doubtlessly some outrageously creative programming would come, and the kids would follow.»

fonte: The Infinite Dial, Don't trust programmers over 30, 20/09/06, Larry Rosin