The Joys of HD Radio

When I moved to Indianapolis, I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to receive a radio station that played classical music during the daytime hours. Of course, on my computer all kinds of classical programming were available, but I didn’t want to be confined to the room with my desktop computer. I read that several of the local radio stations were beginning to broadcast in digital FM (HD Radio), allowing them multiple channels on their given bandwidth, just like on HD TV. After a little reasearch (some positive and some negative), I decided to purchase a small Sony HD tabletop radio.

I am quite happy with the performance of the Sony HD radio. I am in the city, so I am close to the signal source. Even with only a short wire antenna, I can receive many good-quality digitial FM signals. It is a joy to be able to listen to the classical programming that I had become used to at my previous residence. One gripe that I have is that Sony describes the cabinet of the radio as wood-based when in truth it is brown plastic. I guess Sony’s reasoning is that the plastic cabinet is based on a wood cabinet because they have the same color or that it slightly resembles similar cabinets that used to be real wood. That makes sense to me!!!

Glad to hear Doug, I’m considering purchasing an HD radio myself. They seem to have “started” with car audio and I’ve been waiting on the home systems to come around and down in price. Maybe I’ll standby a bit more though I might win the HD radio that local Classical station is giving away (contest ends today) after their FM frequency move.

Oh If I might ask, what did the radio cost you?

Thanks for the posting!

The radio that I purchased is currently priced at $199.95 at Best Buy, however I bid on an ebay auction and purchased a new radio for a little over $100. They are also available used online.

Cool, thanks. I did a little bit of digging on line and that seems to be about the range for the entry level 100-200

Thanks!