Web WonderAll things web related plus a few surprises

The Many Good And Bad News For Listeners

If you’re not familiar with HD Radio, it’s the hot digital technology that’s being pushed by radio broadcasters as the next big thing and the savior of terrestrial radio.

The Good

First, the good news. HD Radio does sound better than regular radio. In fact, HD AM sounds almost as good as FM radio, and FM sounds almost as bright, clear and interference free as if you were listening to a CD. And because HD is digital, broadcasters can squeeze more signals into the same frequency. This allows them to broadcast different programs on what they’re calling HD2 channels. For example, an oldies station could program contemporary C&W on its normal frequency, and old-time C&W on its HD2 channel.

More good news is that fact that, depending on who you believe, there are now either 1,300 to1,500 stations in the U.S. that are broadcasting HD Radio.

The difference? It’s that he HD Radio Alliance claims there are 1,500 HD stations, but the FCC has only 1,300 licenses on file.

The bad news

While HD Radio may sound great and while there at least 1,300 stations broadcasting HD Radio, you can’t hear them. That is, not unless you purchase an HD radio. And HD radios tend to be expensive. There is only one, inexpensive, entry-level tabletop available, the Radiosophy HD100 at $99.95. The next step up is RadioShack’s Accurian HD Radio, which usually sells for about $199 and a Sony unit at $199.95. Beyond that, there is the Sangean HDR-1 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail of $249, and then it’s pretty much into the stratosphere of $300-plus.

Want HD radio in your car? The situation there is even worse. There are very few HD car radios available and most of them are only tuners and must be connected to your existing factory radio – an ugly solution at best.

The ugliest part of th HD2 channels is that the programming -at least so far – is hardly good enough or creative enough to warrant buying a HD radio.

What makes it ugly is that the broadcaster could be using HD2 channels to do something really exciting as broadcasters have in Great Britain, where digital radio has just skyrocketed. Unfortunately, here in the U.S., most broadcasters have chosen to use their HD2 channels as just “variations on a theme,” or variations of their regular programming (see rock station example, above).

So, what’s the future of HD Radio? At this point, it doesn’t seem great, especially when you compare it to satellite and Internet radio. But as they used to say, “stay tuned for more” because it could get brighter.

About the Author

Learn about overweight baby and grunting baby syndrome at the Baby Diseases site.

Grace Digital Wireless Internet Radio

Homeremote Pro Starter Kit $99.00 The HomeRemote Pro Home Control and Remote Monitoring Starter Kit lets users secure, monitor and control their home remotely via a computer web browser or cellular phone. The HomeRemote Pro System can be customized to grow as the users needs grow. New modules and sensors can be added at anytime from the HomeRemote Pro webpage. Includes (1) HomeRemote Pro Gateway, (1) Door Sensor and (1) Lamp Modul…

AudioVoxSUPH1RUniversalPNPHomeKit $69.99 The SIRIUS SUPH1 Universal Home Kit is compatible with all of the newest SIRIUS Plug & Play radios that feature the new SIRIUS UniversalDock capability. Now you can listen to all of your new SIRIUS entertainment toys in the comfort of your own home or office….

SiriusXM TTR1 Tabletop Internet Radio $99.95 Bring SiriusXM internet radio commercial-free music, plus news, expert sports analysis, talk and entertainment to any room in your home via your high-speed internet connection….

Tivoli Model Satellite Table Radio (Sirius Satellite Radio / AM / FM ) $299.99 Housed in an elegant cherry wood casing, with a touch of contemporary digital and classic analog design features, the Tivoli Audio Model Satellite Sirius/AM/FM table radio further extends the legacy of the late audio designer Henry Kloss. Based on Tivoli’s Henry Kloss Model Two AM/FM table radio, the Model Satellite is Tivoli’s outstanding foray into satellite radio. If this unit is any indication…

Audiovox SIRIUS TTR1 Internet Radio. SIRIUS TABLETOP INTERNET RADIO TTR1 AMACCS. Wireless Manufacturer/Supplier: Audiovox Corporation Manufacturer Part Number: TTR1 Brand Name: Audiovox Product Model: TTR1 Product Name: SIRIUS TTR1 Internet Radio Marketing Information: Bring SIRIUS internet radio commercial-free music, plus expert sports analysis, news, talk and entertainment to any room in your home using your high-speed internet connection. Dynamic Sound Style and Function Remote Con…

Sirius TTR1 Tabletop Internet Radio With Dual Alarm-CA0848 SIRIUS TABLETOP INTERNETRADIO TTR1Stylish tabletop design fits on counter or deskCompatible only with Sirius radiosHigh-quality dynamic sound in a compact unitDisplay brightness automatically adjusts to the light in the roomHeadphone jack for personal listeningAUX-in jack for other audio players with 3.5mm 10 presets for fast access to favorite channelsView artist name and song title on large disp…

Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black) $139.99 Logitech Squeezebox Radio (BLACK) brings a world of music-free Internet radio, subscription services*, or your personal digital music collection – to any space in your home, over your Wi-Fi network….

Grace Digital GDI-IRA500 Wireless Internet Radio Adapter Featuring Pandora, NPR and SIRIUS $85.45 The Grace Digital Solo Grace Digital Solo Supports online music services: Pandora, Live365 VIP and SiriusXM internet radio Compatible with the Grace iPhone / Touch / iPad and Android remote control apps 4-line, high contrast, backlit display lets you view st…

Iqua miniUFO Silver Bluetooth Handsfree Device $69.99 The Iqua miniUFO is a portable, lightweight and mini-sized handsfree device with an elegant design. It provides a clean wireless audio connection with your Bluetooth mobile phone or PDA, and, with a special consideration placed on driver’s safety and user convenience, the miniUFO is conveniently designed with four simple, operational buttons. The mounting accessories are included in the sales pack…

IQUA PHF-301 miniUFO Black Bluetooth Handsfree Device, up to 10 hours talk time and up-to 450 BLACK hours standby time $72.95 Iqua miniUFO is a portable, lightweight, mini-sized handsfree device with elegant design. It provides a clean wireless audio connection with your Bluetooth mobile phone or PDA. With special concerns on driving safety and user convenience, the product is designed to be of easy to use with four simple operation buttons. With the mounting accessories included in the sales package, the product can be…

RM50 Internet Radio $89.99 Smartradio – listen to the world in style HD Sound 13,000 Internet Radio Stations Worldwide FM Radio with RDS Easy to use & install Access to content stored on a computer or hard drive Display: Full graphic 128 x 64; 35 x 75mm Wifi Connection: 2.4GHz Automatic network seekingSupported formats: MP3, WMA For further specifications please click here.

Programming For TV, Radio And The Internet $57.9 This book is in New – Excellent condition

Tabletop Jukebox CD Player by Crosley Radio $157.49 Get ready to rock ‘n roll whether it be to the oldies but goodies or something a little bit more recent. This reproduction of the classic 1947 jukebox takes you back to that ever-so-fond memory of sitting in your favorite diner slurping a milkshake and rockin’ around the clock. The song chart flips to reveal the dial scale while the panel lights provide a little bit of ambiance. The handcrafted wood and veneer cabinet features an AM/FM radio and a compact disc player.With a few modern additions, this amazing little radio allows your friends and family to recapture the feeling and closeness of a time long past. The jukebox includes a high fidelity speaker, internal antenna, on/off controls and panel lights. The electronically assisted tuner and dynamic full range speaker gives you amazing sound.Features: • AM/FM Radio with Analog Tuner • Electronically Assisted Tuner • Front Loading CD Player with LED Display • Programmable 20-Track Memory • Repeat Play • Dynamic Full Range Speakers • Decorative Musical Playlist • External FM Antenna • Color: WalnutSize: 14 1/4″tall x 10 1/4″wide x 7 1/4″deep

Tabletop Photography $159 Tabletop Photography

Radio $149 Radio

Radio Station: Broadcast, Satellite and Internet, by Keith, 7th Edition $75.59 This book is in Used condition

Bon Chef 50320 Tabletop Podium $1212.64 Bon Chef 50320 Tabletop Podium

The Internet by Graham, Gordon Edition , 1 $45.99 The Internet: A Philosophical Inquiry develops many of the themes Gordon Graham presented in his highly successful radio series, The Silicon Society. Exploring the tensions between the warnings of the Neo-Luddites and the bright optimism of the Technophiles, Graham offers the first concise and accessible exploration of the issues which arise as we enter further into the world of Cyberspace.This original and fascinating study takes us to the heart of questions that none of us can afford to ignore: how does the Internet affect our concepts of identity, moral anarchy, censorship, community, democracy, virtual reality and imagination?Free of jargon and full of stimulating ideas, this is essential reading for anyone wishing to think clearly and informatively about the complexities of our technological future.

On The Radio $6 On The Radio – Deemi

Massmedier – Press, Radio Oc… $219 Medieområdet har de senaste decennierna förändrats radikalt. En allmän avreglering av mediemarknaden har lett till nya kanaler inom radio- och tv-området och en helt ny konkurrenssituation för såväl public service-medierna som dagspressen. Framväxten av internet har medfört en grundläggande förändring för både produktion, distribution och konsumtion av massmedier. Samtidigt bygger dagspress, radio och tv på gamla traditioner som fortfarande spelar en viktig roll.Den snabba utvecklingen och den omfattande medieforskningen gör att boken allt oftare måste uppdateras. Denna helt omarbetade upplaga bygger på de tidigare upplagorna, men samtliga kapitel är omskrivna och boken har fått en något förändrad uppläggning. Både framväxten och aktuella villkor för alla viktiga massmedier dagspress, radio, tv och internet blir utförligt belyst med fokus på Sverige, men med globala utblickar. Också journalistikhistorien och dagens journalistik får stort utrymme, liksom aktuella trender i mediepubliken.Massmedier har blivit en klassiker och ett standardverk som är nödvändigt både för de som vill sätta sig in i vad som händer i medievärlden och de som vill hålla sina kunskaper aktuella inom medieområdet. Första utgåvan utkom 1970, och detta är den tionde, uppdaterade utgåvan.Stig Hadenius, f 1932, d 2010, fd professor i journalistik vid Stockholms universitet, Lennart Weibull är professor i massmedieforskning vid Göteborgs universitet och Ingela Wadbring är professor i medieutveckling vid Mittuniversitetet i Sundsvall.

On the Radio $6 On the Radio – Kristine W

SOLAR REFLECTOR TABLETOP LAMP $44.98 The Solar Reflector Tabletop Lamp provides intimate tabletop lighting anywhere! The antique style solar lantern sits on tabletop base and provides hours of illumination for any outdoor gathering. During the day the solar panel absorbs the suns natural en

The Law of Defamation and The Internet by Collins, Matthew Edition , 3 $106.99 The Internet has revolutionized the way in which we communicate. We take instantaneous, affordable, global communication for granted. With the remarkable benefits the Internet confers, however, come concomitant dangers and abuse. The Internet is, at the same time, a bulwark for global freedom of expression, and a medium of potentially limitless international defamation. The once sharp lines between the old and new media are blurring faster than could have been imagined a few short years ago. Television, radio, telecommunications, and the print media are increasingly delivered via Internet protocols. Mobile telephones, laptop computers, and the new generation of handheld devices provide always-on Internet access. The Internet is converging with, or displacing to a greater or lesser degree, and at an incredible pace, every other form of communication. The law of defamation and the Internet has thus become, in a very real sense, the modern law of defamation. The original edition of The Law of Defamation and the Internet (2001) was the first text to analyze comprehensively the application of common law principles of defamation law to material published online. It quickly became the standard text for media and information technology practitioners and students seeking to understand this novel area of the law, a fact cemented by the second edition (2005). The book has been widely cited and attracted praise throughout the common law world for its clarity and practical approach; its thorough treatment of the law; its use of international comparative material; and its analysis of relevant principles of jurisdiction and choice of law. The third edition takes The Law of Defamation and the Internet to a new level. As well as comprehensively updating the burgeoning law in the field, the coverage of general principles of defamation law has been significantly expanded. The research base has been widened to include more extensive coverage of authorities from jurisdictions including Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. Other new features include expanded coverage of American law and an appendix of significant damages verdicts in Internet defamation actions. The new edition is an indispensable resource for all practitioners and students of defamation law.

Tabletop Puppet Theater $44.99 Let the show begin! Tabletop Puppet Theater has bright colors fabric curtains and a write-and-wipe front panel.

The Internet $19.5 This book is in New – Excellent condition

SANGEAN WFR20 Wi-Fi Internet Tabletop Radio & Multimedia Player $279.95 SANGEAN WFR20 Wi-Fi Internet Tabletop Radio & Multimedia Player The Sangean WFR-20 Wi-Fi Internet Radio offers direct access to over 6000 Internet Radio stations (and 21242 on-demand streams) in 250 locations from 60 genres. This allows you to drill down your search quickly and conveniently from your radio or by using your favorite web browser and a computer you can search for specific stations with the convenience only the internet can provide and upload those stations to your radios MY Stations folder allowing for quick and easy access to only the most desired stations. Don t find your favorite internet station on the list? Just submit the station to the website and it will be researched and added to the list, available for all of the current 14,000+ subscribers! Don t have a computer? Not a problem with the WFR-20. It still provides you access to the same internet radio stations and is designed to work as a completely independent stand alone unit anywhere in your home, office or dorm. All you need is a broadband internet connection and a wired or wireless router. Used in conjunction with your wired/wireless networked computer and Windows Media Player you have full access to your digital media library using the UPnP Server, or simply your Microsoft Shared File Folder function in MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, Real Media , and AIFF formats*.

SiriusXM TTR1 Tabletop Internet Radio $199.99 SiriusXM TTR1 Tabletop Internet Radio

Wi-Fi(R) Internet Radio With iPod(R) Dock $379.99 Sangean’s DDR-63 Internet radio/FM-RDS/aux in/CD/USB/SD/iPod cradle all-in-one tabletop wooden cabinet musical system transforms your listening experience. Featuring more choices, crystal-clear sound, the DDR-63 all-in-one musical system lets you enjoy your music the way it was meant to be heard.