HD Radio goes portable
New this week: the first portable HD radio that can be strapped to your arm or tossed into your pocket like an iPod or mp3 player. And at about $50, the Insignia NS-HD01 is the cheapest way to get HD radio, which offers far better sound than normal FM or AM.
But will anyone care? The HD radio technology, announced amid much hype in 2004, has failed to capture a mass audience, even though about 2,000 stations nationwide -- including nearly 20 in the Los Angeles area -- are equipped to broadcast the digital format.
Maybe all that was needed to give HD a push was the introduction of a relatively inexpensive unit that can be worn to the gym or otherwise on the go. But this device from Insignia (BestBuy's house brand) is limited in that it's only a radio and can't play mp3s. Also, it's a bit bulky compared to the super-slim portable players that are available now.
But those are only first impressions. Soon to come: a full-fledged review.
-- David Colker
I'm looking forward to your review of the Insignia NS-HD01 and the review from that other "David" on the east coast (David Pogue of the New York TImes).
Posted by: Tom | July 16, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Is radio even relevant anymore?
Posted by: daveB | July 16, 2009 at 03:39 PM
An iPod with a built-in HD radio receiver will seal the deal for the technology.
Posted by: KingSlav | July 16, 2009 at 03:56 PM
As soon as there is coast-to-coast wifi so that anyone can pick up the internet, anywhere, any time, even if they're doing 80 on the I-5 thirty miles north of Bakersfield, HD and Satellite radio will be dead.
Who'll need them if you can tune into any station around the world with a net connection?
I'd be able to listen to KEXP, KCRW, KPIG and KSDS anywhere, anytime.
No more commercials.
No more force-fed pablum.
Commercial radio would be irrelevant.
Posted by: anon | July 16, 2009 at 06:53 PM
The majority of people don't care about HD Radio, it's for afficianodos like the super Hi Fi stereos in ancient days. You can get almost every radio station through different iPhone apps, and the sound isn't that bad - that's why you see so many people with an iPhone, iPod, or iPod Touch. The Toy Lounge at http://TheToyLounge.com/radio-stations creates custom iPhone apps for radio stations both traditional land based and online radio streamers. Blackberry too!
Posted by: Custom iPhone Apps | July 16, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Some feedback on the radio from folks who bought it already:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1162282
Methinks it might be better to wait for the Zune HD player coming out later this year.
http://www.zune.net/en-us/mp3players/zunehd/default.htm
Posted by: Nervous Cat | July 20, 2009 at 11:12 AM