HD Radio... worth it?


REDEEMED

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Oct 10, 2008
142
I've installed a new Alpine head to give me Ipod control via USB. While I'm installing new head I can add their HD radio, but it will require it's own power and finding a place to put the module. It's about the size of a booster subwoofer amp.

Question is, is it worth it? I'm in a fairly rural area and probably have few if any stations that will have the multiple broadcast channels. Is the digital sound noticeably better or is the main advantage the multi-channel option?

I'd like to hear the pros and cons from those that have installed HD.

Thanks, REDEEMED
 
What do you do for an antenna?
 
Same FM antenna, just a digital signals sent via the analog FM bands.

there really is a big sound quality difference. I have a car with it OEM, and when there is a brief delay from analog, as it switches to HD, and you really hear everything open up. AM is a huge improvement too.

Here is the HD radio FAQs

http://www.hdradio.com/how_does_hd_digital_radio_work.php

Also on the home page, you can find out what stations are using HD in your area. You might be surprised how many there are.
 
I had a BMW loaner car with HD radio in it and I wasn't impressed. The sound would come in and out of HD constantly as you drove along, and
that was very annoying. Not worth it in my book.
 
L D Receivers

I must be living in a cave. I've never even heard of HD radio. I'm nearly deaf so it probably wouldn't work with my LD ears. No matter how good the receiver in my car is, the two receivers on the sides of my head still suck. :frown

Chip
 
Just had my DD Marauder updated with HD and it IMHO surpases a CD. It is night and day better. Nearly all the stations broadcast in HD in my area.

The wife was a sceptic but she was amazed at the sound quality.

Best put....it is as different as regular TV is to HDTV
 
In a luxury car, maybe....kind of a waste in a FGT, IMO.
 
I had a BMW loaner car with HD radio in it and I wasn't impressed. The sound would come in and out of HD constantly as you drove along, and
that was very annoying. Not worth it in my book.

I hear you! I am not impressed with BMWs either, loaner or otherwise....:willy:willy
 
I hear you! I am not impressed with BMWs either, loaner or otherwise....:willy:willy

Ya know Sam, I'm gonna start shortin' BMW stock. I bet your one-man campaign just might bear fruit!!