Audio Video News

You'll have your chance to snag a free HD Radio receiver when thousands of them are given away by local HD Radio broadcasters this winter. You might think this bit of largesse on the part of radio stations around the country is a nice reward for allowing their programming into your ears, but that would be wrong.

As Robert Struble, President and CEO of iBiquity Digital (the developer and licensor of HD Radio technology) explains, "Now, more than ever, is the time to push listeners to retail stores to buy HD Radio products to truly appreciate the industry's digital creativity. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate consumer adoption of the technology, build listenership and grow stations' ROI."

Oh, well, so much for media-owner altruism. At least some of us are going to get free stuff.

Depending on the whim of the broadcaster, one or more of three HD Radio products will be offered:

• A Directed Electronics car connect adapter - an HD Radio tuner that can be used with a conventional car audio system via a wired RF or Auxiliary line-in connection. (MSRP $199)
• A Directed Electronics table-top radio - a three-piece AC-powered table-top radio that includes stereo speakers. (MSRP $249)
• A Sangean component HD Radio tuner - a 17-inch wide component tuner designed to connect to any home audio system. (MSRP $299)

iBiquity Digital says that there will be over 21 HD Radio-equipped models available from 14 brands by November. Over 998 HD Radio stations are currently broadcasting in the U.S. You can find stations near you at the HD Radio consumer web site.

No word yet on how creative the broadcasters will get in crafting promotions to give the radios away.