I'm planning to replace the factory stereo in my car so I can play MP3 CD's.... it looks like for a small additional cost (maybe $30-40), I can get a receiver that has a built in HD-radio tuner.

I'm just wondering how much new music I'd actually be able to get around here if I went that route. How much extra selection is there? Are the HD stations just as commercial filled as regular FM stations? (I'd assume they are since it is all free.)

We have a HD radio in our house. There are a few extra channels that bet no commercials. Like 94.1 will have 94.1, the 94.1 HD1 (No commericals) and HD2 (all news)
Its nice and the sound is a lot clearer. It wasn't something I was looking for but the stereo was something I was looking for and it just came with HD.

I would go for it. I hear its going to become more popular. (I think a lot of people don't want to pay for XM/Sirius)

I have two XM receivers and I purchased one for my dad two fathers days ago. Paying for satellite radio is akin to paying for cable.....who just wants 3,6,10 and 29? I take my XM camping all the time and we get the exact same stations here as we do upstate....its worth the investment....and no commercials!

I originally purchased XM after Y100 was dumped and I rarely....and I stress "rarely" listen to regular radio.

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I agree XM is a better investment (we have 2 receivers in the cars and a docking station for the home) but for people not wanting the extra expense HD isn't *too* bad.

Gotcha

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THERE IS NO REASON TO SUPPRESS A VIEWPOINT UNLESS IT IS TRUE, because a false viewpoint can easily be combated with facts and logic, while truth cannot be combated except by lies which are vulnerable to refutation.

Yeah, I am not really considering something else that requires a monthly bill... the choice is basically between $130 car stereo that doesn't have HD radio and $160 car stereo that does. Seems like it's probably worth it assuming the number of HD stations expands in the future.

(I'm mainly getting a new stereo so I can play CD's full of MP3's in the car... we listen to CD's in the car more than the radio as it is.)

I would definitely recommend getting HD radio in your car. I don't know anyone else that has one, but I'm always recommending it to people.

I got one about a year ago since I was replacing the CD player in my car since it was broken. The thing that appealed to me is that there is no monthly fee like with XM or Sirius--although really there is no comparison since those other two are subscription services and have many more options than HD.

First of all I should say that the guy who installed it at Best Buy told me that his was the first car that he installed it in that had good reception for the HD stations. Looking at the internet before I bought it, it looked like that was a common complaint, so my experience might be better than other people.

The main advantages of HD as I see them are:

1. Better selection than regular radio: For me, HD radio more than doubles the amount of music I listen to because almost all Philly stations that broadcast in HD have a second channel (HD2)--BTW, from driving through other cities like DC, this doesn't seem to be the case everywhere--it seems like Philly is ahead of the curve on this one. The HD2 stations are often better than the regular ones and I'm more likely to listen to them. This of course depends on what type of music you like, but 88.5 HD2 has Y-Rock on all the time, which I like a little bit more than regular 88.5. Also, 104.5 just started broadcasting an HD2 station (or recently changed the format) that is probably my favorite station right now--they play music ranging from the Replacements and Dinosaur Jr. to Prince and Beth Orton. Also, while I find the regular classic rock station on 102.9 to be almost unlistenable, the HD2 station plays "deep cuts," which are songs that you don't hear as often on the radio. A little too heavy on Bob Seger, but you can't be perfect. Also, WHYY has an HD2 channel, but I haven't found that to add alot to what they already offer.

2. The sound is better than regular radio.

3. My receiver lists the artist and track (for stations that provide this info.--for some reason, XPN doesn't do this)

4. So far, there are no commercials at all on the HD2 stations--I'm not sure if this will ever change, but right now all the stations are this way.

Downsides of HD Radio as I see them:

1. You have to tune in to the HD1 station before tuning into HD2, which is probably a way to make you listen to commercials--this happens when you turn off your car or the stereo and start it up again, you have to listen to a few seconds of regular radio until the HD signals locks in.

2. I haven't experienced this, but some people complain of a lag in the music if the receiver keeps switching between analog and HD because the signal is too weak. This might depend on the type of receiver you have and how far out you are from the city, but I have not experienced this at all.

I actually miss having an HD radio at home--sometimes I'll pull into my driveway and am listening to something that I won't be able to turn on when I go in the house.

BTW, it looks like you are a Hokie? So am I, graduated in 94.

Thanks for the detailed review. What kind of receiver did you get? I tried to get a non-HD receiver installed twice at Best Buy, but decided to just order it online and do it myself because they've twice told me they had the dash kit in stock to do the install, and twice realized they didn't have it only after I purchased the unit in the front of the store and left my car for the install.
Maybe it's a sign I should get the HD one.

I was a freshman in 94... graduated in 99 (took a year off to co-op) on a gradual northward progression... (NC to VA to MD to PA)

Which docking station do you have? I got one with the car kit (a package deal around the holidays) and it's awful. You just about have to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time with the antenna in hand to even get a crackle. I tried it in my office and it wasn't even close to getting a signal.