[BC] IBOC Query

[Rich Wood]

------ At 02:01 PM 2/2/2006, Phil Alexander wrote: -------

> > Keep the figure of an estimated 1.5 billion analog
> > receivers in mind.
>
>Where do numbers like this come from? Is that the
>estimate of total receivers made since 1920?

No. I don't remember where the figure came from. It was something 
like the RAB and the estimate was based on the number of receivers 
each individual owned. Estimates ranged from 4 to 8 currently working 
receivers in the population. So far as I know, I own about 12 AM/FM 
receivers of various configurations. In the course of a week I'll use 
at least 5 of them, probably more, depending on what I'm doing. I 
even have $3 pedometer that has an AM/FM receiver in it.

If analog went away next week I'd be without a working radio, except 
for shortwave, SIRIUS and XM. There's still no retail store or custom 
installer with an IBUZ receiver in stock in my market. At current 
prices, I want to hear it before I buy it.

As I said the other day I'm willing to accept a figure of one 
receiver per person. About 298 million. I don't use the receiver in 
my stereo system because I have so many other higher quality sources. 
Generally, I use my Grundig Satellit 700 while I'm at the computer, 
my Boston Acoustics analog radio to wake me up and my Pioneer car 
system with XM, SIRIUS, MP3, CD and a CD changer.

If I had to I'd probably buy the soon to be released JVC unit and 
mount it in a small box so I could use it inside and out. I have a 35 
amp Astron power supply that should be able to handle the load by the 
computer and a 12 volt supply in the car. For anywhere else I'd have 
to settle for my CD or MP3 player. No more radio at the beach.

>If you are concerned about all those Class C AM's
>they are non-DA and easily converted to IBOC for
>the cost of a new transmitter that they probably
>need for other reasons and a license from Ibiquity.
>All other equipment can be added as income permits
>at a later date. The same applies to Class A FM's.

Having had experience with a lot of ABC Talkradio's affiliates who 
couldn't afford our $20 a week per program charge I don't believe 
their economic condition has improved enough to add IBUZ until it 
means a shutdown if they don't. Then they have to decide who to fire 
to afford the equipment or go dark. It's tough to have to fire your 
wife and kids.

>The spread of IBOC into adjacent channels cuts both
>ways, you see.

I hear it already.

>The reality is IBOC is here
>and, like it or not, those of us who make things
>play have to deal with that reality - until it
>changes.

No question. If someone paid me to install one, I'd install it. If 
someone paid me to program one, I'd program it, so long as the check 
clears the bank.

Rich


Rich Wood
Rich Wood Multimedia
Phone: 413-303-9084
FAX: 413-480-0010