[BC] IBOC Query

[Rich Wood]

------ At 04:44 PM 2/2/2006, Phil Alexander wrote: -------

>In the 2000 census the average number of persons per household was 2.66,
>not four. Suppose there are two occupied bedrooms, on average, and a
>kitchen. That's three radios plus two in cars, or looking at it another
>way 330 million radios in households and 220 million in vehicles for
>a total of 550 million radios. If we add an average of one boom box
>or other radio per household that is about 660 million, or three times
>the number of registered vehicles. Call it 750 million to be generous,
>it is only half the 1.5 billion number that gets thrown about.

Actually, the number I saw was greater than 1.5 billion but I didn't 
see how it was possible. A second source claimed 1.5 billion and it 
seemed much more reasonable. Maybe it was radio promotional puff like 
the recent broker's research we all laughed at. I don't really care 
which figure we use. I'll go with your 550 million, even though I 
think it's low. I was at my Dad's house yesterday and I counted 14 
AM/FM receivers either plugged in or had batteries with a charge. He 
makes very detailed model ships and listens in his workshop in the 
basement. He also does woodworking and there a receiver in the other 
half of the basement where the power tools are.

Since more than one of those radios is used it means that multiple 
IBUZ receivers would have to be purchased to continue the radio 
lifestyle we have now. If I actually buy the JVC unit and use it as a 
portable I still need another iPod-sized receiver for walking, 
camping and tanning with SPC 150.

That leaves my FlyaHondaBuzz receiver (Radio Flyer wagon, Honda 
generator and a receiver) as the only mobile (non-auto) option. I'm 
developing a deluxe model, once the JVC is released, that will 
include a car battery and charger for those times I want to listen 
without asphyxiating my fellow K-Mart shoppers. I'm trying to make a 
list of stores that don't have a problem with a small tank of 
gasoline inside. There are still a few bugs to be worked out. I'm 
sure the unit will sell well which means there will be many small 
tanks of explosive fuel in a confined space. Even in small towns this 
unit will be so valuable you won't want to park it outside. It'll be 
stolen. For soccer moms another model will include a baby stroller.

Let's accept the 550 million figure. To our manufacturers here - how 
long will it take to replace that many receivers (once small devices 
are available) with IBUZ receivers? We're going to have to come very 
close to that figure to have enough of the population equipped to 
duplicate the existing analog audience. If we don't, we won't need 
sales departments in our stations.

Rich

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