[BC] HD Radio Consumer Satisfaction

[Mark Humphrey]

This recent survey points out the problems we will need to fix for HD
Radio to succeed.

http://www.bridgeratings.com/press_5.22.06.HDSatisf.htm

(Of the 23% dissatisfied with their "HD" experience, over a third said
it's because "reception is not always the best" and another 22%
responded that the "quality is not as advertised".)

As a recent HD adopter, I will have to admit I've enjoyed listening to
WXPN (my favorite local music station) while driving, if I'm on a road
where the digital signal decodes well.  WXPN sends a single program at
96k which is tastefully processed, and digital does enhance the
listening experience IMHO.  Although, whenever it decoder drops out
(usually behind hills 15 or more miles from the transmitter)  I'm
suddenly slapped in the ears with mono-blended, hi-cut or
multipath-ridden analog.  Better than nothing, but it's sort of a
study in contrasts.

So... you might say the HD system "highlights the shadows" -- in other
words, the superior signal/noise ratio of the digital signal calls
attention to the problem spots wherever the receiver loses lock.
What's the solution?

Mark