HD Radio Portables to Include AM
     
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The first HD Radio portables to include either analog or digital AM reception are planned for release this year. I saw two working Sangean prototypes in iBiquity's booth at the recent CES show.

Bob Struble at iBiquity told me AM broadcasters have been asking to be included in such devices.

In June Sangean plans to release the DT-600 HD personal receiver that supports analog AM along with FM analog and HD Radio reception. The pocket-size unit features a built-in speaker, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 20 presets (10 each for FM and AM) and a sleep timer. The radio is multicast-capable and supports program-associated data services. HD Radio options include emergency alert and iTunes tagging via a USB port.

In October, it plans to release the DT-800 HD, which would be the first portable to support both AM- and FM-band HD Radio reception. The pocket-size radio includes the functions and features of the DT-600 HD. Prices have not been announced.

Up until now, manufacturers have resisted including analog or digital AM in HD Radio portables, citing the difficulty and expense of getting good reception with a small antenna.

It sounds like this may have been solved, if manufacturers are actually beginning to include AM in their portable HD Radio devices. The 600 uses an earbud cable as an antenna. The 800 uses that, plus a telescoping monopole.

Read more about HD Radio news from CES in the March 10 issue of Radio World.

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Mr. Farce posts those one-line replies so that he can remain in the first five comments on the page. Pretty childish, if you ask me. But then again, he once admitted that he would lie if he thought it would change somebody's mind. So there you go. Be looking for more one line comments from him now that he's ping off the page. As for Brazil favoring DRM after a visit to a website? Another lie from our friend. He likes to do that.
By Reality Check on 3/12/2010
Google trends show how many people visit a site or use a search term. It has no logical bearing on the interest of a technology. The reality is that "Farce" is fighting a losing battle, and the only number he can use is a worthless Google stat. He's been at it for years, and has pretty much become just a gross parody of himself. From posting fake reviews at Amazon to getting banned from radio forums, all he does if post Google stats. When presented with real data, he just starts name-calling.
By Reality Check on 3/11/2010
HD Radio Farce, how about some real numbers instead of worthless Google trends: 80% of digital radio listeners will continue to listen to AM/FM. 1/3 radio listeners interested in HD Radio. Online radio users do not report spending less time with radio. 92% of Americans use AM/FM radio each week. Online radio listeners spend more time with AM/FM radio, not less. It's all in Edison's research report. Consider yourself schooled.
By Reality Check on 3/11/2010
See what I mean? Instead of countering with real facts to prove his side, he just writes "LMFAO!!!!" when he's called out. Sure sign of a weak argument! There's all the proof you need folks (as if his incoherent rants weren't proof enough...)
By Reality Check on 3/12/2010
Like I said before. What makes anyone believe these radios will sell any more then the digital radios that were produced before it? Debate all you want but digital radio growth is still ZERO. Even smilin Bob Struble made the statement "no one buys radios anymore". So, has something changed here?
By Randy on 3/17/2010

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