Ibiquity wants your opinion

[Savage]

Betamax, particularly the earlier high-speed (non-LP) and broadcast versions, was and is indeed a superior video format compared with VHS.  Zenith also marketed Betamax VCRs.

The demand for home VCRs 1976-1980 was enormous, quickly driving prices down and quality/features up.
Consumers were fascinated with the new practice of time-shifting TV programming and renting theatrical-release feature movies in the home.  VCRs and microwave ovens were THE hot consumer items of the 1970s.  Any attempted comparison of the advent of VCRs to the rollout of HD Radio is ridiculous.

The first Sony Betamax machines sold for about $1700 (in 1976 dollars.)  Before the end of the decade cheesier VHS versions were selling for under $300.  Untold millions of units were in use.

[pocket-radio]

When the first VCR’s were introduced how many homes currently owned one? ZERO.
This is device that enabled people to time shift, record and save content
and play movies from home! This device was unheard of before and quickly became a must have gadget. Do you wonder why sales spiked, prices came down and competitors offered more models and choices.

When the ipod was first introduced how many homes currently owned one? ZERO.
This is a device that enabled people to carry 5000 songs in the palm of their hands.
Compared to tape, or a computer hard drive, the ipod was again unheard of and quickly became a must have item. Sound reproduction is better than anything else, and users could control content, download music and podcast’s from the web.
Do you wonder why sales spiked, prices came down and competitors offered more choices.

When iBiquity introduced their receivers how many homes currently owned radios?
MILLIONS. In the mind of consumers, this category has already been invented. This is a device that does the same things as AM/FM radio, and offers listeners similar programming already available on AM/FM. The only benefit HD radio offers listeners, is slightly, maybe better sound, depending on the perceptions of the users ears.

Is it any wonder why sales are dead in the water and consumers have no interest?









 

[Chuck]

It seems like things are coming full circle.  When the predecessor to Radio-Info came on line, I commented that HD was an answer to a question that consumers have never asked.  I think that assessment is still valid.

Oh, and Savage, thanks for jogging my memory about Zenith.  They indeed marketed a Sony OEM product under their own name.  I still have a working Betamax, although it is rarely used.   In its day, it was a hell of a machine. Mine could even do neat tricks like insert editing, and programmable editing points.  Try that on a consumer VHS machine.

[Zach]

Sound reproduction is better than anything else, and users could control content, download music and podcast’s from the web.
Do you wonder why sales spiked, prices came down and competitors offered more choices.

Better sound reproduction?  Ha!  iPods are among the worst when it comes to sound reproduction.  But who is going to know the difference, with those tiny in-ear buds they pass off as headphones?

And from my listening experiences, an even averagely-processed HD station sounds better than XM or Sirius.  I remember though when XM was very competitive with their sound shaping... Before it was all shot to shit by adding all the sports channels. 

(Sorry to nitpick/rant.)

[KB1OKL]

Sound reproduction is better than anything else, and users could control content, download music and podcast’s from the web.
Do you wonder why sales spiked, prices came down and competitors offered more choices.

Better sound reproduction?  Ha!  iPods are among the worst when it comes to sound reproduction.  But who is going to know the difference, with those tiny in-ear buds they pass off as headphones?

And from my listening experiences, an even averagely-processed HD station sounds better than XM or Sirius.  I remember though when XM was very competitive with their sound shaping... Before it was all shot to shit by adding all the sports channels. 

(Sorry to nitpick/rant.)

Yes, the sound isn't that great with XM but you can't beat the content.

[Zach]

Yes, the sound isn't that great with XM but you can't beat the content.

That's true, at least until Uncle Mel has his way and merges the channel lineups.  Which will happen next Wednesday, apparently.  I'm trying to be an optimist, but know that Mel didn't exactly set terrestrial radio on fire with his "ways". 

[JohnnyElectron]

OT: Today is the last day on the air for most of the XM music staff - but they can't tell you that.
Now if the XM programmers would just program the HD1, HD2 and HD3 channels on FM, that would be sweet!

[Savage]

Yes, it would.  I concur that XM has been cleverly and expertly programmed.  If those programmers were to be pressed into service to do their magic with HD subs, I'm sure digital listeners living within about ten miles of the towers will be gratified.

(Disclaimer for HD fans: yes, i know....HD digital DOES go farther than ten miles - in some cases.  Exaggeration was for humor and for effect.  But OTOH: why again are they squeezing for a tenfold digital increase....?)

[Carmine5]

It just occurred to me that we haven't had the pleasure of one of Struble's columns in a while.  The last one was in September.

Can it be that Struble is a) too busy trying to stem the tide of red ink, b) hitting up the banks and anyone else for more money (government next), c) realizing that you can't defend the indefensible, d) realizing that with every column he's written, he's giving pundits and critics more rope to hang him and his company with?

C5

[Savage]

Or (e) - getting fitted for a pastel blue smock as a Wal-Mart greeter. 

"Hey there little girl....would you like a nice smiley-face sticker, or...how about a nice HD Radio from this massive pile of NOS unsold radios behind me?? 

"Oh, you'd prefer the sticker??  Well.......okay......."