If "in time" is the time horizon for the HD subs being the only factor separating HD Radio from oblivion, time has galloped into fast-forward mode like an obscenity delay whose DUMP button has just been pushed. There is literally no broadcaster or listener interest in the digital signals, other than a handful of industry enthusiasts, engineers with careers invested in HD and a tiny but loud band of consumer-tinkerers. Oh yes, and NPR, which finds HD a nice way to shut up supporters clamoring for specialty formats....at NO expense to stations, thank you very much, pro-pubcaster Congress.
The industry is rife with reports of interference, rampant muting, silent carriers, coverage-hobbled HD signals, listener complaints, endless weird glitches plus local management distrust of HD subprogramming as possibly fragmenting precious listenership. There are no receivers any more - at least not enough to mention. Informed professional opinion about HD ranges from "profound disinterest" to "virulent hatred."
Using analog translators to generate an audience for HD subs is ba$$ackwards. Can it be done? Sure, but it kind of makes you wag your head in bewilderment. So....the radio industry has bought an Aston-Martin classic roadster and turned it into a decorative planter? Now THAT'S a smart use of resources....
