HD Radio Question...

Shidoken · 08-02-2006, 05:46 PM

Hi, just a newb here... but, is there a way to have HD radio that's hooked up to the carputer instead of having a HU interface? I was looking at the kenwood adapter that was 200 bucks but it only has the HU connector. Is there any hacks or something to adjust it for windows?

I was thinking about having radio for my carputer but, instead of having something like a radioshark or HQCT.

Any input on this would be awesome!

3Tripnip · 08-06-2006, 02:17 PM

I'll bump this up for you cause I'm wondering the same thing. I have the Radioshark already, but I'd really like to have HD. If I find anything out, I'll post it up.

Anyone else have any ideas?

-Ben

Jahntassa · 08-06-2006, 02:50 PM

Not possible, and as far as anyone knows, nobody's planning on developing this either. Right now the only choices for HD radio are home units, or units that connect directly to aftermarket radios.

IMHO, HD Radio is one of the biggest wastes of money in all time, but that's just my opinion.

jschrauwen · 08-06-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

I'm wondering the same thing

Me too.

inniss777 · 08-06-2006, 05:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Not possible, and as far as anyone knows, nobody's planning on developing this either. Right now the only choices for HD radio are home units, or units that connect directly to aftermarket radios.

IMHO, HD Radio is one of the biggest wastes of money in all time, but that's just my opinion.

It free over the air radio, can it be that bad? XM and Sirus sounds like highly compressed mp3's and there is a monthly fee.

Kamakazie2 · 08-13-2006, 11:29 PM

BUMP!!!!

Well ive been trying to keep up with this.. So far ADA has compe out with a USB interface for their duo tune hardware.. the cool thing is that is does Sirius XM HD Radio all in one! however it also costs $2199 for the base model..

So we know the technology is there now we just need to wait for it to become less expensive..

I think the only way we can make this now would be to find the Alpine or Kenwood or Pioneer HD unit and make a usb bus converter for one of them..

Jahntassa · 08-14-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by inniss777

It free over the air radio, can it be that bad? XM and Sirus sounds like highly compressed mp3's and there is a monthly fee.

If the HD radio sub-stations they have is anywhere near as ad-laden or repetative as their SD radio stations, then yes. I'm willing to pay $13 a month for new music, a wide playlist, and the ease of taking my XM unit anywhere I want and always know i'll be able to hear the music I want to hear.

As said, it's my opinion. Just because I think it's not worth the money doesn't mean that you don't love it. There's nothing wrong with that. I've got my tastes, and you've got yours! Please don't think i'm saying you're stupid just because I think the terrestrial radio industry is trying to save themselves with HD radio! (And not doing a good job of it)

RedGTiVR6 · 08-14-2006, 08:49 AM

Personally, I feel like SAT radio is a waste of money.

It's horrible SQ, worse than FM even.

To pay for that kind of quality is mind boggling to me. We had XM for 4+ years, dropped it and never looked back. I think all radio is struggling right now. The free stations play nothing but top 40 it seems, and the sat radio companies are sacrificing sound quality for the sake of more stations.

It's a lose lose situation IMO.

Jahntassa · 08-14-2006, 09:31 AM

I don't know why everyone whines about the SQ of XM. It really isn't that bad. Worse than FM? Sure. FM isn't compressed, except for compression / limiting. It's got more frequency response as far as audio goes, so of course it'll have a better sound quality.

But so what? There are no radio stations in Atlanta I want to bother listening to. And those I do, have static and dropouts depending on where i'm driving. It's a pain. HD Radio in my case would do nothing, because it'd drop out even SOONER than the FM signal.

I have a lot of MP3's. Sure, I can listen to those all the time, but that's all music i've already heard. If I want to hear something new, i'd have to buy a CD or use iTunes. And then, what if I don't like it afterall? I'm out $0.99 or anywhere up to $17.

I pay $13 a month for Satellite radio because it's got good programming on it. I can change channels whenever I feel the mood change and listen to practically any type of music I want at any time.

However, i've made my point, and i'm not going to argue it, because everyone obviously has their own opinion, and as i've said myself, what I like isn't neccesarily what you like!

RedGTiVR6 · 08-14-2006, 09:40 AM

See, we agree, to each their own....

Shidoken · 08-14-2006, 11:29 AM

Yep! As for me, I don't think I'll be getting HD or SAT.. actually no radio for me. I've been thinking about it for a while now and I think I could do without it. I mean, it's been the same thing everyday for me since I only listen to a couple of stations and if there is some new music I wanna listen to, I just look it up online. Even just going on mtv to look at stuff you get a basic idea of what's good or what's not.

I feel like mtv is kinda like kiis fm too. very pop and not a lot of other stuff.

well, rock on! (to whatever you guys feel like.)

RedGTiVR6 · 08-14-2006, 11:48 AM

I've been without a radio in the car for 2+ years. Never looked back...

CraziFuzzy · 11-28-2006, 09:24 PM

There are manufacturers out there that offer 'turn-key' HD tuner solutions. They are basically a TI DRI200 (HD Radio) chip, and tuner on a board. Unfortunately, an adapter to the computer would be required, as they are usually controlled via an I2C interface. Also, these companies usually only sell in large lots, so someone would have to develop a market to sell the units, to make it worth it. The easier option, would be to make a serial or USB adapter to an add-on unit, like the Kenwood one. I have seen threads on here where people are reverse engineering the Kenwood changer control signals, so they can control an mp3 player or some such device with their kenwood head unit, but I imagine the opposite would be possible as well.

OT: I know I'm new to the forum, but I have noticed this happen a LOT so far. Someone asks if something is possible, and instead of yes or no answers, or pointers to more information, the threads are chock full of 'Why would you want that' or 'I don't need that, so why would you?' responses. Obviously the OP was interested in whether this was a possibility, not whether you listened to your radio for the last 2 years.

RedGTiVR6 · 11-29-2006, 07:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by CraziFuzzy

OT: I know I'm new to the forum, but I have noticed this happen a LOT so far. Someone asks if something is possible, and instead of yes or no answers, or pointers to more information, the threads are chock full of 'Why would you want that' or 'I don't need that, so why would you?' responses. Obviously the OP was interested in whether this was a possibility, not whether you listened to your radio for the last 2 years.

It's a forum. Forums are used to facilitate discussion. This is a discussion.

blazinlow · 11-29-2006, 07:11 AM

XM quality is garbage. I hear Sirius is even less at 32kbps. On a stock stereo you wouldnt probably notice. If you have a SQ system, there is undoubtedly a huge difference.

I have XM, but i rarely listen to the music stations...mostly just talk which is fine at 64kbps.