Digital Home Thoughts: HD Radio to See Broader Availability

"A group of broadcasters unveiled their plans to further promote high-definition radio receivers by announcing new deals with retailers that would make it easier for consumers to access the service. Altogether, some $200 million in advertising and promotions is planned this year. HD Radio promises to give FM broadcasts a free boost to near-CD quality, and gives AM near-FM quality sound. Also, radio stations are able to broadcast up to two digital sub-stations on top of the traditional frequency. However, the format has so far been plagued by a lack of interest and availability of compatible receivers. To remedy that problem, the HD Radio Alliance -- made up of broadcasters such as Beasley, Clear Channel, ABC and CBS Radio among others -- said Monday that equipment would be available in 100-plus stores nationwide including Tweeter and ABC Warehouse Detroit, with an expanded commitment from online and catalog retailer Crutchfield."

I have been using my car pretty heavily lately (one of the changes I had to make when moving from New York, where a car is more of a liability) and have come to appreciate the differences in sound quality between AM, FM, CDs and MP3 players. The latter two sound pretty much the same to me but there is no doubt that FM is not as good as them and AM is definitely the worst in terms of sound quality from the lot. So I am definitely one of the supporters of this initiative and the $200 price point doesn't seem too bad either. What do you folks think?