Switch off your satellite radio, HD Radio is here

The era of High Definition (HD) radio has dawned. There used to be a time when digital HD was just a pie in the sky. The situation has changed. HD radio today challenges satellite radio with no monthly fees, high-definition sound and two new models from Sony, said a report. It added that satellite subscription radio from XM and Sirius have become popular in the US over the past few years, but another digital radio standard, is threatening satellite radio’s very existence.

Promising radio channels the CD sound quality, the service comes for zero monthly fees. A report added that, as of now, as many as 1300 stations are broadcast in the HD Radio format in the US. This apart, over 2500 US stations are committed to HD Radio broadcasting, with over 600 new HD radio channels on the way, with 90 per cent of the US population sure to receive an HD Radio broadcast within the next two years.

Sony is making the most of it by deciding to unveil two new HD Radio models. The XDR-S3HD model is designed as a ‘table radio’ which can be placed on the shelf at home, while the XT-100HD is designed for in-car use. Scheduled to debut in July 2007, the XDR-S3HD will sell for $200, will be AM/FM/HD compatible, and will have 20 separate AM and FM presets, a wireless remote control, built-in clock, alarm, sleep timer and even has an auxiliary input so that an MP3 player can be plugged in to use the radio as a speaker system if so desired.

The classy rectangular shaped XDR-S3HD will come with a large back-lit blue LCD display set in a mesh-covered front panel and cabinet with rich cherry wood finish. It will have stereo speakers with a simulated surround sound function, a built-in AM/FM/HD digital tuner and separate bass and treble controls.

Meanwhile, the XT-100HD for in-car use isn’t actually an in-dash car radio but is a hideaway model’ which would play HD radio through compatible Sony car radio.