ZombieRadio

Smirking in HD

This is such utter rubbish.
Less than half the people in the survey even know what HD Radio IS, and of that tiny, tiny, tiny, (did I mention tiny?) group, almost 3/4 understand they need to buy a special device in order to listen to HD Radio.

From Inside Radio:

HD Radio awareness falls short.
Results from a new Paragon Media Strategies study found that awareness of HD lags far behind Satellite and Internet radio.

Only 42% of 707 radio-listening survey participants -- ages 14-64 -- say they're familiar with HD, compared to 87% for satellite and 85% for Internet radio.

When asked to agree or disagree with various statements about HD, 72% of survey participants -- who had heard of HD -- agreed that it requires a "specially designed radio." And 84% agreed that HD "makes stations sound clearer/better."

HD is still stupid, stupid, stupid (did I mention it's stupid?) idea. Why not take advantage of the larger percentage of the group (85%!) that are familiar with Internet Radio -- which also has digital quality sound (which is just as 'clearer/better') and does NOT require a special device!

According to Newsweek (August 1, 2005) more than half of U.S. homes are wired for high-speed internet access. In the August 11 issue an article revealed that 75% of Americans use the internet for an average of three hours per day.

Why in the world would you want to base a broadcast model on an alternate device that nobody HAS -- and nobody NEEDS?

Labels: HD Radio

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HD + QVC = WTF?

Looks like some HD Radios are going to be featured on QVC -- the cable equivalent of carnival barkers -- and the HD Digital Radio Alliance thinks this is a GOOD move:

QVC to showcase HD Radio.
Three HD Radio receiver models will premiere on QVC's cable TV network next Wednesday night. HD Digital Radio alliance president/CEO Peter Ferrara says "QVC provides a unique retail at-home environment that is ideal for helping even more consumers discover the cool new content and crystal clear sound provided by HD Digital Radio."

Hell, having these things featured on QVC makes the fact RadioShack carried 'em look like the friggin' "Big Time!"

Don't it look purty?
Someone needs to record the QVC pitch and post it to YouTube. Send me a link if you do -- I want to feature it on the ZR blog.

Labels: HD Radio, Industry

2 comments

re: Radio

I've no proof mind you, but I think Hugh MacLeod was thinking about Radio and station owners when he drew this...

But it doesn't have to stay this way...

Labels: Endorsement

2 comments

Radio Nowhere

A new theme song for ZombieRadio.com?
Sony's embed code doesn't seem to work, so click here for a link to the video page.

Apple Sees No Future in Radio

Apple announces plans for their entire new line-up of updated iPods, and you know what is so painfully obvious in its lack of presence? Radio.

The entire iPod product line is receiving a major overhaul, but Radio is not part of their remodeling plan. InsideRadio argues that it is because Apple is in the music download business, but one of the new features is in partnership with Starbucks that allows iPod users to locate and purchase any song they heard played in a Starbucks location via wireless access to a special WiFi version of iTunes. Seems like this could have been executed through a partnership with terrestrial broadcasters had the interest been there. But it wasn't.

Since the new iPod has WiFi access and a built-in Safari browser, perhaps we'll see the same sort of hear-it/buy-it feature connected to Webcasters and Radio stations who are streaming their programming.

Perhaps.
But I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for someone from Radio to approach iTunes in order to get this concept in motion -- because according to InsideRadio Steve Jobs is just "in the business of selling music as well as listening devices."

I'd say he's in the "Kicking Radio's Ass" business.

Labels: Industry, iPods, Radio, Rants

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