107.3 WKAZ About To Rock

[AmpedNow]

Two of the main purposes of HD originally was a. "superior" sound quality, and b. multicasting unique and niche formats that doesn't have the mass appeal for a big stick.

Several years later, we have learned that while HD can sound great, it often doesn't due to neglect and poor processing. We've also learned that multicasting mostly consists of a Dell desktop hooked up to a transmitter. We can count the number of HD-2s that actually sell airtime on one hand.

The next-gen HD technology will be able to transmit other kinds of data, such as album art and real time traffic maps, making it more versatile.

I still think that HD will be with us for a long time because the powers that be won't let it die. What will happen is the receivers will become more and more common in cars and portables to the point that it's just "there", like FM stereo, and how RDS is becoming.

Smaller broadcasters will slowly adopt it as upgrade costs come down and there are more HD receivers out there. If old equipment will eventually need to be replaced, then why not embed the cost of HD in with the new equipment?

As I've said before, HD shouldn't be seen as money maker in and of itself. That's no more rational than expecting FM stereo or RDS to make money on its own. It should just be seen as a "value added" option to the listening audience, like FM stereo and RDS.

Whether or not it actually adds value is open for debate... And I'm not gonna bother defending HD on AM.

[DJSHOCKLEY]

Been listening to these guys for the last few weeks.. Sounds pretty good... Sans the A-W-F-U-L decision to go with JB&B in the mornings..

Z-Rock paid them to go away in 06-07 for a reason...