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A few remarks.
Is HD radio the solution in non-metropolitan areas? Following reports in this site about the future of terrestrial broadcasting in regional areas, the push is to convert AM stations to FM. AM and FM receivers are ubiquitous and there does not seem to be the 'appetite' for alternative methods of modulation such as DAB+ and even DRM+.
Crusader for the DRM+ method of modulation is contributor to this site Mr St. John. The DRM+ method can be broadcast over long distances with significantly less power consumption than analogue transmissions. The DRM+ system can be implemented on the MW, SW and VHF bands. Multiple channels are multiplexed on one carrier frequency delivering a clear signal over significant distances.
It has been demonstrated that a clear signal from RNZ can be received in Spain.
Moreover, the DRM+ method is royalty free whereas HD Radio's technology is proprietary.
Finally, when it comes to media "....content can be seamlessly fed into DTS AutoStage , which is our hybrid radio solution..." which "...combines analogue DAB+ and IP content to deliver an absolutely amazing user experience driving discovery and engagement of radio like never before...." I would not have any distractions such as interactions with the car's infotainment system when attention should be placed on concentrating on the road.
The corollary to interactive media in a car infotainment system is that of videos from files on a USB stick or DVDs cannot not be operating while car is in motion. All states have a law for preventing display of video content while the car is in motion.
Consequently, our legislators must be pro-active in amending the law to stop the DTS AutoStage from operating while the car is in motion. Interacting with the infotainment system's enhanced and interactive content must be inoperable such that the driver concentrates on the road.
Thank you,
Anthony of critical Belfield, in the land of the Wangal and Darug Peoples of the Eora Nation.
One further remark on the collection of valuable listener information.
I have spoken about radios being equipped with a connection to the internet through a LAN (RJ45) or WiFi in order to get valuable audience data. This article also mentions the implementation of an IP connection to a car radio. My mention on this site about collecting valuable audience data via IP could apply to radios at home and workplace.
There are two aspects of collecting audience information. One is on the collection of audience via the internet via mobile networks and the other concern is the right to privacy.
The above discussion on collecting IP data in cars in order to collect data on listening habits would be an extension to the idea of collecting data through the IP on radios which may be in the future equipped with a LAN and/or WiFi connection. Having access to listener's habits is more granular than the "ratings" method which measures listener's habits such as station, day and time of day. Collecting data on a listener's habits in real time may well assist the radio station in wanting to know the listener's habits and tailoring program content accordingly.
It is still impossible to work out who was driving the car: the son, daughter, mother, father, grandparent, friend, cousin and as a result the data collected on the listening habits may not be associated with the radio station's target market. Imagine a 20-something driving while listening to a 60-something's and data is collected while an advertisement for an undertaker or menopause is on air.
Furthermore, in rural areas, mobile phone coverage may well be erratic especially when driving in between rural towns. The mobile phone signal in country towns may only go so far that there is a potential to not receive data on the listener's listening habits.
Thus while information is gathered on a listener, it isn't perfect where the listener may not be from the target market and where a driver is in a rural area where mobile phone reception is sketchy.
May I add that if the cost of transmitting IP data over the mobile phone may be affected by the price of the listener's mobile phone plan. The listener may be bearing the cost of the mobile data plan especially if on a budget.
The result is that manufacturers of radios with IP connectivity should consider making their radios whether for the car or in a building should consider putting in an "OFF/ON" switch for IP connectivity.
Finally, the ability of a radio to access listener's habits via collection of IP raises existential fears of "big sibling" watching us. Smart TVs sending data to manufacturers who then on sell to marketing companies for targeted advertisements which target the listener have been raised for a few years. Even voice recognition data is sent for analysis to the manufacturers.
There may be methods to stop other parties "watching" over your viewing habits. The same may apply for "smart radios".
Sources - the list is not exhausitive.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2019/11/29/is-your-smart-tv-listening-to-you-here-is-how-to-stop-it/?sh=2d856965270d
https://www.komando.com/tv-streaming/smart-tv-spying/787638/#:~:text=Yes,%20smart%20TVs%20listen.,you%20with%20ads%20and%20content.
Then there are hackers who with malicious intent take advantages of the security vulnerability in the smart tv's security. The same could apply to smart radios.
As a result, future smart radios as an option should have the ability to switch on or off IP communication via LAN and/or WiFi.
It may well be a small loss the radio station has to it's listener's habits, but it is a lot more detailed than what is provided by the ratings.
Thank you,
Anthony of have you thought of this, Belfield in the land of the Wangal and Darug Peoples of the Eora Nation.
DAB+ is not an example for HD radio. I say this because of the following reasons;
DAB+ has a data rate of 1500 kbit/s which can be allocated to sound, images, indexed text, traffic commands for vehicle navigation and icons.
HD radio has a maximum data rate 150 kbit/s which is why xperi wants to use the wireless internet for all but the sound and icons in the list above.
DAB+ all content from a transmitter has the same coverage area
HD radio has the digital power reduced to between 1/10 to 1/25th of the power of their FM transmitter causing the digital coverage to be greatly reduced. Some program streams are even further reduced in coverage areas. Receivers will blend back to analog if the signal is poor for the simulcast program only the other channels go silent.
DAB+ radios are tuned by name and not by remembering of a number and whether it is HD1, - HD4.
So what is the advantage of Hybrid Radio in DAB+ countries? Only the ability to watch the listeners' reaction to advertising and program content and the listener has to use their data allowance they pay the telco for this.