There are a few features I've been looking for when searching for a new receiver: Networking (wi-fi or ethernet), 4+ HDMI, GUI menu, 120 watts x 7+, and HD Radio. I've had HD radio in my car for two years now. There is a noticable sound difference and I'd like that technology in my home.
I can buy a standalone HD receiver from Best Buy for $149.99. Why isn't this technology included in receivers? Even the $7,000+ models don't include HD radio.
One of my goals is reducing the number of components on my entertainment center, also reducing the number of remote controls needed to run things. While I can control things fine, other members of the family or friends find it very confusing switching remotes or trying to understand what needs to be controlled when using a universal remote.
So Clear Channel is pulling the plug due to lack of demand. Considering the fact that hardly anyone has an HD radio, it makes sense. The chicken or the egg?! If you don't have radio, you have nothing to listen with. If you don't have stations, you have nothing to listen to.
HD radio still has the same static problems that regular radio has. There are many devices on the market to send internet radio through your receiver like the ones listed below:
http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html
http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_duet.html
http://www.apple.com/appletv/
http://www.roku.com/products_soundbridge.php
Then there's all the many brands of stand alone internet radio's.
Rusty
So I'm shopping for a refrigerator, and you try to sell me an oven. I have Sonos...and it provides plenty of Internet radio content. However, I also listen to local stations. Some local stations may broadcast on the Internet. Most likely they are low-bandwidth.
I can buy a simple FM receiver for under $10. I'm not sure what the actual cost is to make an HD FM receiver. I'm sure it cost more, but how much more? And why can't we get this technology added to our receivers? That is the simple request.
So, let me see if I understand you correctly. A refrigerator is to an oven, what an HD radio (signal converted to digital) is to internet radio (signal converted to digital). Never would have thought of that analogy...thanks!
Don't know where you live, but as far as I know, all of my local stations are available on the net. If it's not 100%, it's pretty close. I've never used a Sonos system but there's no way to get your local stations through Pandora? If not, some of the previously recommended devices can handle it for you. I assumed that since HD radio is essentially just digital radio and the same is true of internet radio, either would be acceptable. Only difference is you wouldn't have the possible problems with static that you have with HD radio. I know for me, internet radio run through my receiver is lights out better than using the receivers tuner.
Rusty
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