New HD Radio chip

[K9EZ]

iBiquity is showing the new chip for receivers for HD Radio. It is smaller than a dime.

[Trip]

How is it on power? Useful for portable devices without murdering the battery life?

- Trip

[K9EZ]

How is it on power? Useful for portable devices without murdering the battery life?

- Trip

It is supposed to be MUCH better on power. They are showing a "walkman" style radio. Though I have not had it in my hand yet.

[Sam Buca]

I would really like a walkman. Especially in my blackberry and ipod.

[K9EZ]

I would really like a walkman. Especially in my blackberry and ipod.

They are talking about putting these chips in cell phones.

[themarcshow]

Does this new chip include the HD and analog? Or do most HD Radio have separate tuners for HD and plain old FM/AM? If it's all on 1 chip I think device makers would be more likely to include it than having to do multiple chips.

[K9EZ]

Does this new chip include the HD and analog? Or do most HD Radio have separate tuners for HD and plain old FM/AM? If it's all on 1 chip I think device makers would be more likely to include it than having to do multiple chips.

Yes HD and analog. I just had my hands on the unit. Looks good, well built and only a demo model for now. Word is that it will be out in major stores this summer around $50 price mark.

[Sam Buca]

...and of course the nerdy questions now. How's the sensitivity?

[K9EZ]

...and of course the nerdy questions now. How's the sensitivity?

OK nerdy answers..... the battery lasts for 12 hours. It has a mini sd card slot for mp3s. It can pick up at least 5 hd stations in the hall.

Pictures tomorrow.

[Deep Thought]

How's it work on AM?

[K9EZ]

How's it work on AM?

Havent been able to try that. But there is SOOOOO much noise inside the hall, chances are slim that I could get either one of the HD stations here.

[K4WRF]

I just can't resist, does the radio have an external antenna connection?

[K9EZ]

I just can't resist, does the radio have an external antenna connection?

Yes, it is called the headphone antenna

Straight answer. No.

[K9EZ]

OK got to play with he radio. Since the convention center is a Faraday cage (one of the DTV guys did a measurement.. he sees a 65 dB drop on the floor), I had the opportunity to get close to an outside door (but still inside). I easily picked up a few HD stations, most were on Black Mountain not to far away. I did, however, pick up 107.5 on Potosi, where the analog was all broken up from multipath, and locked onto the HD signal and cleared it right up. Now considering that Potosi was on the other side of the building, the signal must be bouncing off of the Stratosphere or Hilton... as the back doors lead out between the convention center and the Hilton.

So I would say it is sensitive.

I have pics but am too tired to post them up tonight. I was at the Ham get together... and of course walk away empty handed.....again.

[K4WRF]

I have pics but am too tired to post them up tonight. I was at the Ham get together... and of course walk away empty handed.....again.

Just hang in there and keep going back. Given the advance of time, statistical probability is on your side. Referring specifically to winning the ham reception door prize.

Best,
w/