COAT does not address costs associated with the issue, but rather relies on a “the more the better” type of mentality.
It would not be a debate without comments from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). As you can imagine, the NAB wants the inclusion to happen. They still maintain their “monopoly” stance, and justify the forced inclusion by stating that Sirius XM are being some sort of “bully” in wanting to see HD take the journey of getting acceptance in much the same way Sirius and XM did. The NAB states, ” Unsurprisingly, Sirius XM opposes any Commission action that would enable consumers to more conveniently access competing technologies with their monopoly satellite radio services.”
I would submit that the issue is less about convience to the consumer, and more about the dollars behind the inclusion. Sirius XM have stated as part of the merger that they would allow any manufacturer to include any capability in receivers. Thus, HD inclusion is allowed to happen as a function of demand.
NPR, an opponent of the merger, and proponent of HD inclusion gives HD radio a lot of credit, citing, “The Commission has pledged its support for the HD Radio technology as a means of preserving and promoting a robust terrestrial radio broadcast system. In the case of public radio stations, Congress has appropriated substantial funding, enabling grants to more than 700 stations and the conversion of more than 430 stations. Stations converting to HD Radio have made a substantial commitment of time and money because HD Radio promises to revolutionize local broadcast services.”
This is interesting. HD already gets congressional funding, FCC support, and grants to stations. Is HD revolutionizing the audio landscape, or is it draining off dollars? I guess according to NPR, the next hand-out should be that satellite radio pay for the mandated inclusion of HD.
Sirius XM Radio offered up a lengthy filing, noting, First, an HD Radio mandate would be harmful to consumers, car manufacturers, and receiver manufacturers. It would harm consumers by driving up costs for features and services that they may not want and would adversely impact consumer choice in audio entertainment. Moreover, it would add an unnecessary additional economic burden on struggling car manufacturers.”
Ibiquity profers the argument that satellite radio is blocking them from enering the marketplace.
