[Stream Recorder]

I've noticed that the newest MS Zune player supports HD Radio. So what is HD radio?

HD Radio technology is a system used by AM and FM radio stations to digitally transmit audio and data in conjunction with their analog signals. While it does allow for an all-digital mode, this system currently is used by some AM and FM radio stations to simulcast both digital and analog audio within the same channel (a hybridized digital-analog signal) as well as add new FM channels and text information. Although HD Radio broadcasting's content is currently subscription-free, listeners must purchase new receivers in order to receive the digital portion of the signal.

I thought I would need to switch from FM broadcasts to HD radio like I switched from analog TV to HDTV. HD Radio is the only digital system in the U.S. approved by FCC for digital AM/FM broadcasts. But there are only 1900+ HD radio stations in the U.S. But the major factor of not using it is that the difference between analog FM broadcasts and HD radio is not that significant compared to a huge leap in quality when switching from SDTV to HDTV. I wish HD radio was still called Hybrid Digital radio.

Bottom line: I don't want to use the HD radio. It doesn't seem to be worth to buy an expensive device with HD radio support.
IMHO HD radio in Zune players is as useless as a low quality video camera in the 5th generation of iPod Nano.

What I really like to see is Wi-Max networks and zillions of gadgets supporting these networks. This woul allow to listen to online radio stations, watch online TV, surf the net, make cheap international phone calls,...