The idea of HD Radio has been around for a while, but with satellite taking center stage, we haven’t heard much about it. iBiquity is trying to put things into perspective for us with a reference design that consists of an universal HD Radio tuner box, separate protocol converter and an adapter cable, and would use already available chipsets to turn any satellite-radio-ready OEM or after-market car stereo into an HD Radio that receives digital AM and FM broadcasts. This would mean you wouldn’t have to replace your existing head unit. The package would cost between $250 and $300 and should be available by this summer, if manufacturers like what they hear.
