The Terk antennas are a bit more involved than dandified dipoles. It's just that they made sure to slip in the term "digital ready" on their newer models.
And Warnerwh you are incorrect about the quality of the broadcast. An HD FM station can broadcast at a maximum of 96 kbps and the codec is HDC. HDC is the original PAC codec designed by Ibiquity with Spectral Band Replication and channel correlation added to enhance the efficiency. (I wonder if it is also using Perceptual Noise Substitution.)
Due to the fact most radio stations will be broadcasting in analog as well I think the bit rate will be limited to 48 kbps at first (this is an assumption most are making, I don't have it on good authority). That's the same bit rate as satellite radio but with a more advanced codec. The codec should easily be more efficient than an mp3 of twice its bit rate. 48 kbps AAC+ sounds about as good as 96 kbps mp3 to my ears.
HD radio also has the ability to broadcast in surround sound (personally, I'd prefer they keep it stereo to maximize quality).
The big benefit will be for AM - no more noise. For most consumers the quality of mass market AM tuners is Scott Tissue quality. The hardware for digital radio receivers is not cutting edge - manufacturers will quicly start building HD radio into their products even if most don't notice.
And Warnerwh you are incorrect about the quality of the broadcast. An HD FM station can broadcast at a maximum of 96 kbps and the codec is HDC. HDC is the original PAC codec designed by Ibiquity with Spectral Band Replication and channel correlation added to enhance the efficiency. (I wonder if it is also using Perceptual Noise Substitution.)
Due to the fact most radio stations will be broadcasting in analog as well I think the bit rate will be limited to 48 kbps at first (this is an assumption most are making, I don't have it on good authority). That's the same bit rate as satellite radio but with a more advanced codec. The codec should easily be more efficient than an mp3 of twice its bit rate. 48 kbps AAC+ sounds about as good as 96 kbps mp3 to my ears.
HD radio also has the ability to broadcast in surround sound (personally, I'd prefer they keep it stereo to maximize quality).
The big benefit will be for AM - no more noise. For most consumers the quality of mass market AM tuners is Scott Tissue quality. The hardware for digital radio receivers is not cutting edge - manufacturers will quicly start building HD radio into their products even if most don't notice.