Ian King wrote:
> "sdgreen" <sd.green@no-spam> wrote in message
> news:3EF40AB4.9040301@no-spam
>
>>It will be interesting to see how this whole question unfolds in the
>>next few years. I understand that applications are being made to
>>convert both the AM and FM bands to digital. We already have digital
>>Satellite audio on a subscription basis.
>
>
> The digital satellite radio and the land-based systems are two different
> beasts. One is a new service offering things like commercial-free music and
> specialty radio channels; the other the migration of existing broadcasting
> undertakings to a new band and technology over the next decade.
>
>
>>Once the AM/FM stuff is converted, then subscriptions will be the new
>>rule (already covered in the Broadcasting Act/Regs)
>
>
> You're assuming that the market for radio supported by commercial
> advertising as opposed to subscription fees will disappear. I see no sign of
> this happening. If you're in Vancouver, you can pick up a digital receiver
> for a few hundred dollars and listen to a dozen existing AM and FM stations
> broadcasting in digital.
>
Interesting Ian; You said that you have listened to a couple of digital
units, can quote the brands?
Subscriptions aside, digital transmissions do provide a much more
elegant way to sending information, data and music. The next few years
will be interesting not only for the audio media, but in other digital
applications as well.