I'm thinking of getting a new headunit for my S2K and was thinking of getting one that supports HD radio.

1. Anyone have personal experience with HD radio? Is it worth it?
2. I only see 2 headunits with HD built-in (JVC KD-HDR1 and Kenwood EZ900HDS). Should I wait for more models to come out?
3. The JVC is cheaper and the Kenwood requires some strange subscription to satellite radio to activate it. Should I get it?
4. Does the Modifry unit work with JVC's? I'm guessing it does via IR.
5. Is the Modifry IR brand specific? So, if I get the JVC and Modifry, can I later get a Kenwood and still be able to use the Modifry?

Thanks in advance for any help you all can provide.

 

Yes HD radio is sweet. If you live in the market for it. HD radio gives your more stations like inbetween stations which in a couple of years your standard am/fm won't be able to pick up. Kinda like HD TV. both are on the t.v. but your can get the other on a different station.

There's tons of HD that are HD "Ready" like satalite ready , id go with one of those just because the technology isn't there yet to house that much information in a small single din radio, So go with the expansion box - HD ready box - looks like a satalite radio box.

There should be Zero subscription fee for HD radio, you pay for the modual/box and that should be it. It's not like satalite radio where you have to pay for there services. Certain stations are going to broadcast in HD. I know clearchannel who owns most of the radio stations across the country is going HD.

 

1. The JVC KD-HDR1 is cheap enough so you're not losing anything by getting it. Thus 'worth it'.
2. I have the JVC KD-HDR1 and it has everything I need.
3. Yes the JVC is very cheap, get it.
4. I have the Modifry IR DCI and it works fine.
5. No clue.

 

iemonslice - How is the sound quality on the radio? CDs, radio, HD radio? Better than the stock headunit?

I have an older Kenwood that plays MP3's. It takes about 2-3 seconds between MP3 files, which is somewhat annoying. How does this JVC perform?

Any additional info on the headunit is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Alpine offers an Add-On kit. $250 list... I think it only works with Alpine HU's
And Panasonic also offers one CQ-CB8901U haven't seen price yet...

I'm sure more products will come out just before Christmas...

 

While we're here, does HD radio require a special antennae? aka XM?