Carmakers are slow to offer HD

If you want to buy a new car and drive off the dealer's lot listening to an HD Radio, you'll have to buy a new BMW.

BMW is the only automaker that offers high definition radios -- only as optional equipment and only on certain models.

But more are on the way.

The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a consortium of radio companies that is promoting the technology, announced Monday that nine carmakers have committed to offering HD Radio on 49 models over the next couple of years. But they're not saying which companies will offer it.

"The automakers don't like to announce their plans in advance, for competitive reasons," said Bob Struble, president and CEO of iBiquity Digital Corp., the sole licenser of digital broadcast technology for the U.S. market.

Early next year, the automakers will start rolling out HD Radios, which will be standard equipment "on some of the high-end models," Struble said.

Cracking that market is essential.

"The automotive industry has been very slow on the uptake on this one," said Ardie Gregory, vice president and general manager of Capitol Broadcasting's two Raleigh stations. "Car receivers are going to be crucial for the success of this, since so much radio listening is done in the car."

Those who are craving HD Radio in their car can buy one from a retailer and have it installed. Prices start at $199, also the starting point for tabletop HD Radios.

Only a few retail chains are selling HD Radios -- including Circuit City, Radio Shack and Tweeter -- and not all of their stores carry them. About 2,400 of Radio Shack's 4,500 stores nationwide, including seven in the Triangle, sell them, spokesman Charles Hodges said.

These retailers also sell HD Radios online, as do online and catalog companies such as Amazon.com, Crutchfield and Cambridge Soundworks.