Sangean Expands HD-Radio Line With 2nd Tuner

By Joseph Palenchar On Jun 18 2007 - 6:00am

Sangean America is expanding its home HD-Radio lineup with its second component HD Radio tuner, due around mid-June.

The $249-suggested HDT-1X is a step-up tuner offering multiple features unavailable in its existing HDT-1 component tuner. The step-up features include a digital audio output, in the form of an S/PDIF optical output, to complement analog-audio outputs. The tuner also features an analog mode that lets listeners "lock in" an analog signal in fringe areas of coverage. A split-audio mode delivers digital audio to one channel and analog audio to the other to let users hear the difference between analog and digital signals.

A rack-mount adapter will also be available for $12.99.

The additions were based on customer feedback, said Clayton Scott, sales and marketing manager.

The HDT-1X uses the same display and enclosure as the HDT-1 and, like the HDT-1, is multicast-capable, features screens for displaying scrolling text, and offers analog-FM RBDS capabilities.

The 1X will be available through CBS-affiliate radio stations, custom installers, online sites and select national retailers.

Sangean began offering its first two home HD Radios late last year with the shipment of the HDT-1 component tuner at less than $200 and the HDR-1 tabletop radio at less than $250. Both are multicast capable and feature screens for displaying scrolling text. The HDT-1 component tuner adds analog-FM RBDS capabilities.

The HDR-1 tabletop is a wood-grained model with remote control and a digital output. It also includes an input to accommodate an MP3 player.

Sangean's parent, Sangean Electronics , is a Taiwan-based maker of tabletop, portable, pocket and shortwave radios.

More than 1,200 AM and FM radio stations are broadcasting a digital HD Radio signal in markets reaching about 80 percent of the U.S. population. More than 600 stations are multicasting.