Sony's XDR-S3HD, the Table Radio of the Future

High Definition Radio technology, like HD TV has been around for some time now and over 1,300 stations has already been broadcasting on air with the HD radio system, according to the developer of HD Radio technology, iBiquity Digital Corporation. High Definition radio signals improves radio signals that AM radio stations will sound like FM radio and FM radios will sound like CDs. With 2,500 more stations that will commit to high definition radio broadcasting in the future, it's no wonder that Sony has jumped the HD radio bandwagon and produced the XDR-S3HD.

Other features of high definition radio, includes the ability of FM radio stations to offer more channels and existing FM and AM radio stations, to broadcast in the highest quality digital sound possible. High definition radio also offers the ability to see the artist name and song title information and unlike satellite radio, high definition radio doesn't require any monthly fees.

Specifications

Sony's XDR-S3HD has a 2.8W output power, frequency range of 530-1,710 kHz in AM and 87.5-108 MHz in FM, 6.6 cm speaker dimensions, 4 ohm full range 2.6 inch stereo speakers and cancel magnet system, and a speaker terminal of 75 ohm for FM and AM. Accessories that come with the XDR-S3HD includes; a wireless remote, FM wire antenna, FM dipole antenna, AM loop antenna, and an audio connecting cable.

Features and Design

The XDR-S3HD has a classic simulated cherry wood finish that can complement any décor in the house. It has a large backlit blue LCD display that has brightness, contrast, and display mode adjustments set in a mesh covered front panel. The stereo speakers have a simulated surround sound function and a built-in AM/FM/HD digital tuner and separate bass and treble controls. The XDR-S3HD can also connect to other external music device via the auxiliary input jack so you can listen to your favorite MP3 tunes. The XDR-S3HD can store 20 FM and 20 AM radio stations and has a built-in clock with sleep timer and alarm so users can choose whether they want to wake up to their favorite radio station, in line source, or the buzzer. The XDR-S3HD also offers text based information like artist name and song title and displays it through the LCD screen.

iBiquity Digital Corporation predicts that within the next two years, 90 percent of Americans will have access to HD radio broadcasts, and with more and more radio stations broadcasting using HD radio technology, the Sony XDR-S3HD is truly the next radio of the future.